MURR becomes only gadolinium-153 producer in the U.S.

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) has commenced production of gadolinium-153, a radioisotope used in medical imaging applications, as announced by the Department of Energy's Office of Isotope R&D Production (IRP) and the university earlier this week. That makes MURR the only domestic supplier of Gd-153 and one of two suppliers in the world.

The isotope is used to calibrate nuclear magnetic imaging machines such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanners, an important diagnostic tool that creates 3D images of internal organs, allowing doctors to assess blood flow, brain activity, cancer metastasis, and more. Gadolinium is on the U.S. Geological Survey's 2025 list of critical minerals.

"Having a Gd-153 production pipeline within the United States is a major benefit for our nation and the world," said Christopher Landers, director of the IRP.

According to the IRP press release, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is responsible for purifying a "key material" that MURR uses to produce Gd-153. In 2024, Gd-153 was on the list of potential isotopes to be produced at ORNL's Radioisotope Processing Facility, which is scheduled to be operational by 2039.

MURR will supply Gd-153 to the IRP, which will then meet commercial needs, such as those of Siemens Healthineers, which produces SPECT scanners.

"Our collaboration with the IRP and MURR allows us to meet the critical healthcare needs of patients around the world," said a representative for Siemens Healthineers. "This reliable source of gadolinium-153 will allow us to ensure the accuracy and availability of our medical diagnostic machines across the country. IRP and MURR's responsive development of a new production process for gadolinium-153 was vital to ensuring the best outcomes in medical imaging for patient care, and its long-term impact cannot be overstated."