Canada’s Bruce Power is collaborating with Isogen (a Kinectrics and Framatome company), ITM Isotope Technologies Munich and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) on the installation of a second production line that will double the production capacity of the Isotope Production System (IPS) at Bruce Power’s unit 7. The programme timeline aims to commission the IPS upgrades later this year to meet forecast demand increases for cancer-fighting isotopes.
The upgrades to the IPS will add a second production line to the existing system at unit 7, which became the first commercial power reactor in the world to produce lutetium-177 (Lu-177) in October 2022. This second production line, designed and installed by Isogen, will enable unit 7 to increase production of Lu-177 to meet increasing demand for the medical isotope.
The made-in-Ontario IPS, designed and installed at Bruce Power by Isogen, enables large-scale reliable production of Lu-177, which is transported to ITM in Germany for further processing and global distribution. Expansion of the IPS will provide ITM increased access to this isotope, which has been successfully used in various clinical and commercial radiopharmaceutical cancer treatments globally.
The announcement of the new IPS comes just days after Bruce Power and SON announced the expansion of the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership set up in 2019 for the marketing of current and new isotopes produced through the IPS at Bruce Power. The expansion of the partnership and investments in increasing isotope production will support the growing need for Lu-177, the partners said.
The announcement was made at the University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said it was “an exciting development that highlights the many benefits of nuclear power, including the expanded production of life-saving medical isotopes”. He added: “Our government is proud to support the expansion of nuclear power as part of our plan to bring safe, reliable and affordable energy, along with cutting-edge cancer treatments, to families across Ontario.”
Ontario’s Energy Minister Todd Smith noted: “Not only are Ontario’s nuclear reactors providing more than 50% of the province’s electricity, they are also producing life-saving medical isotopes that are helping to diagnose and treat prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumours and other diseases. “Our government is proud to invest in nuclear energy as partnerships, like this one at Bruce Power, are playing an important role in the incredible transformation of health care.”
Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power President & CEO said Bruce Power was proud its long legacy as a key producer of medical isotopes. “Together with our partners, we are continuing to expand our capabilities to supply the isotopes needed to meet demand and advance research in cancer treatments and procedures to help save lives.”
Isogen CEO John D’Angelo noted: “The unprecedented IPS capacity and the system’s proven reliability, provides assurance that the supply of isotopes needed for life-saving radiotherapeutics is made available to treat cancer patients across the world.”
Steffen Schuster, CEO of ITM said the continued partnership with Bruce Power and Isogen made it possible to further enhance and accelerate the global production capacity for lutetium-177. “As a leading radiopharmaceutical developer and innovator, it is our mission to help patients living with hard-to-treat cancers. This initiative supports that by increasing our ability to meet the growing demand.”
Saugeen Ojibway Nation describes the Territory and the Anishnaabek People of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. The Saugeen Anishnaabek have inhabited the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula for as long as history remembers. SON Territory includes over 2m acres of southwestern Ontario including the lake bed of Lake Huron surrounding the Territory. SON has treaties with the Crown.
“As Ogimaa of the Neyaashiinigmiing Community, I would like to share our enthusiasm for the expansion and growth of the medical isotope initiative. We are proud of our inclusion in the growth of the field of nuclear medicine and the benefits it will deliver to so many people,” said Chief Greg Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
“We are proud to be a part of the global fight against cancer through this innovative project as demand for innovative treatments for cancer is increasing on a daily basis,” said Chief Conrad Ritchie, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation.
