The U.S. government soon may take a more active role to help alleviate the North American medical isotope shortage.
The Toronto Star reports that the U.S. government may make a significant investment to jumpstart domestic production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99). The report quotes Parrish Staples, director of the U.S. Office of European and African Threat Reduction, as saying the shortage of Mo-99 has highlighted the need for new sources of medical isotope.
Staples estimated that it would cost about $120 million to produce Mo-99 using low-enriched uranium in the U.S. The report also cites U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration spokesperson Damien LaVera as saying the government is evaluating technologies to ensure a secure, reliable supply of isotopes without using weapons-grade uranium.
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