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China exports its first commercial reactor-produced carbon-14 medical isotopes CNNC, PUBLISHED 11.09.2025 China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has successfully exported its carbon-14 isotope products to international clients, marking China's first major export of reactor-produced medical isotopes. This achievement highlights China's growing presence in the global nuclear technology market. Carbon-14, crucial for applications such as Helicobacter pylori testing, drug development, and environmental monitoring, is produced on a large scale by only a few countries. Leveraging the Qinshan commercial heavy water reactor, CNNC spent three years on overcoming technological challenges to independently develop the Hefu No.1 isotope production technology. This breakthrough lays a solid foundation for the scaled, stable, and continuous production of medical isotopes such as carbon-14, lutetium-177, and yttrium-90. At present, the annual output of carbon-14 is sufficient to fully meet domestic demand. The successful export of Hefu No.1 carbon-14 is the result of close collaboration and efficient coordination between CNNC's Qinshan Nuclear Power and China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (CIRC). Through deep cooperation, the two sides established a full-chain synergy mechanism, from technological breakthroughs to market development, ultimately opening the door to the international market. Guided by market demand and aligned with international standards, they have significantly raised the product's specific activity which is a core indicator from 218 mCi/g to over 280 mCi/g, reaching an advanced global level. In addition, an innovative, cost-effective export solution has been designed, laying a solid foundation to further and the efficiently expand future international business. This year, Hefu No.1 has achieved a series of major breakthroughs. Yttrium-90 glass microspheres, hailed as a "precision nuclear weapon" for liver cancer treatment, have been successfully produced and tested. Additionally, the key medical isotope lutetium-177 is now available domestically. Previously rare and expensive, these vital nuclides are increasingly accessible, enhancing public health and boosting China's nuclear technology industry. CNNC is expanding the large-scale production of essential medical isotopes, poising to enter the global market and offering CNNC's innovations in nuclear medicine worldwide. Other news: CIAE makes breakthrough in key technologies for integral fast reactor CIAE has successfully completed the principle verification test of the integral residual heat removal system. IAEA issues technical document on tritium in environment The document has 362 pages and 93 illustrations. 416 nuclear units are operating in the world 62 units are under construction. |
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