Bruce Power initiates commercial production of lutetium-177
by CM Staff
The IPS will provide industrial-scale production of lutetium-177, a medical isotope used for targeted cancer therapeutics.
TIVERTON — An international collaboration between Bruce Power, Isogen and ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE has led to the commercial production of lutetium-177.
The parties unveiled their collaboration at ITM’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, along with representatives of the partnership organizations during a trade mission with Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
The companies were able to complete this project after the final commissioning and regulatory approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The production of this isotope is the result of a multi-year project to install a novel Isotope Production System (IPS) in Bruce Power’s Unit 7.
The IPS will provide industrial-scale production of lutetium-177, a medical isotope used for targeted cancer therapeutics. Lutetium-177 is also used to deploy precision nuclear medicine that precisely targets malignant cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
“Ontario’s nuclear industry supports thousands of high-skilled jobs and is at the forefront when it comes to innovation,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement.
“This unique international project using Made-in-Ontario infrastructure will help doctors and patients at home and around the world have greater access to the life-saving isotopes they need.”
Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s president and CEO also commented that the company alsong with partners at Isogen, ITM and Saugeen Ojibway Nation were celebrating the launch of the large-scale isotope production system for the creation of lutetium-177.
