Global Medical Isotope Shortage Follows S. Africa Plant Leak
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A leak at a South African Nuclear Energy Corp. plant this month has caused a global shortfall in the supply of isotopes used in millions of medical procedures every year, including treatment and diagnosis of cancer.
“No production is currently taking place, leaving a big shortage in the international market,” Don Robertson, managing director of NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd, said in an e-mailed response to questions. NTP produces a quarter of the world’s medical radioisotopes, making it the second-largest manufacturer, he said.