Radiopharmaceuticals Market

Radiopharmaceuticals Market Size:

The global radiopharmaceuticals market size reached USD 5.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 8.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during 2025-2033. The radiopharmaceuticals market is primarily driven by the emerging technological advancements in imaging technology, the increasing incidences of chronic ailments, and the implementation of favorable regulatory standards by the government across the globe.

Radiopharmaceuticals Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: As per the radiopharmaceuticals market research report, the market is predominantly driven by the growing incidence of chronic diseases, mainly cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, advances in imaging procedures including PET and SPECT alter the diagnosis skill with the surging use of these radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic perspectives.
• Key Market Trends: The trend that is taking shape in the industry is the growing preference for theranostics, where the same compound can be used for diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, the radiopharmaceuticals industry overview shows investments in research and development (R&D) to introduce novel radiopharmaceuticals to inflate efficacy and minimize side effects.
• Geographical Trends: The North America region leads the global market as a result of the strong healthcare infrastructure, high expenditure, and supportive regulatory environment. It is also expected that emerging economies in Asia-Pacific including China and India will grow rapidly due to the increase in health expenditure and awareness concerning the benefits of nuclear medicine.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the radiopharmaceuticals industry include Advanced Accelerator Applications (Novartis AG), Bayer AG, Bracco S.p.A., Cardinal Health Inc., Curium Pharma, General Electric Company, IBA RadioPharma Solutions, Jubilant Pharma Limited, Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc, Nordion Inc. (Sotera Health), NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd, PharmaLogic Holdings Corp. and Siemens AG, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The radiopharmaceutical approval process is associated with regulatory challenges, such as the complexity of manufacturing processes and safety threats. However, the radiopharmaceuticals market forecast is favorable and market players have good prospects. The growing interest in personalized medicine and the emergence of radiopharmaceuticals as a component of targeted therapy contribute to the market growth. It offers vast opportunities for market development through collaboration with research institutes and intercompany cooperation for pharmaceutical enterprises.

Radiopharmaceuticals Market Trends:

Technological Advancements in Imaging Technologies:

The advancements in imaging technologies, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), have highly enhanced the diagnostic nature of radiopharmaceuticals. It is vital in the early diagnosis of conditions that require early treatment or preventive measures in oncology, neurology, and cardiology, using these technologies. For instance, in 2023, the global market for positron emission tomography (PET) was valued at approximately $1.196.1 Million. Presently, the global positron emission tomography (PET) market is projected to grow to about $1.93 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.33% from 2024 through 2032, according to forecasts by the IMARC GROUP. The growth is attributed to advances in imaging technology and the implementation of these advanced systems in medical diagnostics across the world.

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases:

The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for radiopharmaceuticals due to the rising prevalence of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders worldwide. These diseases necessitate accurate diagnostic imaging and focused therapeutics, prompting the utilization of radiopharmaceuticals in clinical practice. According to CENTERS for DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION data in 2020, the United States witnessed the reporting of 1,603,844 new incidences of cancer and the unfortunate loss of 602,347 lives due to the disease. This equates to a rate of 403 new cancer cases and 144 cancer-related deaths per 100,000 individuals. Currently, radiopharmaceuticals are used in diagnostic and treatment applications necessary for the early detection and treatment of cancers, thus driving market growth.

Favorable Regulatory Environment:

The industry is significantly impacted by governmental actions and regulatory provisions. For instance, regulatory authorities such as the U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) and the EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGENCY (EMA) present instant and effective procedures to approve newly developed radiopharmaceuticals encouraging innovation and investment as per the NATIONAL LIBRARY of MEDICINE. Besides this, the possibility of a rapid virtual review of drug classes, along with financial incentives for obtaining Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) status, motivates many pharmaceutical companies to engage in research and development (R&D) of new radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Radiopharmaceuticals Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, application, and end use.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
• Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine
   

Diagnostic nuclear medicine accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes diagnostic nuclear medicine and therapeutic nuclear medicine. According to the report, diagnostic nuclear medicine represented the largest segment.

Diagnostic nuclear medicine refers to the administration of a diverse number of radiopharmaceuticals typically used for imaging. It incorporates different modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET). The same also applies to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Due to the observed increase in the prevalence of diseases including cancer, cardiac abnormalities, and other neuronal conditions, the diagnostic nuclear medicine market is bound to expand in the coming years. At present, the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) in Nagpur are preparing to elevate their diagnostic capabilities by launching a dedicated nuclear medicine department. The proposal for this department was approved by the District Planning Committee (DPC) this year with a 9.5 crore budget. Since the administrative part has been sorted, the construction of the department is to be initiated soon.

Breakup by Application:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Others
   

Oncology holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes oncology, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and others. According to the report, oncology accounted for the largest market share.

Oncology applications in radiopharmaceuticals are experiencing rising demand, facilitated by the rapid growth of the targeted cancer therapies and precision medicine market. Radiopharmaceuticals are crucial in the diagnosis, staging, and post-treatment evaluation of cancers through PET and SPECT scans, among other modalities. This is also attributed to the expanding radiation oncology market which is expected to reach US$ 14.5 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during 2024-2032 as stated by IMARC GROUP. Apart from this, ongoing research and development efforts to improve the feasibility and safety of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology are anticipated to boost the momentum of the sector.

Breakup by End Use:

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Research Institutes
• Diagnostic Centers
   

Diagnostic centers represent the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end use. This includes hospitals and clinics, research institutes, and diagnostic centers. According to the report, diagnostic centers represented the largest segment.

Diagnostic centers represent the largest segment and are creating a favorable radiopharmaceuticals market outlook. The rising demand for nuclear imaging procedures to achieve an accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions resulted in the adoption of diagnostic centers. It uses various imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and hybrid imaging to ensure a favorable patient outcome. Hence various key players are introducing advanced diagnostic technologies which is further expanding the radiopharmaceuticals market value. For instance, in December 2022, Polarean Imaging plc, a leading medical imaging technology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved XENOVIEW. It is a hyperpolarized contrast agent indicated for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. XENOVIEW represents a new era of pulmonary medicine since it is the very first inhaled MRI hyperpolarized contrast agent. It makes it possible to obtain a novel visualization of lung ventilation without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation and its associated risks. It is administered via the Polarean HPX hyperpolarization system, XENOVIEW is dispensed in a single 10-15 second breath hold MRI practice.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest radiopharmaceuticals market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for radiopharmaceuticals.

North America is dominating the market due to the presence of strong healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, technological advancements, and the presence of established players within the market with numerous product offerings. According to the CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, United States health care spending grew 4.1% to reach $4.5 trillion in 2022, faster than the increase of 3.2% in 2021. Moreover, in 2022, the insured share of the population reached 92% (a historic high) and private health insurance enrollment increased by 2.9 million individuals and Medicaid enrollment increased by 6.1 million individuals. In addition, high government funding and support, as well as an increasing prevalence of disease, are also driving the market growth. Hence, this promotes innovation within the sector and accelerates the introduction of new and effective products generating an increasing radiopharmaceuticals market growth rate.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the radiopharmaceuticals industry include Advanced Accelerator Applications (Novartis AG), Bayer AG, Bracco S.p.A., Cardinal Health Inc., Curium Pharma, General Electric Company, IBA RadioPharma Solutions, Jubilant Pharma Limited, Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc, Nordion Inc. (Sotera Health), NTP Radioisotopes SOC Ltd, PharmaLogic Holdings Corp. and Siemens AG.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Currently, key players in the radiopharmaceuticals market are involved in various strategic initiatives to sustain their market positions and footholds. These initiatives include research and development investments to develop and innovate new radiopharmaceutical products with enhanced efficacies and safety. In addition to research, development, and innovation, the companies are also involved in strategic collaborations and partnerships to expand their product pipeline and distribution networks. For instance, in November 2023, SHINE Technologies, a fusion technology company based in Wisconsin, has recently entered a long-term supply agreement with Nucleus RadioPharma to supply lutetium-177. A radioisotope is utilized in cancer treatment therapies, including those under development for neuroendocrine tumors, prostate cancer, and other solid tumors. For several years, SHINE will supply Lu-177 to support Nucleus RadioPharma's radioligand therapy (RLT) offerings, which target radiopharmaceutical treatments specifically designed for neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. Some key players are also involved in enhancing and optimizing manufacturing production processes to meet the growing demand for radiopharmaceuticals in line with upcoming and existing regulatory standards.

Radiopharmaceuticals Market News:

• March 2023: The INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) initiates the Rays of Hope partnership in collaboration with 11 Japanese universities and institutions which aims to bolster cancer care services across Asia and the Pacific region.
• February 2024: Bristol Myers Squibb finalized the acquisition of RayzeBio, enhancing its portfolio with a distinctive actinium-based radiopharmaceutical platform. This addition also introduces radiopharmaceutical therapeutics (RPTs), which are emerging as one of the most rapidly growing treatment modalities for addressing solid tumors in patients.

Radiopharmaceuticals Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the radiopharmaceuticals market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• 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 radiopharmaceuticals industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.