MDS Nordion has extended its existing agreement with Canadian-based electricity generation company Ontario Power Generation (OPG), until 2020 for the secure supply of cobalt-60 used in gamma sterilization technologies.
Approximately 40% of single use medical devices produced worldwide are said to be sterilized using gamma sterilization technologies. These include disposable medical devices and supplies such as surgeon’s gloves, syringes, sutures and catheters, as well as pharmaceuticals.
As per the agreement, OPG will continue to supply raw materials to MDS Nordion for use in medical sterilization and sealed source products. The agreement provides MDS Nordion with additional long-term supply for its global customer base.
MDS is a global health science company that provides technologies to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical-device manufacturers, hospitals, clinics and research laboratories for use in medical imaging and radiotherapeutics, and sterilization technologies.