International Workshop on Medical Radioisotopes Supply
Overview

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.

Legacy of work on medical radioisotopes supply

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.

Workshop contents

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.

General programme

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

 

Day 1 - Monday 30 October 2023
Opening session
Session 1: Assessing the security of supply of 99Mo and 131I
Sponsor showcase
Session 2: The current situation and challenges to supply of 177Lu
Sponsor showcase
Session 3: Current developments in new production
Session 4: Programmes and sustainable financing models
Closing remarks
Day 2 - Tuesday 31 October 2023
Session 1: Innovative medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals (1)
Session 2: Innovative medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals (2) - Focus on three key radioisotopes
Session 3: Pharmaceutical regulatory considerations for medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals
Session 4: Stakeholders panel discussion (governments and specialists in medical field and private sector)
Closing remarks
Sponsorship

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.