China’s first commercial batch of Lu-177 isotope produced at a commercial reactor was officially launching medical market on 25 June.
Lu-177 plays a prominent role as a distinctive medical isotope in the precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It can be combined with targeted drugs to accurately kill cancer cells and is widely used in targeted therapies for various cancers, including prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.
Lu-177 is a fully synthetic isotope. By irradiating enriched Yb-176 (Ytterbium -176) target with thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor. Following irradiation, the target material undergoes a separation that purifies the 177-Lu by removing the 176-Yb. After separation the bulk solution is dispensed and steam sterilized. The final product does not contain 177m-Lu and is referred to as Non-Carrier Added (NCA).
China Isotope Development Co.,Ltd focus on Yb-176 supplying stablly over the past years, to contribute Lu-177 bulk production in China market.
