Nuclearelectrica and Framatome take the next step in producing cancer-fighting medical isotope in Romania

Nuclearelectrica and Framatome have announced the successful outcome of the feasibility study which assessed the possibility of producing medical isotope Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant in Romania. Lutetium-177 is used for a variety of lifesaving cancer treatments.

The two companies have now launched the implementation of the project, covering detailed engineering, procurement, installation and the commissioning of the irradiation system at Unit 2 of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. The launch of a full-scale commercial irradiation service for medical isotopes is targeted for 2028.

“Nuclearelectrica is committed to advancing not only energy production but also public health. The production of Lutetium-177 marks a significant milestone for Romania and the global nuclear industry. Our role in supporting cutting-edge oncological treatments through nuclear medicine solidifies the role of nuclear energy in enhancing human well-being,” said Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica. “This project highlights the multifaceted contributions that nuclear power can make—clean energy generation and life-saving medical isotopes.”

The feasibility study was initiated in November 2023, based on Framatome’s isotope production technology. It assessed whether the infrastructure at Cernavoda could be used to convert targets into medical isotopes in addition to the current generation of reliable, low-carbon electricity. The study demonstrated that by adapting Framatome’s technology to Unit 2 Cernavoda nuclear power plant, the reactor would be able to irradiate Ytterbium-176 at the market technical standard required to produce Lutetium-based radiopharmaceuticals.

“We are proud to have reached this milestone with Nuclearelectrica and to take this important project on to the next phase. Bringing additional capacities from nuclear power reactors helps build a large scale, reliable and diversified supply of critical radioisotopes to fight cancer “, said François Gauché, VP Framatome Healthcare. “The demand for massively accessible cutting-edge cancer treatments globally is growing rapidly. The nuclear industry stands ready to play its part in strengthening the supply chain for lifesaving radioisotopes in Europe and across the world.”

This project  also aims at securing an appropriate supply of Lu-177 to meet Romania’s domestic needs for radiopharmaceutical production and supply.  Lu-177 is a beta-emitting radioisotope used in targeted radionuclide therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer and in multiple promising radiopharmaceutical developments for other cancer indications. The isotope destroys cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Framatome’s proprietary isotope production technology enabled the first large-scale commercial production of Lu-177 in a power reactor in June 2022.