The current network of aging research reactors is not sufficient to produce the commercial-scale volumes of Lutetium-177 that will soon be needed following successful cancer treatment clinical trials.

The demand for Lutetium-177 will increase significantly in the coming years as a result of aging populations, new and emerging treatments, and the modernization of health care facilities.

The Moveable In-core Detector Systems (MIDS), which can be used to produce short half-life radioisotopes in commercial reactors, are approaching 40 years of age resulting in parts obsolescence & maintenance issues.

The general reluctance by the nuclear industry to use a commercial plant for non-electricity production activities is due to the potential for disruptions, challenges in securing regulatory approval, and an increased perception of risk.

Nuclear power is commonly perceived to be too expensive compared to other subsidized and non-subsidized forms of electricity generation such as natural gas, solar, and wind.