* Rosatom unit to supply isotopes to MDS Nordion
* MDS Nordion says cos could explore forming JV
Sept 23 (Reuters) - MDS Nordion, one of the world's largest suppliers of medical isotopes, signed a deal with a unit of Russia's Rosatom State Corp to market isotopes produced in that country, and said the companies could look at forming a joint venture.
Under the deal, Rosatom unit Isotope will supply Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to Canada's MDS Nordion for processing, distribution and sale outside the Russian Federation till 2020.
MDS Nordion said the deal gives it a new source of Mo-99 and provides additional supply to help offset the impact of the planned shutdowns of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd's National Research Universal reactor.
Canada plans to spend C$35 million over next two years to help develop new technology to produce medical isotopes.
Last week, MDS Nordion said that market demand has become uncertain following the shutdown of a key isotope-producing nuclear reactor that forced MDS's customers to diversify supply.
Medical isotopes are used by physicians to better diagnose and treat a number of diseases, including cardiac and neurological conditions, and several types of cancer.
Shares of the Ottawa-based company, which have gained over 4 percent since last one month, closed at C$10.34 Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
(Reporting by Ashutosh Joshi in Bangalore; Editing by Maju Samuel) Keywords: MDS/ (ashutosh.joshi@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800; Reuters Messaging: ashutosh.joshi.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
* MDS Nordion says cos could explore forming JV
Sept 23 (Reuters) - MDS Nordion, one of the world's largest suppliers of medical isotopes, signed a deal with a unit of Russia's Rosatom State Corp to market isotopes produced in that country, and said the companies could look at forming a joint venture.
Under the deal, Rosatom unit Isotope will supply Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to Canada's MDS Nordion for processing, distribution and sale outside the Russian Federation till 2020.
MDS Nordion said the deal gives it a new source of Mo-99 and provides additional supply to help offset the impact of the planned shutdowns of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd's National Research Universal reactor.
Canada plans to spend C$35 million over next two years to help develop new technology to produce medical isotopes.
Last week, MDS Nordion said that market demand has become uncertain following the shutdown of a key isotope-producing nuclear reactor that forced MDS's customers to diversify supply.
Medical isotopes are used by physicians to better diagnose and treat a number of diseases, including cardiac and neurological conditions, and several types of cancer.
Shares of the Ottawa-based company, which have gained over 4 percent since last one month, closed at C$10.34 Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
(Reporting by Ashutosh Joshi in Bangalore; Editing by Maju Samuel) Keywords: MDS/ (ashutosh.joshi@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800; Reuters Messaging: ashutosh.joshi.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.