Kazakhstan's Institute of Nuclear Physics Plans to Expand Medical Radioisotope Production and Export

The Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP) of Kazakhstan is progressively expanding the applications of radioisotopes and radiation technologies, with related products already used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, industrial production, and scientific research. Institute Director Sayabek Sakhiyev stated that radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical production is one of the institute's key applied activities, covering the full chain from scientific research and research reactor operation to radiochemical technology development and medical applications.

Currently, INP produces three main categories of radiopharmaceuticals: sodium iodide I-131 for thyroid disease treatment, Mo-99/Tc-99m related products for radionuclide diagnostics, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose for tumor PET diagnostics. Among these, the two reactor-based radioisotopes, I-131 and Mo-99, are still supplied by the institute as the sole domestic producer in Kazakhstan.

However, Sakhiyev noted that the practical application level of nuclear medicine in Kazakhstan has not yet been fully realized. The issue lies not only in production volume but also in the variety of domestically produced radiopharmaceuticals and the layout of nuclear medicine infrastructure. Currently, nuclear therapy centers are located in Semey and Astana, but a vast region stretching from Kyzylorda Region to Zhetysu Region, including Almaty and Shymkent, with a population of approximately 10 million, still lacks nuclear therapy or integrated diagnosis-and-treatment centers. In the coming years, improving the accessibility of modern diagnostic and therapeutic services across all regions will be one of the key tasks for the country's nuclear medicine development.

In terms of product expansion, INP is focusing on medical radioisotopes such as lutetium-177, samarium-153, and germanium-68. Among these, the samarium-153 production project is at a more advanced stage; it can be used for pain relief in patients with bone metastases. Lutetium-177 can be used for targeted radionuclide therapy. Researchers are also exploring the potential of the alpha-particle emitter actinium-225 in cancer treatment. Sakhiyev pointed out that obtaining actinium-225 involves complex technical stages including target materials, radiochemistry, and raw material infrastructure, and the current focus remains on related technology development.

To expand production capacity, INP is advancing the construction of new equipment and facilities. The institute's existing VVR-K research reactor already handles a substantial workload of radioisotope production and scientific research. The institute has brought in an 18 MeV cyclotron from Kurchatov that had been in storage for over 13 years, and is currently building supporting infrastructure and preparing for commissioning. This cyclotron will primarily be used to increase the production of fluorine-18 and fluorine-based radiopharmaceuticals, while freeing up capacity on the existing Cyclone-30 cyclotron for producing other potential isotopes such as germanium-68 and actinium-225. Under relevant arrangements, INP is also studying the possibility of constructing a new research reactor.

In addition to meeting domestic demand, radioisotopes are also seen as a direction for Kazakhstan to develop high-value-added technology exports. INP-produced cobalt-57 has been supplied to Germany, the United States, France, and Russia, and the institute has also provided technetium-99 generators to Kyrgyzstan under a contract with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Sakhiyev stated that radioisotope exports differ from raw material exports in that their core value lies in finished products built upon the country's own nuclear technology, accelerator technology, and radiochemical technology.

INP is also exploring the possibility of regular exports of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to Central Asian countries and plans to establish a regional radiopharmaceutical production and supply center. Kyrgyzstan is considered one of the priority markets for expansion, due to geographical proximity, local nuclear medicine development needs, and insufficient production capacity for certain radiopharmaceuticals. Sakhiyev stated that Kazakhstan already possesses the scientific and technological foundation for building such a regional center, including the VVR-K research reactor, the cyclotron complex, radioisotope production technologies, and GMP-compliant production facilities.

In the field of radiation technology, INP currently uses electron accelerators for radiation sterilization of medical devices and produces cosmetics, medical hydrogels, and bandages. The institute plans to further apply these technologies to agriculture, the food industry, ecology, mining and metallurgy, and materials science. For example, irradiation treatment of agricultural products can inhibit microorganisms and pests, extend shelf life, and reduce transportation losses; electron accelerator technology is also used in research on water and industrial waste purification, as well as in the preparation of materials with specific properties.

With regard to future nuclear energy development, INP also undertakes tasks in scientific infrastructure and personnel training. Sakhiyev stated that the VVR-K research reactor is not only a neutron source for radioisotope production but is also used for research and lifetime testing of advanced reactor materials and nuclear fuel. The institute also possesses capabilities in non-destructive testing, radiation monitoring, and nuclear safety. Its experts have over 20 years of operating experience with the VVR-K reactor and cooperate with IAEA inspectors.

In terms of personnel training, INP operates three specialized training centers covering nuclear safety, physical protection, radiation safety, and non-destructive testing, and has trained more than 5,000 specialists. Young experts and students can also gain practical skills at nuclear facilities associated with the VVR-K reactor. The institute has recently carried out several cooperation activities with the IAEA, including an expert mission on VVR-K reactor aging management, a regional workshop on research reactor operating procedures, and planned activities related to sustainable nuclear energy strategic planning and assessment of the national nuclear education system. Sakhiyev stated that these capabilities will support the development of Kazakhstan's nuclear-related scientific and technological infrastructure.