Current status and future actions to ensure the reliable supply for molybdenum-99 (⁹⁹Mo), and a conversation on a new generation of innovative radioisotopes for diagnostics and therapy

The NEA hosted an International Workshop on Medical Radioisotopes Supply on the current status and future actions to ensure the reliable supply for molybdenum-99 (⁹⁹Mo), as well as a discussion of a new generation of innovative radioisotopes for diagnostics and therapy. The workshop took place at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris on 30-31 October 2023.

NEA support for global efforts to ensure a reliable supply of medical radioisotopes, specifically ⁹⁹Mo dates back to 2009 during a period of substantial shortages for ⁹⁹Mo and its decay product, technetium-99m (^99mTc). This led to the establishment of the High-Level Group on the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes (HLG-MR) comprised of experts representing 18 countries (including some non-NEA member countries), the Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Work by the HLG-MR helped inform policy decisions to stabilise supplies, although shortages of ⁹⁹Mo have reappeared at times.

The International Workshop on Medical Radioisotopes Supply examined developments since 2019, as well as ongoing supply and demand impacts stemming from the COVID-19 crisis on ⁹⁹Mo. Despite clear progress on increased irradiation and processing capacity, OECD countries today still rely on a relatively small number of multipurpose and aging research reactors to supply nearly all of the world’s demand for ⁹⁹Mo.

Moreover, recent trends towards research and development and clinical use of new diagnostic isotopes mean growing demand on new radioisotope supply chains in coming years.

The workshop highlighted developments in approved and proposed therapeutic radioisotopes such as lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac) and astatine-211 (²¹¹At) which are expected to see significant future demand growth. Discussion to ensure reliable supplies of these therapeutic radioisotopes was examined in the context of ongoing investments by governments and the private sector.

The workshop consisted of plenary sessions covering technical subjects described in the detailed agenda, which can be downloaded from this page.

The workshop offered an outreach and sponsorship opportunity. If you are interested in supporting us for future work in this area, please contact us (medical_isotopes@oecd-nea.org). We would be delighted to hear from you.