Archiv: Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) / used in 40 million medical procedures annually /Technetium-99m (99mTc) / created by fission of highly enriched uranium in civil nuclear reactors


11.05.2026 - 02:27 [ MehrNews.com ]

Iran’s scientific frontline against sanctions and cancer

(June 11, 2025)

Many radiopharmaceuticals, especially those used in PET scans, have very short half-lives. This means they decay significantly within a short period, reducing their effectiveness.

Consequently, the „last mile“ of radiopharmaceutical delivery, including transport, is crucial for maintaining the drug‘s potency and safety.

Speaking to IRIB TV3 on Monday night, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami explained that importing radiopharmaceuticals were impossible until recently.

This was because Western countries refused to provide radiopharmaceuticals to Iran due to sanctions, while regional airlines such as Qatar Airways did not undertake such shipments, he said.

11.05.2026 - 02:02 [ PressTV.ir ]

Explainer: How Iran uses its nuclear technology to prevent metabolic disorders in newborns

(May 10, 2026)

Sixty percent enriched uranium, when fabricated into targets and irradiated in a research reactor, produces molybdenum‑99, a radioisotope that decays into technetium‑99m.

This single isotope is used in tens of millions of medical procedures worldwide each year, including cardiac scans and cancer diagnostics that are essential to modern medicine.

Iran has officially declared this medical application, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified the conversion of a portion of Iran’s 60 percent enriched uranium into targets for molybdenum‑99 production in March 2022.

11.05.2026 - 01:44 [ NeutronBytes.com ]

From Fusion to Life Saving Medicine: A Revolution in Isotope Production ~ The Journey of Mo-99

(April 9, 2026)

While nuclear fusion is often discussed as a future source of clean energy, companies like SHINE Technologies, based in Janesville, WI, are currently using its power to solve a critical shortage in medical imaging.
(…)
Tc-99m supports about 56,000 patient studies daily in the U.S., helping physicians detect heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.
(…)
SHINE announced it has received a conditional commitment for a loan of $263 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). If approved, the financing will support the completion of Chrysalis, a first-of-a-kind medical isotope production facility that will establish the first domestic commercial supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

12.04.2026 - 18:07 [ Ana.ir ]

Iranian Researchers Acquire Know-How to Produce Molybdenum-99 Using Nuclear Technology

(May 29, 2024)

“Molybdenum is used to detect some diseases. Every week, hospitals and nuclear medicine diagnostic centers across the country need radiopharmaceuticals based on the use of technetium-m99, and more than one million patients benefit from technetium-m99 every year,” Ali Bahrami Samani, the project manager of the Molybdenum macro plan said.

(…)

“Furthermore, the hot cell facilities during the implementation of the molybdenum production plan using the method of neutron activation of molybdenum oxide were not suitable under the foreign sanctions for the rapid implementation of the industrial stage under special conditions. Also, given the restrictions imposed by the nuclear deal known as the JCPOA (Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action), it was decided that molybdenum production plan to be carried out in several stages,” the manager of the project further explained.

12.04.2026 - 18:02 [ RadiologyBusiness.com ]

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

(December 18, 2024)

The U.S. government has worked for several years to help establish a domestically produced supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)to stabilize access to this critical radio-isotope used for more than 75% of medical nuclear imaging exams. The U.S. currently relies on 100% of its Mo-99 supplies from foreign reactors overseas, making the country‘s medical imaging supply chain vulnerable. This was the case in October and early November, when one of the key aging European reactors was taken off line for emergency repairs.

(…)

Historically, Mo-99 has been sourced from a handful of older research reactors outside the U.S., much of which came from the Chalk River reactor in Canada. But that 60-year-old reactor closed in 2018, and the reliance on reactors outside the states, including one Russian reactor for some medical isotopes, has left the U.S. vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

“The world depends on six reactors, many of which are decades old,” Cutler explained. “These facilities coordinate their operations to minimize disruptions, but when maintenance issues arise, shortages can quickly follow.”

07.02.2026 - 19:52 [ forschung-und-lehre.de ]

Garching: Forschungsreaktor bleibt bis auf Weiteres abgeschaltet

(December 2, 2025)

Zwar sei die frühe Auftragserteilung logisch, da allen Beteiligten bewusst war, dass der Zentralkanal regelmäßig erneuert werden müsse. „Völlig unverständlich ist aber, wieso es in 13 Jahren nicht gelungen ist, ein weiteres Exemplar dieses Zentralkanals herzustellen, etwas was ja offensichtlich vor mehr als 20 Jahren noch möglich war“, sagte Büchler.

07.02.2026 - 19:40 [ Ana News Agency - ana.ir ]

Iran Standing among Top Producers of Special Device for Targeted Cancer Treatment

(June 24, 2025)

Noting that the product has been used in the world since 2013 and was monopolized by a US company that has FDA approval, he said, “Now this product has been indigenized in Iran in cooperation with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the Development Headquarters of Nanotechnology and Micro Technologies.”

“The particle size of this product is less than ten nanometers and can move in the lymphatic system,” Shahcheraq said.

“This product will first be delivered to the AEOI. Then, in nuclear medicine centers, it is labeled with technetium-99 radioisotope a few minutes before it is injected into the patient‘s body. After the product is labeled with a radioisotope, it is injected directly (into the tumor) or subcutaneously (in the lymphatic part) to the patient,” he explained.

07.02.2026 - 19:12 [ European Space Agency / Euratom Supply Agency ]

Supply of medical radioisotopes

In line with its strategic objective, ESA leads the actions towards securing the supply of source materials for the radioisotopes production, thus actively contributing to the Strategic Agenda for Medical Ionising Radiation Applications (SAMIRA).

The Agency undertakes measures to ensure security of supply of high-enriched uranium (HEU) and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), required to feed the production of medical radioisotopes and to fuel research reactors. These strategic materials are currently not produced in the Community and must be imported from the US or the Russian Federation.

(…)

Radioisotopes are used in medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including some of the most important ones, like cancers, cardiovascular and brain disorders. Over 10000 hospitals worldwide use radioisotopes for the in vivo diagnosis or treatment of about 35 million patients every year, of which 9 million in Europe.

Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is the most widely used (diagnostic) isotope.
Europe is the second largest consumer of Tc-99m, accounting for more than 20% of the global market.

07.02.2026 - 19:07 [ U.S. Department of Energy ]

U.S. government agencies work together to support domestic production of vital medical isotope

(September 8, 2025)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are announcing new actions to support domestic production of the vital medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

“We’ve spent years working with U.S. companies to reshore Mo-99 production using advanced technology that doesn’t require weapons-usable nuclear material,” said Kasia Mendelsohn, NNSA’s Acting Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. “But NNSA hasn’t been alone in its efforts. Other agencies and departments are a big part of aiding the rebirth of this innovative U.S. industry.”

01.02.2026 - 00:19 [ Zeit.de ]

Sorgenkind in Garching: Forschungsreaktor ohne Forschung

(January 12, 2026)

Wie kürzlich aus der Antwort des Wissenschaftsministeriums auf eine Anfrage der Grünen im bayerischen Landtag hervorging, warten die Garchinger schon seit fast 13 Jahren auf einen neuen Zentralkanal. Er war 2013 als regulär zu wechselndes Ersatzteil bestellt und sollte im Herbst 2014 geliefert werden, hieß es in der Antwort des Ministeriums.

01.02.2026 - 00:14 [ Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) Technische Universität München ]

Genehmigung der Bestrahlungsanlage zur Produktion von Molybdän-99

(August 18, 2022)

Weltweit werden jährlich mehr als 30 Millionen medizinische Untersuchungen mit der radioaktiven Substanz Technetium-99m zur Diagnose von Tumoren durchgeführt. Einen großen Anteil – etwa drei Millionen Untersuchungen – daran hat Deutschland. Zur Herstellung von Technetium-99m wird zunächst Molybdän-99 benötigt. Dieses kann international in nur wenigen Forschungsreaktoren (vier in Europa sowie jeweils einer in Afrika und Australien) hergestellt werden, es kommt deshalb seit Jahren immer wieder zu Engpässen. Fällt eine dieser Quellen aus, müssen die unter Umständen lebenswichtigen Untersuchungen verschoben werden. Aufgrund der kurzen Halbwertszeiten von nur 66 Stunden kann Molybdän-99 nicht auf Vorrat produziert werden, sondern nur unmittelbar vor der Untersuchung.

31.01.2026 - 23:52 [ Ana.ir ]

Iranian Researchers Acquire Know-How to Produce Molybdenum-99 Using Nuclear Technology

(May 29, 2024)

“Molybdenum is used to detect some diseases. Every week, hospitals and nuclear medicine diagnostic centers across the country need radiopharmaceuticals based on the use of technetium-m99, and more than one million patients benefit from technetium-m99 every year,” Ali Bahrami Samani, the project manager of the Molybdenum macro plan said.

(…)

“Furthermore, the hot cell facilities during the implementation of the molybdenum production plan using the method of neutron activation of molybdenum oxide were not suitable under the foreign sanctions for the rapid implementation of the industrial stage under special conditions. Also, given the restrictions imposed by the nuclear deal known as the JCPOA (Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action), it was decided that molybdenum production plan to be carried out in several stages,” the manager of the project further explained.

31.01.2026 - 23:41 [ United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory ]

UK nuclear revolution powers next-generation precision cancer therapies

(November 18, 2025)

UKNNL is the Government’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission whose mission is twofold: to enable and deliver nuclear outcomes for government, and to support growth of the UK nuclear sector. A national asset operating ground-breaking technology through world-class expertise, UKNNL is enabling the supply of new sources of medical isotopes for the UK. It collaborates with researchers to investigate new treatments and diagnoses, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and complex heart conditions. The handling of nuclear material and extraction of isotopes are key capabilities and skills that UKNNL provides for the nation. 

31.01.2026 - 23:35 [ BBC ]

Radioisotope shortage could cause cancer treatment delays

(October 30, 2024)

Radioisotopes are mainly used for diagnosing cancer, including prostate and breast cancer.

(…)

The shortage of molybdenum-99 is caused by a sudden global disruption of manufacturing capacity, with several of the nuclear reactors used to produce these elements being out of service.

There are six trusted research reactors globally for the supply of molybdenum-99, none of which are in the UK.

27.06.2025 - 04:28 [ NPR.org ]

Forget ‚total obliteration‘ — experts say Iran and U.S. need to negotiate

Iran has limited its interaction with IAEA inspectors for several years, although they were still allowed to monitor declared nuclear sites. On Wednesday, Iran‘s parliament recommended a bill that effectively suspended cooperation with the agency. On Thursday, the country‘s Guardian Council fully approved it.

Iran has made clear that the suspension does not mean it will pull out of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, but it will prevent IAEA inspections of Iran‘s bombed nuclear facilities.

„The Iranian regime has invested decades in its nuclear program and also an unparalleled amount of resources,“ says Stroul, of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. „So to think that after less than two weeks, they are just going to take a knee and abandon their entire nuclear ambitions is likely a short sighted approach.“

23.06.2025 - 19:04 [ BR.de ]

Reaktor Garching darf mit hochangereichertem Uran weiterlaufen

(Juni 21, 2024)

Im Garchinger Forschungsreaktor werden normalerweise wissenschaftliche Experimente – etwa im Bereich Quantentechnologie oder Archäologie – durchgeführt. Daneben produzieren Kunden aus der Industrie zum Beispiel Radioisotope und Radiopharmaka für die Krebsdiagnostik und -behandlung. Die TUM verweist aber etwa auch darauf, dass Forschende des späteren Corona-Impfstoffherstellers „Biontech“ in der Garchinger Neutronenquelle mRNA-Partikel untersucht hätten.

15.06.2025 - 17:28 [ Krankenkassen.de ]

Forschungsreaktor darf mit hochangereichertem Uran weiterlaufen

(Juni 2024)

Der Forschungsreaktor war im Jahr 2004 als eine der wichtigsten
Neutronenquellen Europas für Forschung, Medizin und Industrie in
Betrieb gegangen. Der Betrieb mit bis zu 93 Prozent angereichertem
Uran war bis Ende 2010 genehmigt, dann sollte auf maximal 50 Prozent
umgestellt werden. Mangels dieses Brennstoffs wurde der Betrieb bis
jetzt aber von den Behörden weiter genehmigt.

«Es geht hier um extrem wichtige Forschungsinfrastruktur für Bayern,
Deutschland und Europa», betonte Minister Blume. Die in Garching
gewonnene kerntechnische Expertise sei beispielsweise entscheidend
für medizinischen Fortschritt.

15.06.2025 - 17:23 [ BR.de ]

Reaktor Garching darf mit hochangereichertem Uran weiterlaufen

(Juni 21, 2024)

Im Garchinger Forschungsreaktor werden normalerweise wissenschaftliche Experimente – etwa im Bereich Quantentechnologie oder Archäologie – durchgeführt. Daneben produzieren Kunden aus der Industrie zum Beispiel Radioisotope und Radiopharmaka für die Krebsdiagnostik und -behandlung. Die TUM verweist aber etwa auch darauf, dass Forschende des späteren Corona-Impfstoffherstellers „Biontech“ in der Garchinger Neutronenquelle mRNA-Partikel untersucht hätten.

15.06.2025 - 17:09 [ Tehran Times ]

Iran reaffirms commitment to peaceful nuclear development despite attacks

In a post on its official account on the social platform X, the AEOI declared: „Iran stands firm… Relying on the determination of our nuclear scientists, we will continue the path of developing peaceful nuclear technology with strength and resolve. The cowardly attacks by enemies are no match for the will of this nation.“

04.06.2025 - 17:37 [ International Atomic Energy Agency ]

How Research Reactors Help Make Medical Imaging Possible

(August 10, 2020)

From reactor to patients

Research reactors are reactors that, instead of generating electricity, are primarily used to produce neutrons for other applications. These neutrons can be used for various purposes, such as to produce 99Mo by irradiating uranium-235 targets.

Being a radioisotope, 99Mo is an unstable atom that undergoes decay. It takes 66 hours for half of any 99Mo produced to decay — this is known as its half-life. The decay product of 99Mo, also called its ‘daughter product’, is 99mTc.

To get 99mTc, the irradiated uranium-235 targets are moved to a processing installation, usually near a research reactor, to separate 99Mo from the other fission products and purify it. The purified 99Mo is then transported to a production facility for 99Mo/99mTc generators — devices used to safely hold, transport and chemically extract 99mTc from 99Mo directly on site at a hospital or other medical facility.

04.06.2025 - 17:33 [ Shinefusion.com ]

What Is Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)?

Our fusion-based medical isotope production system produces high-specific-activity molybdenum-99 using a proprietary fusion-fission process, without the need for a conventional reactor and the use of inefficient highly enriched uranium. We believe that our production of Mo-99 in the United States will mitigate, if not prevent chronic shortages by producing the isotope in an efficient, clean, low-cost manner compatible with the existing radioisotope supply chain.

What is molybdenum-99 used for?

Molybdenum-99 is the parent isotope of technetium-99m, a gamma-emitting isotope used as a radioactive tracer in medical imaging procedures such as SPECT scans. Tech-99m is used in tens of millions of medical diagnostic procedures around the world every year. It is a critical medical tool for diagnosing heart disease, bone disease, and cancer.

Tech-99m has a very short half-life; of any given supply, nearly all of it will decay in under a day. Its short half-life makes it extremely useful as a tracer, but also makes it impossible to stockpile

04.06.2025 - 17:23 [ Tehran Times ]

Leader: Iran’s nuclear enrichment is none of America’s business

The United States has been claiming that Iran can import nuclear fuel for its reactors. However, the Leader said the United States is not trustworthy, saying the U.S. refused to sell 20-percent enriched uranium to Iran to power its medical reactor in the 2000s.

“In the 2000s, we experienced firsthand how unreliable the U.S. was when it came to supplying 20% enriched fuel,” Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out, indirectly referring to Iran‘s need to nuclear fuel to power its Tehran medical reactor.

He said, “The core demand of the U.S. is that Iran should not have a nuclear industry and should remain dependent on them. Our response to America’s nonsense is clear: they can’t do a damn thing about it.”