Radiopharmaceutical developer Advanced Medical Isotope (AMIC) has announced promising results from initial tests of a new medical isotope production method that could be used to create molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).
AMIC reported on results from its proprietary linear accelerator-based technology at Idaho State University. The technology could be an alternative to Mo-99, which is currently produced in nuclear reactors. Mo-99 is the precursor to technetium-99m, which is used to perform approximately 16 million diagnostic medical isotope procedures in the U.S. each year, according to the Kennewick, WA-based firm.
The new method could enable U.S.-based production of Mo-99, which would ameliorate the isotope shortage caused in part by the recent shutdown of the Chalk River reactor in Canada, AMIC said.
The tests of AMIC's technology were conducted at Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID, in conjunction with researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia. AMIC is commencing a second round of prototype tests and plans to have its first production facility in either Idaho or the state of Washington.
Related Reading
AMIC, MU partner on Mo-99 device, June 15, 2009
AMIC teams with DOE on isotopes, January 26, 2009
AMIC lands Washington client, August 6, 2008
AMIC signs Missouri, July 1, 2008
AMIC inks brachytherapy deal, June 17, 2008
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