Ontario invests additional $4.6M to boost medical isotope production at Hamilton’s McMaster University

The Ontario government is investing an additional $4.6 million to increase production of cancer-fighting medical isotopes at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, building on the government’s $18 million investment last year.

Additional funding will extend reactor operations and protect Ontario’s position as a global leader in life sciences innovation.

Operations at the reactor will be expanded to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, creating good-paying jobs, accelerating innovative research and delivering cutting-edge treatments.

“Cancer impacts us all and Ontario is proudly leading the development of innovative solutions that save lives and make a meaningful difference for our loved ones,” said Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security.

Wednesday’s announcement brings the Ontario government’s total investment in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor to $26.9 million.

This funding will triple the reactor’s production and research capacity, helping Canada advance homegrown innovation.

READ MORE: Ontario invests $18M to boost medical isotope production at Hamilton’s McMaster University

The reactor will produce up to 84,000 treatments a year as Canada’s largest facility for nuclear research, while supporting many good-paying jobs and providing access to world-class research space.

“Through continued investment in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, our government is reinforcing Ontario’s leadership in medical isotope innovation and expanding access to life-saving treatments for patients at home and around the world,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade.

Over 247,000 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each year and two of every five Canadians develop cancer during their lifetime, resulting in the demand for precision radiopharmaceuticals to increase along with the need for large-scale production of key isotopes.

Last year, the Nuclear Isotope Innovation Council of Ontario (NIICO) was launched. As an expert advisory panel, NIICO is utilizing Ontario’s premier nuclear infrastructure to reach the goal of doubling medical isotope production by 2030.

Strengthening Ontario’s isotope industry brings to life the goals set in Energy for Generations and the Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level strategy.

READ MORE: Ontario investing over $345M at McMaster University, Mohawk College