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Boosting the production of radioisotopes

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  • April 5, 2022April 5, 2022

National Research Facility, iThemba LABS, is expanding its infrastructure to enhance the production of radioisotopes. Scientists are aiming to boost the production of radiopharmaceutical products being manufactured at the plant, as well as to enhance research conducted at the facility.

Doctor Faїçal Azaїez, Managing Director at NRF-iThemba Labs says at present South Africa supplies from 40 to 60% of the globe’s radio pharmaceuticals.

Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive tracers used in the diagnosis (using SPECT and PET scans) and treatment of cancer. SPECT scans are also used so doctors can analyse how well some of your internal organs work.