Technology and services
nca Lu-177 production
nca Lu-177 is produced through the indirect route by neutron irradiation of enriched Ytterbium-176 targets in a nuclear reactor. The Yb-176(n,γ)Yb-177 reaction produces Yb-177 that rapidly decays into carrier-free Lu-177, commonly referred to as non-carrier added 177Lu, due to the absence of Lutetium isotopes in the target resulting in a high specific activity.
Lutetium-177 must then be isolated from the irradiated Yb-176 target by radiochemical separation and purified from any impurities to meet the high purity requirements of the FDA and European Pharmacopeia.
Our Technology
Our automated module has specifically been designed to process irradiated targets. It has two built-in functions:
the target dissolution followed by the radiochemical separation of the medical radioisotopes from the target material.
The design requirements include safety, ease of use, and a minimal footprint to fast track installation and start of operations.
We are validating the technology with a focus on nca Lu-177 production. Thanks to its flexible design, it may also be used for Tb-161 production.
Our solutions
To assist our partners in navigating the complex upstream supply chain of reactor-made medical isotopes, we are creating a broad range of services covering the complete life-cycle of targets:
- target material supply
- target manufacturing
- irradiation
- target processing: installation & training, maintenance and consumables
- target material recycling
