SAHMRI MITRU celebrates 100,000 patient doses supplied from South Australia’s cyclotron
24 June 2026
SAHMRI’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit (MITRU) has celebrated the delivery of its 100,000th patient dose, marking a major milestone in building South Australia’s sovereign capability in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced healthcare delivery.
Since commencing licensed production in 2015, MITRU has transformed access to critical diagnostic imaging across the state. Previously reliant on interstate supply, South Australia’s health system faced delays and disruption that limited timely care.
Today, SAHMRI’s cyclotron supports hospitals and imaging providers across South Australia and beyond, enabling diagnosis, treatment and research through advanced radiopharmaceuticals.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer says sustained investment in local capability is delivering real benefits for patients.
“This 100,000 dose achievement reinforces the incredible work SAHMRI is doing to ensure South Australians have access to cutting-edge health care,” Mr Boyer said.
Located beneath SAHMRI, MITRU houses a purpose-built facility centred around the state’s only cyclotron nuclear particle accelerator, which produces the radioactive isotopes used in PET and CT scans to diagnose and monitor cancer and other diseases.
Each year, the facility produces more than 13,000 doses, supported by a highly specialised workforce that has quadrupled in size over the past decade.
For 67-year-old throat cancer survivor Costa Giurietis, that capability has been life-changing.
PET imaging was critical in diagnosing his cancer and identifying its spread, giving clinicians the information needed to guide treatment.
“The reliability of this service meant there were no delays at a time when certainty mattered most,” he said.
“They booked me in, in a day and it was done.”
Following radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Costa is now in remission and grateful to be able to live a normal life with his family.
“I’m alive to talk about it, and the work these guys do has played a big part in that,” he said.
MITRU Director Chady Barkil says it’s a proud moment of recognition that belongs to the entire unit of 20 radiochemists.
“Reaching 100,000 patient doses is a significant milestone for MITRU and reflects the dedication of our team in delivering reliable, high-quality radiopharmaceuticals every day,” Dr Barkil said.
“This achievement highlights SAHMRI’s growing role in building sovereign capability in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, supporting both clinical care and cutting-edge research across Australia.”
Beyond clinical care, MITRU is also progressing the development of new radiotracers through its research, with potential applications in the treatment of serious illnesses.
The facility underpins clinical trials activity and research translation, while supporting high-skilled jobs and economic growth.
Find out more about MITRU
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SAHMRI is located on Kaurna Country. We pay respects to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to embracing knowledge and culture as we continue our working journey to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of our themes and further reconciliation.
Read more"Tirki nguta tappa tangka marninithi"
(Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind)
- Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien, Kaurna Elder
