Rosatom Adds Samarium-153 To The Production Range At Leningrad NPP

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OpenLife Nigeria has reliably gathered that in a major medical and technology breakthrough, the Leningrad NPP (a branch of Rosenergoatom JSC, Rosatom Power Division) has successfully included samarium-153 in the range of isotopes produced for medical purposes.

To generate this isotope, the NPP carried out successful pilot irradiation of the starting substance.

Before that, the plant obtained the corresponding generation license. A pilot batch preceding the start of production is a mandatory requirement.

Director of the Leningrad NPP Vladimir Pereguda commented:

“Today, radiopharmaceuticals with samarium-153 are widely used in palliative care to relieve pain that occurs with bone metastases; as well as in traumatology in the case of chronic musculoskeletal diseases.

“Samarium-153 isotope treatment can make it possible to avoid opioid analgesic use, while also inhibiting the progression of bone metastases and ensuring a lasting pain relief.”

The current Rosatom project envisages the medical isotope production at the Kursk and Smolensk nuclear power plants following the Leningrad NPP.

Successful development of the project in Russia may help expand the geography of production of radiopharmaceuticals with samarium-153 and other medical isotopes.

This is also an important factor for Africa, as Rosatom has partnerships with foreign companies, including in medical development.

By gaining access to radioisotopes, countries on the continent can improve their healthcare systems.

This helps increase the number of people who can receive the necessary medical care, and also improve the standard of living and life expectancy of local citizens.

Rosatom Power Division generates electrical and thermal energy at nuclear power plants.

The Leningrad NPP (Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad region) boasts the largest installed capacity of all nuclear power plants in Russia, which is equal to 4400 MW.