Brazil Nuclear Imaging Market

Brazil nuclear imaging Market Size and Share:

The Brazil nuclear imaging market size was valued at USD 332 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 446 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.30% from 2025-2033. The market is expanding because of increased demand for PET and SPECT scans. Furthermore, investments in the healthcare infrastructure sector are augmenting radiopharmaceutical production, while government initiatives and private sector advancements enhance the accuracy of diagnoses, early disease detection, and access to high-end imaging technologies across the country, thereby favoring market expansion.

The Brazil nuclear imaging market is increasing due to the growing incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurological diseases, thereby promoting early and precise diagnosis. For instance, as per industry reports, in 2024, approximately 700,000 new cancer cases were discovered in Brazil. The most prevalent types include breast cancer, accounting for 30% of new diagnoses among women. Additionally, advances in positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are helping to detect the disease better and formulate treatment plans, which further drive the requirement and prove beneficial for the patient. The growing geriatric population, prone to chronic illnesses is fueling the demand for high-precision diagnostic imaging.

Modernization of healthcare infrastructure by the government and increasing availability of advanced imaging services are some of the factors promoting the growth of the market. The growth in private healthcare establishments, medical tourism, and investments in research and production of nuclear medicine are stimulating the use of hybrid imaging solutions. For instance, in December 2024, researchers at MND Medicina Nuclear in Campinas, Brazil, successfully developed a local radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of prostate cancer with reduced cost by 50%. This improves patient care, increases survival period, and ensures advancements in nuclear medicine in Brazil. Moreover, increasing awareness of early disease detection and personalized treatment among healthcare professionals and patients are strengthening the adoption of nuclear imaging technologies across the country.

Brazil Nuclear Imaging Market Trends:

Rising Demand for PET and SPECT Imaging

Demand in positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is increased due to their capability of offering detailed functional imaging for early detection of diseases in Brazil. It is widely applied in oncology, neurology, and cardiology for the purpose of accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring. With the mounting burden of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, health service providers are increasingly opting for advanced nuclear imaging techniques for better patient outcomes. For instance, in October 2024, Claritas NucMed Brazil received ANVISA clearance for the marketing of Claritas iPET™ - software that boosts PET scan performance with reduced exposure to radiation. The platform improves diagnostic accuracy and scan efficiency in all imaging systems while enhancing patient experience, hence addressing the country's growing needs for nuclear medicine imaging. Furthermore, the rising number of specialty diagnostic centers along with heightened awareness among healthcare professionals about the merits of PET and SPECT also contribute to growth in the market.

Expansion of Public and Private Healthcare Investments

There is a significant increase in public and private investment in nuclear medicine infrastructure across Brazil. The government is funding healthcare modernization programs, focusing on improving access to diagnostic imaging services in underserved regions. Concurrently, international partnerships with imaging technology providers are also enabling the introduction of advanced nuclear imaging solutions. Moreover, private hospitals and imaging centers are investing in high-end imaging systems that can provide better care. For instance, as per industry reports, doctors in São Paulo, Brazil, upgraded to Biograph Horizon PET/CT scanners and were able to achieve precise low-dose imaging, improved workflow, and patient satisfaction while exploring new areas of care and enhancing diagnostic efficiency. Furthermore, these investments are in the process of strengthening the country's diagnostic capabilities, making nuclear imaging more commonplace while improving the efficiency of early disease detection and treatment planning.

Growth in Radiopharmaceutical Production and Research

Advances in the production of radiopharmaceuticals in Brazil are critical for nuclear imaging procedures. Enhanced government support towards radioisotope manufacturing and the collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are key drivers of innovation in PET and SPECT tracers. Simultaneously, high-targeted radiopharmaceuticals are now being developed that improve the accuracy of diagnosis in cancer, neurological disorders, and heart diseases. For instance, in October 2024, Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Finep allocated USD 41.86 Million to begin construction of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB). This project will ensure radioisotope production autonomy for cancer treatment, cardiology, neurology, and other medical applications. In line with this, the efforts of localization of production help reduce the country's dependence on imports, providing a stable supply of imaging agents. Besides this, with more research in nuclear medicine, Brazil is becoming the regional hub for radiopharmaceutical advancement and is thus augmenting the growth of the nuclear imaging market.

Brazil Nuclear Imaging Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Brazil nuclear imaging market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product and application.

Analysis by Product:

• Equipment
• Diagnostic Radioisotope
  • SPECT Radioisotopes
  • PET Radioisotopes

The equipment segment in Brazil’s nuclear imaging market includes PET, SPECT, hybrid imaging systems, and gamma cameras, essential for oncology, cardiology, and neurology diagnostics. Government and private investments are expanding access to advanced imaging systems, improving early disease detection and treatment monitoring. The adoption of AI-driven imaging, automation, and high-resolution detectors enhances diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the expansion of specialized imaging centers and telemedicine services is increasing demand for modern nuclear imaging equipment, strengthening Brazil’s diagnostic capabilities and healthcare infrastructure.

Diagnostic radioisotopes support functional imaging through PET and SPECT scans, detecting cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-18), and gallium-68 are commonly used. Brazil’s investments in radiopharmaceutical production, including the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB), aim to ensure radioisotope availability and reduce import dependency. Advancements in radiotracer development and research are improving diagnostic precision and accessibility. The increasing Brazil nuclear imaging market demand for hybrid imaging technologies and personalized medicine is further driving market growth, strengthening Brazil’s healthcare and nuclear medicine sectors.

Analysis by Application:

• SPECT 
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Thyroid
  • Others
• PET 
  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Others

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a key segment in Brazil’s nuclear imaging market, widely used for cardiology, neurology, and oncology applications. It enables functional imaging by detecting gamma rays from radiopharmaceuticals, providing insights into blood flow, organ function, and disease progression. SPECT is particularly valuable in diagnosing coronary artery disease, brain disorders, and bone metastases. The increasing availability of technetium-99m, Brazil’s investments in nuclear medicine research, and the expansion of hybrid SPECT-CT systems are enhancing diagnostic precision and driving market growth. Government initiatives and private sector advancements continue to improve accessibility and affordability of SPECT imaging.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a rapidly expanding segment in Brazil’s nuclear imaging market, primarily used for oncology, cardiology, and neurology diagnostics. PET imaging utilizes radiopharmaceuticals like fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-18) to detect metabolic activity, aiding in early disease detection and treatment planning. The rising prevalence of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, along with growing investments in radiopharmaceutical production, is boosting PET adoption. The Brazil nuclear imaging market outlook remains strong, with a focus on hybrid PET-CT and PET-MRI technologies, improving diagnostic accuracy. Expanding research initiatives, regulatory approvals, and private hospital investments further strengthen PET’s role in precision medicine and personalized treatment.

Regional Analysis:

• Southeast
• South
• Northeast
• North
• Central-West

The Southeast region, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo, is a key player in the Brazil nuclear imaging market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high patient volume, and strong medical research institutions. São Paulo, the country’s largest economic hub, hosts leading nuclear medicine centers, radiopharmaceutical producers, and specialized diagnostic facilities. Government and private investments in PET, SPECT, and hybrid imaging solutions drive market growth. The region holds a significant Brazil nuclear imaging market share, supported by the presence of renowned hospitals, research centers, and universities, further strengthening its role in nuclear imaging innovation and development.

The South region, comprising Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, is expanding its nuclear imaging capabilities through technological advancements, increased investments, and rising demand for specialized diagnostic services. The region benefits from high-quality healthcare institutions and medical research facilities, particularly in oncology and cardiology imaging. Medical tourism is growing, as patients from neighboring countries seek advanced treatments in southern Brazil. The region’s nuclear medicine market is further strengthened by collaborations between universities, hospitals, and radiopharmaceutical suppliers, ensuring improved accessibility to PET and SPECT imaging services.

The Northeast region, covering states such as Bahia, Pernambuco, and Ceará, is witnessing gradual growth in nuclear imaging services driven by healthcare infrastructure development and increased government investments. While access to advanced PET and SPECT imaging remains limited compared to the Southeast and South, the expansion of specialized hospitals and diagnostic centers is improving availability. Growing awareness of early disease detection and personalized treatment is encouraging adoption, particularly in oncology and cardiovascular imaging. Public and private initiatives are also enhancing nuclear medicine accessibility, addressing regional healthcare disparities, and strengthening diagnostic capabilities.

The North region, including Amazonas, Pará, and Acre, faces challenges in nuclear imaging accessibility due to geographical constraints and limited healthcare infrastructure. However, government initiatives and investments in telemedicine and mobile imaging units are improving access to PET and SPECT scans. The region is gradually adopting nuclear medicine advancements to support diagnostics for cancer, cardiology, and neurological conditions. Partnerships with Southeast-based medical institutions are also facilitating knowledge transfer and equipment distribution, helping address the region’s shortage of specialized nuclear imaging centers.

The Central-West region, which includes Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Federal District (Brasília), is another growing part of the market in nuclear imaging. Brasília, being the capital, boasts top research institutions, including government-sponsored medical centers. Such pushes for investments in advanced image technologies. Increasing requirement for diagnostics in oncology and cardiology are prompting PET and SPECT imaging adoption. The region being the hub of agricultural and industrial advancements, enhanced an awareness about occupational health and the early disease detection, hence creating a need for nuclear imaging services.

Competitive Landscape:

Domestic and international competition by imaging technology providers, health institutions, and research organizations dictates the Brazil nuclear imaging market; hence, their diagnostic capabilities enhance each other. The public and private sectors in Brazil are now increasing access to PET, SPECT, and hybrid imaging technology. This expands the competition to the equipment producers and service providers. In addition, the manufacture of radiopharmaceutical is increasing, lessening reliance on overseas imports and bolstering the supply chain. Moreover, hospitals and diagnostic centers are embracing AI-based imaging solutions, which increases the competition in the market. Furthermore, strategic partnerships, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge technology are the main differentiators, which will position companies to broaden their presence in Brazil's dynamically developing nuclear imaging sector. For instance, in December 2024, China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (CIRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazil's Nuclear and Energy Research Institute to deepen cooperation in radiopharmaceuticals and irradiation. This collaboration will promote nuclear technology applications to serve global development, enhance China-Brazil relations, and sustain the nuclear-related progress in medicine and scientific research.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Brazil nuclear imaging market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• In May 2024, Novartis acquired Mariana Oncology, a biotech company focused on radiopharmaceuticals and radioligand therapies for cancer treatment. This acquisition will help strengthen the company's RLT pipeline, research infrastructure, and clinical supply capabilities, advancing precision medicine for solid tumors, such as prostate, breast, and lung cancer.
• In July 2024, Fiocruz collaborated with the University of Coimbra in developing radiopharmaceuticals, strengthening SUS healthcare access, and deepening Brazil-Portugal cooperation in the regulatory arena. This collaboration will strengthen domestic production, reduce cost, and enhance diagnostic and therapeutic treatments in oncology, cardiology, and nephrology.
• In January 2025, Eletronuclear and the Brazilian Society of Nuclear Medicine partnered to produce radioisotopes, including lutetium-177, at Angra 2 to reduce import reliance and enhance cancer treatment. This collaboration strengthens Brazil’s nuclear medicine infrastructure and expands targeted radionuclide therapy access.

Brazil Nuclear Imaging Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Brazil nuclear imaging market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Brazil nuclear imaging market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Brazil nuclear imaging industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.