MDS Responds to AECL and Government of Canada Announcements Regarding Map...( TORONTO May 16 / Earlier this mor...),Health

TORONTO, May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Earlier this morning, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) announced it would discontinue the development of the MAPLE reactors at Chalk River, but remains committed to providing ongoing supply of medical isotopes.

MDS Inc., a leading provider of products and services to the global life sciences markets, was not consulted by AECL about this decision, and the company is evaluating these developments. MDS Nordion, a business unit of MDS, is a leading provider of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.

"The most important issue has always been the continuity of medical isotope supply for patients worldwide," said Stephen P. DeFalco, President and CEO, MDS Inc. "We are pleased that the government has asked AECL to pursue the extension of the NRU operation beyond its current license and to ensure the ongoing supply of these critical medical isotopes."

MDS is disappointed that AECL has stated it will not complete the MAPLE project despite significant investment and effort over the past 12 years. The company will evaluate all options and pursue appropriate steps to protect the interests of patients, its customers and its shareholders.

About MDS

MDS Inc. (TSX: MDS; NYSE: MDZ) is a global life sciences company that provides market-leading products and services that our customers need for the development of drugs and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. We are a leading global provider of pharmaceutical contract research, medical isotopes for molecular imaging, radiotherapeutics, and analytical instruments. MDS has more than 5,500 highly skilled people in 29 countries. Find out more at http://www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.