NNSA awards $9M for B&W TSG's medical isotope production program

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.