A new batch of high-specific activity copper-67 (Cu-67) will be ready to ship through the DOE Isotope Program on January 22, 2020. This dual-purpose radioisotope has garnered considerable attention in the medical community for its “theranostic” properties, meaning it has emissions suitable for both diagnostic imaging and targeted cancer therapy. The DOE Isotope Program has developed this production capability to increase the domestic supply of this isotope to the research community.
Copper-67 (t1/2 = 61.83 hours) is produced at Argonne National Laboratory via a photonuclear reaction at its Low-Energy Accelerator Facility (LEAF). The team at Argonne has developed a process that provides approximately 1 curie to customers per batch, with radionuclidic purity of >99% and a specific activity exceeding 50 curies/milligram (Cu-67/total Cu at EOB). *Note: typically 100% Radiochemical Yield (RCY) with TETA and DOTA at >2 millicuries/nanomole (Cu-67/chelate) 3-days after EOB.
Initially, the DOE IP anticipates routine monthly production of Cu-67 but will adjust this schedule as needed to meet market demand.
Orders for Cu-67 need to be placed by January 10th.
