ANS - American Nuclear Society

11/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/18/2024 09:30

Framatome to produce Lu-177 at Romania’s Cernavoda

Framatome and SN Nuclearelectrica, a partially state-owned Romanian nuclear energy company, have entered into a long-term cooperation agreement to produce the medical isotope lutetium-177 at Cernavoda nuclear power plant in Romania. Lu-177 is a beta-emitting radioisotope used in targeted radionuclide therapy for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.

The agreement follows the completion of a technical feasibility study, first announced in December 2023, which demonstrated the suitability of using Framatome's technology to irradiate ytterbium-176 at Cernavoda's Unit 2 reactor to produce Lu-177 at commercial scale. The technology is based on Framatome's production of the radioisotope in Canada in conjunction with Bruce Power, reportedly the first large-scale commercial production of Lu-177 in a power reactor.

Framatome said it is now progressing with the detailed engineering and industrialization phase with SN Nuclearelectrica, with the first production batches for radiopharmaceuticals targeted for manufacturing in 2028. The project aims to secure an adequate supply of Lu-177 to meet Romania's domestic needs, according to Framatome.

They said it: "Nuclear technologies play a crucial role in modern health care. They are essential in the fight against cancer, and Framatome has a long-standing presence in the field of health care," said Bernard Fontana, chief executive officer of Framatome. "We are proud to bring our innovative isotope production technology and join forces with SNN to strengthen the supply chain for lifesaving radioisotopes in Europe."

Cosmin Ghiță, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, added, "This partnership with Framatome for the production of lutetium-177 demonstrates our dedication to supporting innovation in nuclear medicine and contributing to advanced cancer treatments. Through this initiative, Romania is aligning with international efforts to develop more effective medical solutions for patients around the world."