Client

Coqui Pharma

Location

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Expertise

Industrial

Services

Architecture, Engineering

Coquí Pharma is working toward becoming the first U.S. commercial supplier of the lifesaving radioisotope Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), which is used in 20 million procedures each year in the U.S. Due to its very short lifespan, the isotope needs to be used in patients quickly after it is created. With increasing reliance on foreign sources for medical isotopes, Gresham Smith provided design and engineering services for the new 250,000-square-foot Coquí Pharma medical isotope facility to support needs in North America. The design features a corporate headquarters and a state-of-the-art radioisotope production facility. The new facility utilizes sustainable design, construction and operational practices to support successful domestic production of radioisotopes.

Coqui Pharma radioisotope production facility rendering

The design of the radioisotope production facility is based on a proprietary process that has been implemented in several other countries. This process involves two small nuclear reactors, as well as redundant isotope production lines, glove boxes, material handling systems, and waste handling systems. The production flow is fully redundant, and personnel are separated from the process through physical barriers and automated material handling. Waste handling is also highly automated to maintain safe practices. The facility design includes power substation, water and wastewater systems, special structural supports, walls, and containment.

Coqui Pharma radioisotope production facility rendering

Design was carried to 30% completion and significant progress was made in a path to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing when the project went on hold. The project will support the company’s unique production needs with highly tailored process-driven design, while also serving as an inspiring, modern and sustainable landmark. The headquarters design supports Coquí Pharma’s goal to operate with a minimum energy consumption rate and limited carbon dioxide emissions by mitigating solar exposure and enhancing the control of daylight throughout the building.