Kinectrics, a division of BWX Technologies Inc., announced on September 17 the completion of a major expansion to its isotope production capabilities, reinforcing its role as a global supplier of highly enriched stable isotopes and establishing the only North American source for Yb-176, reducing the reliance on foreign material for life-saving cancer treatments.
Kinectrics commissioned four new 2nd-generation Electromagnetic Isotope Separator (EMIS) units, which will boost its annual production capacity to over 500 grams of Ytterbium-176 (Yb-176), the precursor for Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), by the end of the year. This scaled output will support over 150,000 patient treatments annually. Lu-177 is a medical isotope used to treat prostate cancer around the world.
This milestone builds on Kinectrics’ successful launch of Yb-176 production in 2024. It supports the company’s broader vision of continuing to supply sustainable isotopes globally from Canada, ensuring a secure and scalable supply. This expansion also enables Kinectrics to grow its isotope portfolio to include Gadolinium-160 (Gd-160) later this year and other key stable isotopes.
This innovative project is supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and by the Government of Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Program.
Construction is also underway on a new 26,000-sq.-ft. facility at Kinectrics headquarters in Toronto. The facility provides room for future growth and is designed to rapidly scale up isotope production to meet growing global demand. The expansion project is scheduled for completion next year.
“Providing a stable source of isotopes is essential to sustaining the global radiopharmaceutical supply chain,” said David Harris, President and CEO of Kinectrics. “Our ability to scale production through innovation ensures we can meet the rising demand for life-saving isotopes and support advanced radiotherapeutics for patients worldwide.”
“Southern Ontario is a powerhouse in global health innovation,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “With support from the Government of Canada, Kinectrics is scaling up isotope production, securing a domestic supply of life-saving materials, and creating good jobs. This investment strengthens our health supply chain, boosts competitiveness, and positions Canada as a leader in advanced radiotherapeutics.”
“Kinectrics’ expansion is a testament to Ontario’s ongoing leadership in nuclear medicine and will play a pivotal role in advancing the goals set out by our government’s Life Sciences Strategy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness stream of the Regional Development Program, our government is proud to support Kinectrics’ growth, and we look forward to seeing this project strengthen the resilience of our radiopharmaceutical supply chain and improve patient care.”
“Ontario is cementing its role as a global leader in life-saving nuclear innovation,” said Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines. “With the launch of Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) and Kinectrics expanding domestic isotope production, we’re reducing dependence on foreign sources, securing critical cancer treatments, and creating Canadian jobs. By doubling medical isotope production by 2030, Ontario is again leading the world in innovation and global impact.”
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