Health Canada Authorizes New Source of Medical Isotopes

March 11, 2010

Health Canada has authorized Covidien of Hazelwood, Missouri, to use Molybdenum 99 (Moly-99) produced by the Maria Reactor in Poland to make Tc-99m for diagnostic imaging in Canadian health care facilities. Health Canada's approval means that the Moly-99 produced by the Maria reactor is safe and effective for use by Canadian health care providers.

The US FDA and Health Canada have undertaken a joint review of the Maria Reactor and have communicated on a regular basis throughout the approval process.

Covidien's European operations have already begun receiving Moly-99 from the Maria Reactor. Health Canada's authorization means that the Tc-99m produced from this new supply source will begin entering the Canadian supply chain as soon as possible.

The Government of Canada has also recently reaffirmed its commitment to build a stable and secure supply of medical isotopes with a Budget 2010 announcement of an investment of $48 million over two years for research, development and application of medical isotopes.

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