DOE and MURR Secure Critical Radioisotope Supply Chain for Medical Imaging

The Department of Energy’s Office of Isotope R&D and Production (IRP), within the Office of Science, and the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) today announced the commencement of routine production of gadolinium-153 (Gd-153). This partnership positions IRP and MURR as the sole domestic supplier of Gd-153 in the United States and one of only two suppliers in the world for this radioisotope.  

This critical radioisotope is essential for calibrating diagnostic imaging machines, known as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanners. 3D medical imaging of patient’s organs is necessary for diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting the brain and bones, as well as heart conditions and seizures. 

In 2023, international production of Gd-153 halted, creating a global supply chain crisis. This stoppage threatened operational efficiencies for certain SPECT imagers worldwide, potentially impacting critical medical care. To proactively address this critical need, IRP and MURR collaboratively developed a new, accelerated production program to establish a secure domestic supply of Gd-153. This endeavor was supported by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which is responsible for purifying the key material necessary for MURR to produce Gd-153. With purified material from ORNL, MURR is now producing Gd-153 and actively addressing the significant backlog caused by the previous supply chain disruption as well as growing capacity to ensure a secure supply into the future. 

“Having a Gd-153 production pipeline within the United States is a major benefit for our nation and the world,” said Christopher Landers, Director of the DOE’s Office of Isotope R&D and Production. “Establishing secure domestic supply chains of critical isotopes, like Gd-153, is central to the mission of IRP and its role in meeting the needs of the nation from health care to national security and everything in between.”  

As a partner site in the IRP University Isotope Network since 2017, MURR will ensure a regular supply of Gd-153 for IRP, which will then meet commercial needs, including those of Siemens Healthineers.   

“MURR’s research, development, and production teams work together to bring new isotope technologies to fruition,” said Matt Sanford, Executive Director of MURR. “Our researchers, scientists and staff are tackling complex nuclear science challenges and delivering results that are improving and saving lives. Our partnership with the Department of Energy is vital to ensuring the nation has the needed radioisotopes now and in the future.” 

Driving innovation and securing the domestic supply of radioisotopes are integral parts of the culture and operations at MURR.  

“This transformative work with the U.S. Department of Energy and Siemens Healthineers recognizes our global leadership in nuclear medicine advancements,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “We are already the dominant supplier of radioisotopes in the Western Hemisphere. Mizzou is proud to expand our impact even further, strengthening existing partnerships and helping to save and improve lives in Missouri and around the world.” 

“Our collaboration with IRP and MURR allows us to meet the critical healthcare needs of patients around the world,” said a representative for Siemens Healthineers. “This reliable source of gadolinium-153 will allow us to ensure the accuracy and availability of our medical diagnostic machines across the country. IRP and MURR’s responsive development of a new production process for gadolinium-153 was vital to ensuring the best outcomes in medical imaging for patient care, and its long-term impact cannot be overstated.”