Dear CAMRT members,
This message provides a brief update on the situation regarding the NTP reactor in South Africa.
As of November 27, 2017, there had been a temporary halt of production at the NTP reactor in South Africa. Through contacts with, and communications from, the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES) and South Africa, we have learned that the situation is a result of a regulatory issue. At the request of the regulators, NTP has developed an action plan to rectify the situation and has already put new measures in place. The regulators are currently in the process of reviewing this action plan and it is expected that production will resume shortly. Through the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES), we have learned that, as of December 7, 2017, the NTP reactor was continuing its discussion with its regulator and had not yet resumed production.
At this time, the Government of Canada has been informed that Mo-99 supply appears to be sufficient for the next 10 days. However, there could be supply challenges during the second half of December if NTP does not promptly return to service.
Producers and suppliers are continuing to work collaboratively during this period. Given circumstances, it is recommended that particular attention be made to the efficient usage of medical isotopes. For your reference, a link to the Supply Management Application to Rank Uses of Technetium-99m (The “S.M.A.R.T.” Tool) is noted here: https://www.cadth.ca/SMART-Tool.
If you are experiencing any disruption to your own local supply of medical isotopes, we would ask that you share this with us at CAMRT, so that we can convey this to our partners in the Government of Canada. Please send these updates, or any other feedback to Christopher Topham, Director of Advocacy and Communications at ctopham@camrt.ca.
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