The demand for radioisotopes, particularly molybdenum-99, in medical imaging is increasing due to factors such as an aging population and the prevalence of diseases like cancer.
Shine Technologies, led by Greg Piefer, is working on innovative production methods at their upcoming facility, Chrysalis, to meet this demand. Chrysalis aims to use nuclear fusion to produce molybdenum-99, which is crucial for medical imaging, especially technetium-99m scans.
The production process involves firing deuterium at a tritium gas enclosure, resulting in a fusion reaction that generates neutrons. These neutrons can then interact with uranium atoms in a liquid target, leading to the creation of molybdenum-99. Once operational, Chrysalis is expected to produce 20 million doses annually.
The market for molybdenum-99 is challenging due to the dominance of established government-subsidized reactors in other countries. This dominance makes competition difficult for Shine Technologies. The landscape for medical radioisotopes is also challenging due to recent shortages that have disrupted healthcare services.
To mitigate risks associated with maintenance and unexpected shutdowns, organizations like the Nuclear Medicine European Union (NMEU) are monitoring production schedules at key reactors worldwide. The recent issues at the Petten reactor in the Netherlands highlight the vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
Efforts are underway to establish new production facilities to ensure a reliable supply of molybdenum-99. The PALLAS reactor, currently under construction by NRG, aims to significantly enhance production capabilities by 2030. In the United States, the government is supporting the development of a production facility in Wisconsin by Shine Technologies with a $32 million allocation.
Collaboration between private companies and government entities is crucial in establishing a stable supply chain for medical radioisotopes. The future of medical imaging depends on the successful implementation of these initiatives to secure a consistent and reliable supply of essential radioisotopes for healthcare providers worldwide.