Toronto, ON – August 27, 2026 – The medical isotope value chain is often viewed as a journey from discovery, through production, processing, and finally to patient care. However, each of these steps relies on a critical piece of the story: the specialized facilities that allow radioactive materials to be produced, processed, tested, and delivered safely.
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is pleased to welcome its newest member, Merrick & Company (Merrick), a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, geospatial, and science and technology firm. With more than 70 years of experience and over 1,100 professionals across 28 locations globally, Merrick brings extensive experience in the design of complex nuclear and life sciences facilities, including production environments for medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.
Merrick’s work in medical isotopes sits at the intersection of nuclear engineering and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company designs both R&D and GMP-aligned production environments for radioactive drug products, including hot cells, shielded enclosures, supporting utilities, and production spaces built around the timing constraints of short-lived isotopes.
As the isotope sector moves toward expanded production, facility readiness is becoming a central part of scale-up and commercialization. New isotope technologies can only reach patients if they are supported by spaces designed for safe handling, product quality, and reliable operations. Merrick brings experience in designing the shielded, controlled, and GMP-aligned environments needed to support this transition.
Merrick’s experience extends across both the United States and Canada, supporting leading organizations in medical isotope production, nuclear research, and advanced nuclear technology development. Notable projects include the Northwest Medical Isotopes Radioisotope Production Facility, SHINE Medical Technologies’ Mo-99 Production Facility, isotope production and hot cell facilities at Brookhaven National Laboratory, TerraPower Isotopes and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre (ANMRC).
Through these projects, Merrick has demonstrated its ability to deliver integrated facility and equipment designs that safely support radioactive material handling, isotope production, radiochemical processing, remote operations, and future operational growth. These projects have included facility design, process system design, hot cell modernization, radiological infrastructure, aseptic processing environments, and regulatory support.
Merrick’s experience spans a broad range of isotope production programs, including facilities supporting Ac-225, Lu-177, Mo-99, Pb-212, and other medical isotopes, allowing Merrick to understand the unique operational, regulatory, and technical requirements associated with different production pathways. Merrick’s integrated approach enables facility, equipment, and process requirements to be considered together from the earliest stages of design, helping clients improve efficiency, reduce operational bottlenecks, and accelerate project delivery.
“For patients, isotope access depends on a long value chain that begins well before a dose reaches the hospital,” said Melody Greaves, Executive Director and Vice President, Government Relations at the CNIC. “Merrick & Company brings deep experience designing the facilities at the start of that value chain, where radioactive materials are handled, processed, and prepared for reliable supply.”
“Our greatest strength is bringing together experts who understand both the science and the infrastructure required to produce medical isotopes safely and efficiently. By combining Life Sciences and Nuclear Services Technology (NST) expertise, we provide clients with a single team capable of designing specialized process equipment, the facilities that support those operations, and the critical interfaces between them,” said Patrick Pilon, Vice President of Merrick Canada.
Beyond its work in medical isotopes, Merrick also brings experience designing facilities where technical requirements and operational needs must be carefully aligned. Merrick’s work spans life sciences, advanced energy, national laboratories, aerospace, manufacturing, water systems, and public infrastructure, giving the company a deep understanding of how complex facilities move from concept to operation. Merrick brings that perspective to the CNIC at a time when facility readiness is becoming increasingly important to the future of isotope production.
To learn more about Merrick, visit merrick.com
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 130 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or please contact:
Evan Cameron
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
evan.cameron@canadianisotopes.ca