The disruption of air travel by the volcanic eruption in Iceland has adversely affected the delivery of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to Covidien's U.S. technetium-99m generator production facility, resulting in cancelled productions.
The Dublin, Ireland-based healthcare technology firm this week sent a letter to its customers to say the company is exploring "all possible transportation options" to ensure delivery of Mo-99 for generator production in the Americas.
Covidien noted that it is using ground transportation in Europe, rerouting through other airports, arranging special charter flights, and utilizing commercial carriers to keep the supply line flowing as well as possible.
In addition, Covidien has increased production of thallium-201 for procedures when it can be used in place of technetium.
In its March supply update, Covidien warned medical isotope users that May would be a "particularly challenging" month, as both the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten, Netherlands, and Atomic Energy of Canada's (AECL) National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Chalk River, Ontario, remain offline. HFR is scheduled to return to service in August after planned maintenance, while AECL anticipates completing NRU's repairs in late July.
Covidien expects the outlook for much of June to be "more positive," with improvement for July and August as well.
Related Reading
Covidien pharma sales fall in Q2, April 21, 2010
Covidien warns of 'extreme' Mo-99 shortage in May, March 30, 2010
SNM warns of 'significant disruptions' in Mo-99 supply, March 22, 2010
FDA, Health Canada approve Polish moly, March 11, 2010
Covidien signs deal to produce Mo-99 at Polish reactor, February 17, 2010
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