NorthStar and GE sign into partnership for U.S. isotopes

GE Healthcare and NorthStar Medical RadioIsotopes have signed a letter of intent for the production and distribution of an American supply of medical isotopes, including the largest staple isotope, molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), NorthStar announced today.

Molybdenum-99 is the parent isotope of technetium-99m, required for the estimated 13 million or more nuclear medicine procedures conducted every year in the U.S.

The supply is specified as a low-enriched uranium source in line with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) to reduce highly enriched uranium production methods associated with weapons proliferation.

NorthStar, based in Madison, Wisc., is the proprietor of the RadioGenix isotope separation system, which will be used to procure Mo-99 from irradiated targets. Compounding and distribution will be executed by GE.

“Together, NorthStar and GE Healthcare will help ensure that health care professionals have reliable access to the Tc-99m isotope they need to give their patients accurate diagnoses and conduct important research,” said NorthStar president and CEO George P. Messina. “And because the Mo-99 parent radioisotope will be produced without the use of highly enriched uranium, we will be helping the United States achieve vital national security and safety goals.”

The company notes that the purchase agreement is non-exclusive. Another agreement was previous struck with Triad Isotopes, a chain of radiopharmacies headquartered in Orlando.