Alert: Significant Mo-99 Shortage Expected in Coming Weeks

Based on reports from Nuclear Medicine Europe and suppliers, ASNC is expecting disruptions to Mo-99 supply in the coming weeks. The shortage is a result of unexpected required maintenance on the high-flux reactor (HFR) in Petten, Netherlands.

A reactor inspection determined that a previously identified pipe deformation must be corrected immediately, rather than as a planned fix scheduled for the December 2024 maintenance period. NRG, the operator of the HFR reactor, has not announced a start date; however, the fix will likely take a few weeks to complete.

Unfortunately, this necessary fix coincides with the planned maintenance periods of several other reactors, and it appears that schedules cannot be adjusted.

Suppliers are reporting that limited quantities of Mo-99 may be available during the next several weeks but that forecasting is difficult at this time. As the situation may evolve quickly, ASNC is encouraging members to contact their local nuclear pharmacies for up-to-date information on Mo-99 supply.

Stay tuned to ASNC for further updates.