Bruce Power, SON, Isogen, and ITM double-down on production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes

An international collaboration among Bruce Power, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), Isogen (a Kinectrics and Framatome company), and ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE, has commenced commercial production of Lutetium-177 on a second production line of the Isotope Production System (IPS) on Bruce Power’s Unit 7, effectively doubling the production capabilities for this cancer-fighting isotope.

This investment in new isotope production infrastructure will significantly increase the isotope production capacity at Bruce Power, ensuring the partners continue to meet the growing demand for cancer-fighting Lutetium-177, used to treat cancer patients around the world.

“It is with great pride that we, at Bruce Power, along with our partners at Isogen, ITM and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, celebrate a second production line on the IPS at Bruce Power,” said James Scongack, chief operating officer and executive vice-president.

“Bruce Power’s reactors have a nearly 40-year legacy of producing medical isotopes for patients all over the world. Together, with our partners, we share a vision to continue to push our isotope program further so we can ensure we have enough isotopes to meet the needs of doctors, researchers, and patients, for use in cutting-edge cancer treatments and procedures that help improve lives.”

Ontario energy minister Stephen Lecce expressed support for the international partnership and its advancement of Ontario as a global hub for isotope innovation and production.

“Not only does nuclear power provide more than 50 per cent of the province’s electricity, it’s also producing life-saving medical isotopes that are being used to diagnose and treat cancers in Ontario and around the world,” he said. “As someone who has been impacted by cancer in my family like so many other Canadians, I know that this initiative will save lives and further cement Ontario’s place as a global leader in the production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes.”

The new line is the final part of a phased approach to expand capacity for Unit 7’s production of Lutetium-177, a project that began in 2023 with innovations to the existing system to increase an already robust production of the isotope.

Bruce Power and its partners became the first to produce the short-lived medical isotope in a commercial nuclear power reactor in October, 2022, utilizing the IPS. Lutetium-177 is used in precision oncology for targeted therapy of a growing number of cancers, including neuroendocrine tumours and prostate cancer.

“We are excited to announce the start of commercial production from this second line,” said John D’Angelo, president of Isogen. “Completing this project on schedule provides reassurance to cancer patients worldwide that they will have access to the treatments they need and highlights the dedication and expertise of the Isogen and Bruce Power teams.”

The made-in-Ontario IPS, designed and installed at Bruce Power by Isogen, enables large-scale, reliable production of Lutetium-177, which is transported to ITM, a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company in Germany, for GMP-compliant purification, filling, further processing and global distribution. The isotope is currently being used in various clinical and commercial radiopharmaceutical cancer treatments, globally, and the increased production capacity is coming at a time when demand for the isotope is on the rise.

"By partnering with Bruce Power and Isogen in their expansion of production capabilities, we are not only increasing the global supply of Lutetium-177 but also fulfilling our commitment to delivering radiopharmaceutical innovations on a global scale,” said Dr. Andrew Cavey, chief executive officer of ITM.

“Strengthening our supply chains enables us to ensure that more patients around the world have access to these vital treatments. We are pleased to collaborate with Bruce Power and Isogen, whose partnership is instrumental in addressing the growing demand for innovative cancer treatment solutions and enhancing patient care."

Bruce Power’s equity partnership with the SON is named Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin, which means Fighting Cancer Together, and supports the global fight against cancer while creating new economic opportunities within the SON territory.

“Through the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership, SON is playing a leadership role in the fight against cancer,” said chief Greg Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. “This announcement is another exciting milestone in our initiative, as we continue to increase access to isotopes which are helping people not only in our communities close to home, but around the world,”.

“Our investment in the Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin is an investment in the future of health care both at home and around the world,” said chief Conrad Ritchie, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation.

Learn more about how isotopes help to keep hospitals safe, as well as diagnose and treat cancer, at www.brucepower.com/isotopes.