Ontario Welcomes Plan to Double Production of Life-Saving Medical Isotopes at Bruce Power

Press Release

May 27, 2024

TORONTO – The Ontario Government is welcoming the installation of a second isotope production line at Bruce Power that will double the power plant’s ability to produce the medical isotope lutetium-177. This increased production will help meet growing demand for lutetium-177 which is used as a targeted therapy for a range of cancers, including prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting development that highlights the many benefits of nuclear power, including the expanded production of life-saving medical isotopes,” said Premier Ford. “Our government is proud to support the expansion of nuclear power as part of our plan to bring safe, reliable and affordable energy, along with cutting edge cancer treatments, to families across Ontario. I would like to congratulate Bruce Power, Isogen, Saugeen Ojibway Nation and ITM for delivering this incredible expansion, cementing Ontario’s place as a global leader in the production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes.”

Bruce Power is installing the second isotope production system in collaboration with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, Isogen and ITM, with the upgrades on track to be completed before the end of 2024. This comes after the installation of the existing system in 2022 which made Bruce Power the first commercial power reactor in the world to produce lutetium-177.

“Not only are Ontario’s nuclear reactors providing more than 50 per cent of the province’s electricity, but they are also producing life-saving medical isotopes that are helping to diagnose and treat prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors and other diseases,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Our government is proud to invest in nuclear energy as partnerships like this are playing an important role in the incredible transformation of health care.”

“Bruce Power is proud of our long legacy as a key producer of medical isotopes, which are used globally in the fight against cancer,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power President and CEO. “Together with our partners, we are continuing to expand our capabilities to supply the isotopes needed to meet demand and advance research in cancer treatments and procedures to help save lives.”

Leaders from Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), which jointly markets isotopes produced through the isotope production system installed at Bruce Power, also attended the celebration. The Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership supports the global fight against cancer while creating new, meaningful economic opportunities within SON territory.

As part of Powering Ontario’s Growth, the government’s pragmatic plan which outlines the actions the province is taking to meet growing energy demand, the government is making significant investments in nuclear energy and the 65,000 Ontario jobs supported by the sector, including:

• Starting pre-development work at Bruce Power to site the first large-scale nuclear build in over three decades which could power up to the equivalent of 4.8 million homes.
• Conducting site preparation and planning for four small modular reactors as part of the Darlington New Nuclear Project which could power the equivalent of 1.2 million homes.
• Supporting OPG’s plan to proceed with the next steps towards refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station which could power the equivalent of 2 million homes.

Quick Facts

• Worldwide there are more than 40 million medical procedures performed each year using isotopes, with about 36 million for diagnostic nuclear medicine and four million for radiation therapy.
• In March 2024 Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of OPG announced they would start the production of the medical isotope yttrium-90 at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station which will be used to treat liver cancer and other diseases.
• About 60 per cent of the world’s market of iodine-125 is produced at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, an isotope used to treat prostate cancer and other cancers. In March 2023 the Ontario government announced an investment of $6.8 million in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor to expand its operations to 24 hours a day, five days a week to increase the amount of isotopes it produces.
• In February 2023 OPG announced it will produce molybdenum-99 at its Darlington Nuclear Generating Station which will be used in nuclear medicine to detect illnesses such as cancers and heart disease.
• More than 40 per cent of all single-use medical devices produced globally are sterilized with cobalt-60 and more than 70 per cent of the world’s supply of cobalt-60 is produced at Canadian nuclear power plants including at Bruce Power and the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

Quotes

“As Ogimaa of the Neyaashiinigmiing Community I would like to share our enthusiasm for the expansion and growth of the medical isotope initiative. We are proud of our inclusion in the growth of the field of nuclear medicine and the benefits it will deliver to so many people.”

– Chief Greg Nadjiwon
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation

“We are proud to be a part of the global fight against cancer through this innovative project as demand for innovative treatments for cancer is increasing on a daily basis. The Gamzook’aamin Aakoziwin partnership will continue to provide a reliable source of these isotopes for patients close to home, in our communities, and around the world.”

– Chief Conrad Ritchie
Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation

“Radiotheranostics is a top priority for us at Princess Margaret. It is great news that we are producing lutetium-177 here at home. In the long run, this will result in Radiotheranostics treatment being more accessible for patients.”

– Dr. David Kirsch
Head of Radiation Medicine Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

“We are proud to deliver this second line, doubling the industry-leading capacity for Lutetium-177 production at Bruce Power. The unprecedented IPS capacity and the system’s proven reliability, provides assurance that the supply of isotopes needed for life-saving radiotherapeutics is made available to treat cancer patients across the world.”

– John D’Angelo
CEO of Isogen

“Our strong continued partnership with Bruce Power and Isogen allows us to further enhance and accelerate our global production capacity for lutetium-177, a medical isotope with proven abilities to deliver therapeutic value and improved outcomes for cancer patients. As a leading radiopharmaceutical developer and innovator, it is our mission to help patients living with hard-to-treat cancers. This initiative supports that by increasing our ability to meet the growing demand.”

– Steffen Schuster
CEO of ITM

Additional Resources

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

Media Contacts

Edyta McKay
Minister’s Office
edyta.mckay@ontario.ca

Natasha Demetriades
Communications Branch
Natasha.Demetriades@ontario.ca
416-327-3855

IBF4