Lantheus signs new manufacturing, supply agreement with MDS Nordion for Mo-99

Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a worldwide leader in diagnostic medical imaging, today announced that it has signed a new manufacturing and supply agreement with MDS Nordion to purchase molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), the parent isotope of technetium-99m (Tc-99m). Mo-99 is used in Lantheus Medical Imaging's TechneLite^® (Technetium Tc99m Generator) generators, which are sold throughout the world, and which produce Tc-99m, a medical isotope widely used in nuclear medicine imaging.

“The Nordion team has been actively preparing for the NRU restart and we have taken the steps necessary to assume our role in the supply chain and resume the processing of isotopes for patients worldwide.”

Under terms of the new agreement, Lantheus will begin receiving additional supply of Mo-99 on a weekly basis once the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor is back online, which is currently anticipated to be at the end of July 2010. The contract is in place until July 31, 2011.

"Our agreement with MDS Nordion is part of Lantheus Medical Imaging's aggressive supply chain strategy to strengthen our Mo-99 supply by working with major suppliers around the world in helping to meet the medical isotope needs of our customers in North America," said Don Kiepert, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. "Lantheus continues to work diligently with our supply partners to maximize Mo-99 supplies so that patients can have access to critical nuclear imaging diagnostics."

"We look forward to working with MDS Nordion to increase access to Mo-99 supply once the NRU reactor returns to service," said Bill Dawes, Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. "This agreement is yet another action that Lantheus has taken to obtain additional supply of Mo-99 and it underscores the company's commitment to help stabilize the worldwide Mo-99 shortage."

"This agreement represents MDS Nordion and Lantheus' commitment to provide medical isotopes to the global nuclear medicine community," said Steve West, Chief Executive Officer, MDS Inc. "The Nordion team has been actively preparing for the NRU restart and we have taken the steps necessary to assume our role in the supply chain and resume the processing of isotopes for patients worldwide."