Diversification in the supply chain of 99Mo ensures a future for 99mTc

Abstract

The uncertain availability of 99mTc has become a concern for nuclear medicine departments across the globe. An issue for the United States is that currently it is dependent on a supply of 99mTc (from 99Mo) that is derived solely by production outside the United States. Since the United States uses half the world's 99Mo production, the U.S. 99Mo supply chain would be greatly enhanced if a producer were located within the United States. The fragility of the old 99Mo supply chain is being addressed as new facilities are constructed and new processes are developed to produce 99Mo without highly enriched uranium. The conversion to low-enriched uranium is necessary to minimize the potential misuse of highly enriched uranium in the world for nonpeaceful means. New production facilities, new methods for the production of 99Mo, and a new generator elution system for the supply of 99mTc are currently being pursued. The progress made in all these areas will be discussed, as they all highlight the need to embrace diversity to ensure that we have a robust and reliable supply of 99mTc in the future. COPYRIGHT © 2014 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.