The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Security Administration has bestowed a $37 million award to NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes for the production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).
NorthStar will use the funds toward its neutron capture technology program, as well as for accelerator-based production of Mo-99. Neither technology uses highly enriched uranium. The award is part of the U.S. government's effort to secure a reliable U.S. supply of the isotope, the company said.
The U.S. DOE will provide $16.3 million for the neutron capture project and $20.7 million for the accelerator project, according to the firm. NorthStar will provide matching funds, it said.
Finally, the award money will be used to further develop NorthStar's RadioGenix technetium-99m generator, which uses nonuranium-based Mo-99 to supply clinicians with technetium-99m.
Including this award, the U.S. DOE has given NorthStar more than $100 million in funds, all of which are matched by the company.
