2026-08-18 14:28 | Kazakhstan | Radioisotopes | Nuclear Medicine | Research Reactors

The Kazakhstan Nuclear Physics Institute (INP) is gradually expanding the scope of applications for radioisotopes and radiation technologies. Its products are currently used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, industrial production, and scientific research. According to INP Director Sayabek Sakhiev, the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals is one of the institute's key applied research areas, covering the full chain from scientific research and research reactor operation to the development of radiochemical technologies and medical applications.

Currently, INP primarily produces three categories of radiopharmaceuticals: sodium iodide I-131 for the treatment of thyroid disorders, molybdenum-99/technetium-99m-related drugs for radionuclide diagnostics, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose for oncological PET diagnostics. Among these, the reactor-produced radioisotopes iodine-131 and molybdenum-99 continue to be supplied by INP as the sole domestic producer in Kazakhstan.

However, Sakhiev noted that the practical application of nuclear medicine in Kazakhstan has not yet reached its full potential. The challenge lies not only in production volume but also in the limited range of domestically produced radiopharmaceuticals and the布局 of nuclear medicine infrastructure. Nuclear therapy centers have been established in Semey and Astana, but approximately 10 million people across vast regions from Kyzylorda to Jetisu, including Almaty and Shymkent, still lack access to nuclear therapy or theranostics centers. In the coming years, improving the accessibility of modern diagnostic and therapeutic services across all regions will be one of the key priorities for the development of nuclear medicine in the country.

On product expansion, INP is focusing on medical radioisotopes such as lutetium-177, samarium-153, and germanium-68. The samarium-153 production project is particularly advanced and can be used to relieve pain in patients with bone metastases, while lutetium-177 is suitable for targeted radionuclide therapy. Researchers are also exploring the potential of the alpha-particle emitter actinium-225 in cancer treatment. Sakhiev pointed out that obtaining actinium-225 involves complex technical steps including target materials, radiochemistry, and raw material infrastructure, and the current focus remains on developing the related technologies.

To expand production capacity, INP is advancing the procurement of new equipment and infrastructure. Its existing VVR-K research reactor is already承担ing a significant workload in radioisotope production and scientific research. The institute has acquired a 18 MeV cyclotron from Kurchatov, which has been in storage for over 13 years, and is currently building配套 infrastructure and preparing for commissioning. The cyclotron will primarily be used to increase the production of fluorine-18 and fluorine-based radiopharmaceuticals, while freeing up the capacity of the existing Cyclone-30 cyclotron for the production of other potential isotopes such as germanium-68 and actinium-225. Under related plans, INP is also studying the feasibility of constructing a new research reactor.

In addition to meeting domestic demand, radioisotopes are regarded as a direction for Kazakhstan to develop high value-added technology exports. INP's cobalt-57 has been supplied to Germany, the United States, France, and Russia, and technetium-99 generators have been provided to Kyrgyzstan under a contract with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Sakhiev stated that radioisotope exports differ from raw material exports, as their core lies in finished products built on the country's nuclear technology, accelerator technology, and radiochemistry capabilities.

INP is also exploring the possibility of regularly exporting diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to Central Asian countries and plans to establish a regional radiopharmaceutical production and supply center. Kyrgyzstan is viewed as one of the priority markets, owing to its geographical proximity, the local demand for nuclear medicine development, and insufficient domestic radiopharmaceutical production capacity. Sakhiev said 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 radiation technology, INP currently utilizes electron accelerators for medical device sterilization and produces cosmetics, medical hydrogels, and bandages. The institute plans to further extend these technologies to agriculture, the food industry, ecology, mining and metallurgy, and materials science. For example, food irradiation can inhibit microorganisms and pests, extend shelf life, and reduce transport losses; electron accelerator technology is also being applied in research on water and industrial waste purification, as well as in the preparation of materials with specific properties.

Regarding future nuclear energy development, INP also undertakes scientific research and talent cultivation tasks. Sakhiev noted that the VVR-K research reactor serves not only as a neutron source for radioisotope production but also supports research and life testing of advanced reactor materials and nuclear fuels. The institute also has capabilities in non-destructive testing, radiation monitoring, and nuclear safety, with experts possessing over 20 years of operational experience with the VVR-K reactor and collaborating with IAEA safeguards inspectors.

In terms of personnel training, INP operates three specialized training centers covering nuclear safety, physical protection, radiation safety, and non-destructive testing, having trained more than 5,000 professionals. Young experts and students can also gain practical skills at VVR-K-related nuclear facilities. The institute has recently launched multiple cooperative initiatives with the IAEA, including expert missions 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 national nuclear energy education system assessment. Sakhiev said these capabilities will support the development of Kazakhstan's nuclear-related scientific and technological infrastructure.

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