Technetium (Tc-99) is the main radioisotope used in medical research and nuclear medicine. It measures approximately 90% of the radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine. Molybdenum and its decay product Technetium (Tc-99m) have long been used in the medical diagnostic industry (nuclear medicine). They are formed by irradiating uranium targets in reactors. But recently there has been a shortage in Molybdenum (Mo-99), which has become a matter of concern for the medical (nuclear medicine) industry, since Technetium is an important component for the diagnostics industry due to its huge applications in the image field. About 30 million procedures are performed annually using Technetium (Tc-99). Therefore, it is highly likely that the medical imaging industry will be parallel if there is no proper supply of Technetium (Tc-99). With the largest nuclear reactors in Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa, France, Australia and some other countries on the verge of extinction, it has become necessary to find an appropriate long-term solution for proper healthy nutrition of Thnetum (Tc-99m).
Due to these serious problems, Saudi Arabia, one of the richest countries in the world with huge reserves of resources, plans to build 16 nuclear power reactors over the next 20 years, worth $ 80 billion. USA with the first line reactor in 2022. It can be a major source of molybdenum (Mo-99) and can be a driving force for the nuclear medicine industry. Developed countries can enter into agreements with the GCC and ensure their proper supply of molybdenum. This will be useful for those in the large-scale industry, as they will have capital. Those in small sectors may find it difficult to obtain resources on an ongoing basis due to economic constraints.
This has led the medical industry and researchers to study permanent solutions in which molybdenum can be produced without nuclear reactors to avoid problems with radioactive spills, and the reactor is on the verge of closure due to the complete decay of the radioactive substance. Another solution to this problem is to use other radioisotopes other than molybdenum and technetium. Potential radioisotopes are currently used in the nuclear imaging industry as a suitable alternative to Technetium (Tc-99). Those currently in use include Chromium 51, Iodine 131, Iridium 192, Yttrium 90, Lead 212 and some others. The use of isotopes is increasing daily. As a result of this scenario, Lantheus Medical Imaging, a major player in the field of nuclear medicine, has entered into an agreement with the Institute of Radioelements to ensure the future supply of xenon-133. This shows the promise and use of other radioisotopes in the nuclear medicine industry.
Another recent technological advancement in nuclear medicine is the invention of cyclotron reactors that can produce radioisotopes for those in the small-scale sector. Although the market for radioisotopes based on nuclear reactors is more than 80%, the market for isotopes based on cyclotron is growing.
Adoption rates are increasing due to the use of cyclotron-based reactors. Recently, a research team based in Vancouver, Canada, nearly quadrupled the production rate of medical radioisotopes using a cyclotron. NorthStar Medical Technologies has also concluded a final agreement with the Triad-isotopes for the production of non-dairy molybdenum (Mo-99) with their separation of RadioGenix isotopes into the market. This will help achieve the goals of the Global Initiative to Reduce the Threat of Nuclear Safety at the national level to reduce and protect potential nuclear and radiological materials located in civilian places on a global scale and reduce the use of HEU in civilian applications.
All of the above factors point to the growth potential of nuclear medicine in the world and the importance that they play in the medical industry.
