Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Group, Inc. (B&W TSG) has been
awarded approximately $9 million from the National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) for the company’s medical isotope production
program. Awarded under a cooperative agreement, the funding will be used
for further development of B&W TSG’s patented reactor technology for
medical isotope production using low enriched uranium. B&W TSG is an
operating unit of The Babcock & Wilcox Company.
“NNSA is committed to supporting technology that offers a new path
forward for the creation of a reliable, domestic supply of molybdenum-99
without the use of HEU”
B&W TSG and Covidien are developing technology for the manufacture of
molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), the parent isotope of technetium-99m (Tc-99m),
the most widely used radioisotope in the world for molecular imaging and
nuclear medicine procedures. The program has the potential to supply
more than 50 percent of U.S. demand for Mo-99.
“U.S. government support of this work is highly beneficial in helping
the nation establish a more secure domestic source of medical isotopes
without using highly enriched uranium,” said S. Robert Cochran, B&W TSG
President. “We are gratified that the NNSA has recognized the promise of
our program and is willing to assist in its continued development.”
"NNSA is committed to supporting technology that offers a new path
forward for the creation of a reliable, domestic supply of molybdenum-99
without the use of HEU," said NNSA Administrator Thomas D'Agostino. "We
are pleased to have both the technical capability and commercialization
expertise available to help resolve a critical U.S. medical community
need while supporting President Obama's goal of reducing the risk posed
by global use of HEU."
In January 2009, B&W TSG and Covidien announced an agreement that
combines Covidien’s expertise in radiopharmaceutical production and
global regulatory approvals with B&W TSG’s patented liquid phase nuclear
technology.
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