GE Healthcare and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes have signed an exclusive manufacturing and distribution agreement for Iodine-123 capsules, commonly used during diagnostic imaging exams, the pair announced Tuesday.
Under the new contract, GE’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics unit will supply Beloit, Wisconsin-based NorthStar with I-123 capsules. The radioisotope of iodine is routinely used to diagnose thyroid abnormalities, including cancer.
“We are pleased to sign this agreement and look forward to working with NorthStar in providing patients across the United States with I-123 capsules,” said Chris Vessell, U.S. Nuclear Medicine Supply Chain Leader at GE Healthcare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics.
The partnership will utilize NorthStar's new production system at GE's facility in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and the nuclear medicine company will also retain exclusive U.S. marketing and distribution rights for the I-123 capsules, according to the announcement.
“This exclusive sales and manufacturing agreement marks NorthStar’s strong and growing relationship with GE Healthcare, and we look forward to working with the company in meeting the needs of radiopharmacy customers and the patients we all serve,” Stephen Merrick, President and CEO of NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, said Aug. 3.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.