Novation Presents at National Meeting on Achieving Reliable Mo-99 Isotope Supplies

September 17, 2015 — At the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) 2015 Mo-99 Topical Meeting, Novation offered its support of efforts to encourage the adoption of processes to create a reliable domestic supply of non-highly enriched uranium (HEU) molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).

The meeting, hosted by Argonne National Laboratory and held in Boston Aug. 31-Sept. 3, brought together international and domestic policy and technical experts to present and discuss progress toward achieving the production of Mo-99 without the use of HEU.

When it comes to determining how the heart is functioning or whether cancer is present, doctors and patients rely on diagnostic tests using a radioactive medical-grade isotope made from Mo-99. Mo-99 is historically produced using HEU, an extremely dangerous substance used in nuclear weapons.

Leah Gannon, MBA, radiopharmaceutical portfolio executive for Novation, represented the company at the meeting. “Radiopharmaceuticals play a key role in the diagnosis of various disease states and have a complex and fragile supply chain. It was an honor to participate in the topical meeting to provide information around the barriers to entry in implementing non-HEU Mo-99 into the healthcare supply chain and propose an action plan to overcome those barriers,” said Gannon.

In her role at Novation, Gannon has worked on numerous imaging initiatives with a specific emphasis on radiopharmaceutical distribution and contrast media utilization. She also works with multidisciplinary provider councils and task forces and is an active member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA).

Novation is committed to helping with the non-proliferation of HEU use in the production of radiopharmaceuticals as well as to helping the provider members it serves manage appropriate use of these medical isotopes. The company’s efforts include sharing best practices, providing active assistance with the development of successful programs, educating members on key medical imaging topics, and using institutional data to drive appropriate change in practice.

For more information: www.novationco.com