Covidien Mo99 Calendar Update

Dear Nuclear Medicine Professional,

Today the Nuclear Research & consultancy Group (NRG) in the Netherlands notified its customers that the repairs of the High Flux Reactor (HFR) are nearly complete. They have received approval from Dutch authorities for their return to service plan. HFR now plans to begin operation in early September, 2010, with molybdenum 99 (Mo 99) target irradiation beginning soon thereafter. Resulting Mo 99 supply for generator production is expected in mid-September.

Covidien has successfully worked with the Maria Research Reactor in Poland to secure additional Mo 99 during this extension of HFR unavailability. We are also in contact with other currently-producing Mo 99 sources to obtain any further Mo 99 they may have available during that time.

An updated August projection calendar for Tc 99m generators in the Americas is shown below. Projections are, as always, subject to change.

Increased thallium Tl 201 for those procedures where it can be a clinically appropriate substitute will continue to be available as the Mo 99 shortage remains in effect. You are encouraged to interact frequently with your Covidien representative to ensure your thallium needs are known.

We are committed to frequent communication when new updates are available. Please visit us at www.covidien.com/Mo99supply, where you can learn how to download a convenient new application or “app” for iPhone®1, iPad®1 and BlackBerry®2, providing you with easy access to Covidien’s most current Mo 99 calendars and communications.

Sincerely,
Elaine E. Haynes, RPh
Vice President & General Manager, U.S. Commercial Operations, Imaging

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