In recent years, nuclear medicine has been significantly dependent upon the global business of radiopharmaceutical isotopes - and this codependency, of sorts, has only been growing stronger. From generator shutdowns for quality control to plant leaks, the resulting shortages and anticipated deficits of important isotopes have caused great concern in nuclear medicine. Today, the rising costs to develop molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), from which technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is produced, have led to suppliers signaling radiopharmaceutical isotope price hikes in the future. Isn't it time for nuclear medicine to be free of such binds? Isn't it time to create a future where the delivery of care can continue smoothly, regardless of fluctuations and happenings in the medical isotope market? At UltraSPECT, we have been working towards making this a reality for years.

Imagine the positive chain reaction possible if labs all over the country tapped into solutions enabling low-dose and ultra-low dose imaging on NM exams. The ripple effect, starting with the lower dose given to patients, would also cause a dramatic drop in the amount of Tc-99m required for the same amount of unit doses. From there, the increases in unit dose prices from radiopharmaceutical suppliers would easily be offset. Less Tc-99m at each unit dose additionally cuts costs per unit dose by lowering the cost of generator profiles at pharmacies - allowing them to ration generators across sites, increase their margins, and improve their ability to supply unit doses for rural areas. Indeed a positive ripple effect for all.

Fortunately, we at UltraSPECT are not the only ones who have identified these benefits. At the recent ASNC annual meeting we were joined by several pharmacy providers, service providers and turnkey solution providers, who all shared our passion for enabling industry-wide compliance with the society's guidelines via the adoption of low dose imaging. We also agree that it can't be done single handedly; we must join forces. Considering the growing concerns over price increases and frequent shortages in Tc-99m, we must work together in order to lower the dependence of the entire NM market on Mo-99 supply. I look forward to moving this from our talks in Boston to actions to now be implemented.

In other news from the ASNC annual meeting, we launched our new UltraSPECT website. The new site offers sleek navigation across a variety of case studies, high-resolution images via Wide-Beam Reconstruction™ and much more - all showcasing the value proposition and ROI of our solutions from the standpoints of hospitals and radiopharmaceutical suppliers. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.

It continues to be a busy 2014 for us, and we hope you'll join us on the ride as we create a new standard in nuclear medicine built on low dose imaging.

UltraSPECT, Inc. | info@ultraspect.com | 2000 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 200
Auburndale, MA 02466-2004

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