Rosatom Scientists Patent New Technology for Radium, Actinium, and Thorium Separation

Rosatom's Research Institute of Nuclear Reactors (RIAR JSC) has received a patent for a new radium, actinium, and thorium separation technology. The innovation is key to the production of actinium-225, an isotope with extensive applications in nuclear medicine, especially cancer therapy. The innovation enhances Rosatom's lead in radionuclide research and facilitates further progress in nuclear technology medical applications.

Scientists from the Department of Radionuclide Sources and Preparations in RIAR JSC, the scientific division of Rosatom, have patented a process to obtain an actinium-225-based radioactive preparation. Actinium-225 is an alpha-emitting isotope which has been proved to be of use in targeted anticancer therapies. Being one of the most promising agents in modern nuclear medicine, particularly in atomedics, due to the properties making it so, it has gained specific interest.

The technology, patented, ensures the purity of actinium-225 to be high at all stages of production through close monitoring. Such success puts RIAR JSC among the world's four manufacturers of actinium-225 and makes it a leader in nuclear medicine. The new process boosts the production efficiency and ensures the isotope to be available steadily for medical treatment and research.

The research was carried out on contract from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. The Ministry provided a research and development subsidy based on competitive selection. The support represents the interest of the Russian government in advancing scientific innovation in nuclear technology and in medical applications.

Rosatom has been actively working on its contribution to nuclear medicine. The use of alpha-emitting isotopes such as actinium-225 is gaining momentum in medicine due to their potential to attack cancer cells with little damage to healthy tissue. The company's latest innovation aligns with global research focused on creating advanced radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer.

Apart from nuclear medicine, Rosatom remains the frontrunner in many scientific and industrial fields. The company has assets in the energy, engineering, construction, and logistics sectors. It is Russia's largest producer of low-carbon electricity, generating approximately 20% of Russia's total electricity supply. Rosatom also boasts the world's largest project portfolio for the construction of nuclear power plants, with 39 power units under development in 10 nations, including small modular reactor units.

Rosatom also integrates the principles of sustainable development into its long-term policy. In 2020, the company adopted the Unified Industry Policy on Sustainable Development and joined the UN Global Compact, consolidating its corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability goals. All these activities mirror Rosatom's broader contribution to the advancement of sustainable scientific and technological progress.

Conclusion
The newly developed separation technology is a major breakthrough in actinium-225 production, making Rosatom more powerful in nuclear medicine. The technology not only helps to create cancer therapy but also provides prospects for Russia to take a larger role in global scientific research. With its continued support from the government and with its focus on sustainable development, Rosatom remains a powerful leader in nuclear science and medical isotope production.

Source: Rosatom Press Release
Credits: Rosatom (RIAR JSC)