The House plenary approved this Wednesday (23), by 363 votes to 112, the basic text of a proposed amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that authorizes the private production of radioisotopes (radioactive material) for medical use.
The voting, however, was interrupted this evening and the conclusion of the first round is scheduled for next week, after the analysis of the highlights of the text. Afterwards, it will go to the second round of analysis.
Radioisotopes are substances that emit radiation used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, especially cancer.
Currently, the production and commercialization of these drugs in Brazil are carried out through the National Nuclear Energy Commission (Cnen) and its institutes, such as the Energy and Nuclear Research (Ipen), linked to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
However, in September last year, Ipen announced the suspension of production of the materials. At the time, the agency stated that the suspension was due to the budget cut in 2021.
Currently, the Constitution already authorizes, under a permit regime, the commercialization and use of radioisotopes for research and medical use. Production by private companies, however, is only allowed in the case of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals (half-life equal to or less than two hours).
Source: CNN Brasil
