ITM Medical Isotopes GmbH and Isogen signed a formal supply arrangement to provide a reliable supply of Lutetium-177 to the world's health care system using Bruce Power reactors as a key supply source.

ITM Medical Isotopes GmbH, based in Munich, Germany, is a subsidiary of the biotechnology and radiopharmaceutical group of companies Isotopen Technologien München AG (ITM), and Isogen is a joint venture between nuclear companies Framatome and Kinectrics. The arrangement was made possible through Isogen's partnership with Bruce Power, Canada's only private sector nuclear energy generator, in combination with ITM's know-how in the development of medical isotopes, and will ensure reliable, consistent supply of medical isotopes for use in targeted therapies for cancer patients around the world for the next 15 years.

The agreement, which follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in November 2019, defines the use of the new Isotope Production System (IPS) to be deployed in conjunction with ongoing Life-Extension work at the Bruce Power site. The IPS, designed and manufactured in Ontario by Isogen, offers functional flexibility, and will support the future production of other isotopes in addition to Lutetium-177, providing the world's health care system with a stable supply of isotopes for decades.
The unique international partnership among the three companies brings together a wealth of knowledge in nuclear engineering, operations, and radiopharmaceutical production and development.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, praised the partnership.

"Ontario continues to position itself as a world leader in the production of life-saving medical isotopes," said Minister Fedeli. "The innovation of Ontario companies, and international partnerships are critical to ensuring Ontario's economic recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak. Today's announcement is further proof that Ontario is open for business, open for jobs and open for investment."

Medical isotopes are increasingly being used in innovative applications such as targeted therapies in the treatment of cancers, as well as a tool in the sterilization of medical equipment to help protect frontline health care workers in their battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is an exciting day as we move into the next phase of our isotope program," said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's President and CEO. "Bruce Power is proud of its role as supplier of critical medical isotopes, including 40 per cent of the world's Cobalt-60, which has been essential in the fight against COVID-19.

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