Working toward a long-term secure supply of medical radioisotopes

Learning Objectives The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has become actively involved in international efforts to improve the security of supply of molybdenum-99 (99Mo) and its decay product, technetium-99m (99mTc), the most widely used medical radioisotope. The NEA established the High-level Group on the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes (HLG-MR) in April 2009. The main objective of the HLG-MR is to strengthen the reliability of 99Mo and 99mTc supply in the short, medium and long term.

The HLG-MR has examined the major issues that affect the short-, medium- and long-term reliability of 99Mo/99mTc supply. The collective efforts of HLG-MR members and nuclear medicine stakeholders have allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the key areas of vulnerability in the supply chain and an identification of the issues that need to be addressed. Significant progress has already been achieved on improving the supply situation through increased communication, co-ordination of reactor schedules and a better understanding of demand-management opportunities. Continued action is required on the part of all stakeholders. In addition, the NEA has released three reports under its "Supply of Medical Radioisotopes" series, subtitled: "An Economic Study of the Molybdenum-99 Supply Chain"; "Interim Report of the OECD/NEA High-level Group on the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes"; and "Review of Potential Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m Production Technologies". The paper present comprehensive information on the supply chain and possible changes needed to ensure a long-term secure supply of 99Mo. The historical development of the market has an impact on the present economic situation, which is currently unsustainable. The economic structure therefore needs to be changed to attract additional investment in production capacity as well as the necessary reserve capacity. The paper presents options that could be considered in that regard. the paper will also present other key findings from the work of the HLG-MR.

Research Support Some member countries have provided voluntary contributions to support the work of the HLG-MR