Ntp Radioisotopes

NTP Radioisotopes is a subsidiary of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and a leading global producer of medical radioisotopes. Based at the Pelindaba nuclear facility near Pretoria, NTP manufactures and supplies essential radioisotopes like Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), Iodine-131 (I-131), and Lutetium-177 (Lu-177). These radioisotopes are primarily exported as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for radiopharmaceutical products used in diagnosing and treating cancer and other serious illnesses worldwide.

NTP uses the 20-megawatt SAFARI-1 research reactor, operational since 1965, to produce Mo-99, a key isotope employed in millions of diagnostic tests globally. In 2018, the plant temporarily shut down for three months.

With strict compliance to South African and international regulations, NTP's products are registered and accredited for nuclear, radiation, and pharmaceutical standards. In 2010, NTP became the world's first supplier of FDA-approved low-enriched uranium (LEU) Mo-99. NTP is also certified for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for APIs in the EU.

In March 2024, the South African government approved the construction of a new Multipurpose Reactor (MPR) to replace the aging SAFARI-1 reactor, ensuring the continued supply of radioisotopes and enabling new radioisotope production and expanded research capabilities. The MPR project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.