Covidien Mo99 Calendar Update

September 15, 2010

Dear Nuclear Medicine Professional:

Effective today, Covidien has produced and shipped technetium 99m (Tc 99m) generators to customers in the Americas manufactured from molybdenum 99 (Mo 99) derived from the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in the Netherlands. This milestone event marks the validation of the HFR’s return to routine operation, and with it the end of the 16-month global Mo 99 supply crisis. The anticipated Mo 99 supply outlook for the next three months is shown below, with demand expected to be met every week. (Projections are subject to impact from unforeseen supply chain interruptions, as always.)

 The resumption of full production by HFR, along with the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor in Canada, returns the global Mo 99 supply chain to “normal” levels, helping to ensure all patients in need of this vital medical isotope will receive the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits necessary.

As all in the nuclear medicine industry are aware, efforts to further secure the global supply chain must be maintained. Covidien continues to invest in many ways to support immediate and future needs, including:

• Our agreement with the Maria Research Reactor in Poland, meeting the needs of more than one million patients thus far;
• Validation and approval of the Czech LVR-15 Rez reactor Mo 99 for use in our Tc 99m generator production;
• Participation on the steering committee for the new Pallas reactor in the Netherlands;
• Partnership with Babcock and Wilcox Technical Services Group, Inc. (B&W) to bring a novel source of low-enriched uranium (LEU) Mo 99 to the U.S., ultimately benefitting patients worldwide;
• Testing of LEU Mo 99 from the South African processor, NTP, for our future generator production;
• Support of the American Medical Isotopes Production Act to further the development of LEU Mo 99;
• Continued evaluation of all potential Mo 99 supply options.

These combined endeavors and those of many others in the industry will enhance global Mo 99 supply for years to come, helping to ensure a more robust and reliable supply chain. We encourage the continuation of new practices adopted during the shortage, including more thoughtful Tc 99m ordering to maximize available isotopes for patient procedures. The planning and cooperation of healthcare professionals like you throughout these many months benefitted patients worldwide. 

As we collectively return to “normal” operations, the cooperative efforts of the entire nuclear medicine industry are still needed. Now that supply levels have stabilized, it is critical that we continue to collaborate, movingfull speed ahead, ensuring nuclear medicine procedures are the modality of choice when most appropriate for patients. 

At Covidien, we recognize the need for ongoing open communications, particularly during difficult situations. The frequent updates provided throughout the Mo 99 crisis were intended to minimize the impact to patients. Working together, we overcame many of the challenges to do just that.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to continuing as your nuclear medicine partner.

Elaine Haynes, RPh Vice President, Imaging Commercial Operations, Americas