NNSA Recognizes Two Companies for LEU Moly-99 Production Efforts

The National Nuclear Security Administration recognized two companies yesterday for their efforts to eliminate the use of highly enriched uranium in the production of medical isotopes. The NNSA recognized United Pharmacy Partners, LLC., (UPPI) and Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., (LMI) for their efforts to increase the use of non-HEU-based molybdenum-99. The NNSA has spent the better part of three years trying to ensure the domestic supply of Moly-99, a medical isotope used in millions of procedures annually, through the use of low-enriched uranium. "Increasing the distribution and use of non-HEU-based Mo-99 is a significant milestone for public health and a critical step toward ending the use of weapons-useable HEU in medical isotope production around the globe,” NNSA Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Anne Harrington said in a statement. “NNSA’s efforts, and those of our partners, not only support global nuclear nonproliferation objectives, but are critical to ensuring a reliable global supply of Mo-99.” According to the NNSA, UPPI, through its “LEU Walk” campaign, and LMI, as the largest U.S. supplier of LEU- based Mo-99, have demonstrated a strong dedication to this effort.