AMIC, U of Missouri collaborate to provide Mo-99 alternatives
Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation (AMIC), an industrial partner and the University of Missouri (MU) are collaborating and preparing to test and develop prototype compact devices to produce radioisotopes, which could supply clinical quantities of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) within a few years.
In June 2008, AMIC and MU entered into an agreement to develop a compact device for producing medical radioisotopes.
MU holds intellectual property for a device that generates neutrons in a tank filled with heavy water and fissile uranium material. Current simple models indicate that at least 500 curies of Mo-99 would be available from such a system after a one-week period of operation, and the potential exists for higher production levels, according to AMIC.
Currently, AMIC is moving to now test this method and build prototype systems. To this end, discussions have been entered into with a prospective industrial partner that could result in an operational system within as little as two to four years.
To assist in this project, Nigel R. Stevenson, MD, has joined AMIC as a senior consultant. Stevenson brings the experience of having worked in both academia and with commercial ventures in the field of isotope and radiochemical production, according to the Kennewick, Wash.-based company. He has had oversight of building and running isotope production systems, in addition to getting new radiochemicals to market.
In June 2008, AMIC and MU entered into an agreement to develop a compact device for producing medical radioisotopes.
MU holds intellectual property for a device that generates neutrons in a tank filled with heavy water and fissile uranium material. Current simple models indicate that at least 500 curies of Mo-99 would be available from such a system after a one-week period of operation, and the potential exists for higher production levels, according to AMIC.
Currently, AMIC is moving to now test this method and build prototype systems. To this end, discussions have been entered into with a prospective industrial partner that could result in an operational system within as little as two to four years.
To assist in this project, Nigel R. Stevenson, MD, has joined AMIC as a senior consultant. Stevenson brings the experience of having worked in both academia and with commercial ventures in the field of isotope and radiochemical production, according to the Kennewick, Wash.-based company. He has had oversight of building and running isotope production systems, in addition to getting new radiochemicals to market.