GARCHING NEAR MUNICH, Germany, June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
ITG Isotope Technologies Garching GmbH (ITG) - specialist in innovative radioisotopes - expands its nuclear reactor and technology network in line with its strategy to guarantee global security of supply.
In May 2012, ITG - a fully-owned subsidiary of ITM Isotopen Technologien München AG (ITM) based in Germany - and NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd (NTP) - a subsidiary of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) - agreed on a substantial collaboration regarding radioisotopes. The cooperation is an important milestone in ensuring a reliable supply of high quality radioisotopes for Africa and Brazil. As a first step, NTP and ITG have agreed on a technology transfer for the unique isotope ITG Lu-177 n.c.a. (non carrier added). In addition, ITG will expand its already well-established global reactor network by cooperating with NECSA's Safari-1 nuclear reactor.
Lutetium-177 plays a key role in nuclear medicine in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors, and has displayed strong growth potential. In comparison to other production routes, every atom of the ITG Lu-177 n.c.a. is radioactive. This results in specific activity many times higher than similar products, therefore rendering treatments more effective. The contamination with the long lived isomer Lu-177m is negligible. NTP has in-licensed the production technology and will hence be the exclusive distribution partner for ITG products in Africa.
Safari-1 nuclear reactor is one of only five reactors in the world, which together produce 98% of the world's radionuclides for the medical sector. Steffen Schuster, CEO of ITM states: "In the recent past, SAFARI-1 has been instrumental in securing the supply of radiopharmaceuticals (via NTP) into the world market when reactors were down due to unforeseen problems. It sends a strong signal to those companies working with Lu-177-based therapies - global supply is guaranteed and the agreement serves as proof of the value of our production expertise.".
ITG is a well-established company in the supply of next generation isotopes and technology. The company provides highly effective radioisotopes, such as the ITG Lu-177 n.c.a., the ITG Ge-68/Ga-68 Generator and the ITG W-188/Re-188 Generator, as well as corresponding customized devices. ITG is renowned for its dedicated team providing outstanding reliability in both quality and supply. ITG has an esteemed global network of sales partners and strategic cooperations.
NTP is recognized as a leading global supplier of radioisotopes. NTP manufactures a range of radioisotope products for use in downstream medical devices and procedures as well as in industry. They have maintained consistent growth in over 60 countries and in customers served.
The alliance of ITG and NTP will further enhance their international competitiveness as well as reinforce their prominent position as a reliable and attractive partner for their customers worldwide.
For further information and investor enquiries please contact:
ITG Isotope Technologies Garching GmbH, Dr. Richard Henkelmann, Managing Director, +49-89-289-13946, Richard.Henkelmann@itg-garching.de
