June 16, 2009 - PETNET Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., said it is prepared to increase production and availability of 18F Sodium Fluoride (NaF) to replace Technetium for MDP bone scans to help offset shortages of molybdenum, which can result in limited availability of 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals.
The temporary closure of the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River in Ontario has threatened the global supply of medical isotopes. After a heavy water leak was discovered following a power outage in the area, the 52-year-old reactor, which supplies approximately one-third of the world’s medical isotopes, shut down and is expected to be closed for eight months while repairs are being considered.
The facility’s closure could further disrupt the supply of technetium-99 used in MDP bone scans for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as medical facilities that require the isotopes in their diagnostic imaging procedures must now find new supply sources, while using the limited supply for emergencies only.
With more than 52 molecular imaging radiopharmacies and distribution centers at multiple worldwide locations, PETNET is well prepared to increase production and availability of NaF to meet the needs of hospitals, clinics, and research facilities.
For more information: www.siemens.com/healthcare
July 30, 2024 
