Drugs used for PETSCAN can be manufactured in SL: SLAEB

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) said that they have the technology to manufacture Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) drugs, radio-pharmaceutical used in the PETSCAN machines to treat cancer patients. SLAEB Chairman Professor S.R.D. Rosa informed Minister of Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera that by manufacturing this drug in the country, PETSCAN which is currently used only once a week can be used continuously for patient care.  
The Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is currently imported from India and it cost around Rs. 65,000 for one dose. Minister Amaraweera stated that the machine needed to manufacture the FDG - FLUORODEOXYGLUCOSE drug will cost about a billion rupees and he would discuss with the President to obtain the necessary funding.