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Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131 Market Size, Demand and Forecast 2206-2035

According to Rohan Patil, who has 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical industry analysis, extensive research indicates strong growth opportunities in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market. The global medical radioactive iodine I-131 market size was estimated at USD 811 million in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 862.74 million in 2026 to approximately USD 1,505.29 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.38% from 2026 to 2035. His analysis highlights primary drivers for growth are an increase in the prevalence of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism; an increase in market share of targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies; advancements in nuclear medicine infrastructure; and an increase in global investment in precision diagnostics and therapeutic applications. In addition to examining the growth of the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market, Rohan Patil's research explores competitive strategies of several major competitors (e.g., Curium, Jubilant Radiopharma, Eckert & Ziegler, Lantheus Holdings, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, BWXT Medical) that will affect the future of the Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131 Market on a global scale.

Last Updated : 01 July 2026 Insight Code: 6672 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel Fact Checked Cite Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131 Market to Attain USD 862.74 Mn by 2035
https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/medical-radioactive-iodine-i-131-market-sizing
Revenue, 2025
USD 811 Million
Forecast, 2035
USD 1505.29 Million
CAGR, 2026-2035
6.38%
Report Coverage
Global

The global medical radioactive iodine I-131 market size was estimated at USD 811 million in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 862.74 million in 2026 to approximately USD 1505.29 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.38% from 2026 to 2035.

Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131 Market Trends and Growth (2026)

The growing health awareness and expanding healthcare are increasing the use of medical radioactive iodine I-131 to tackle the growing thyroid diseases. The companies are also developing new products and are collaborating, which is promoting the market growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Medical radioactive iodine I-131 industry poised to reach USD 862.74 million by 2026.
  • Forecasted to grow to USD 1505.29 million by 2035.
  • Expected to maintain a CAGR of 6.38% from 2026 to 2035.
  • North America dominated the global medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region between 2026 and 2035.
  • By application type, the diagnostic segment dominated the market in 2025.
  • By application type, the therapeutic segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.
  • By product type, the capsule segment dominated the market in 2025.
  • By product type, the solution segment is expected to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period.
  • By end user, the hospitals segment dominated the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025.
  • By end user, the clinics segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.
  • By distribution channel type, the hospital pharmacy segment dominated the market in 2025.
  • By distribution channel type, the retail pharmacy segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.

What is the Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131?

The medical radioactive iodine I-131 market is driven by growing thyroid disorders and its proven effectiveness in the targeted treatment. The medical radioactive iodine I-131 refers to the radioisotope of iodine, which is used for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid-related disorders. This radioisotope emits beta and gamma radiation, which helps in the evaluation of thyroid functions, their abnormalities, and monitoring the treatment efficacy.

The radioisotope iodine I-131 is a very important medical treatment for hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer because of its affinity to accumulate in the thyroid without harming surrounding normal organs. After surgery, I-131 also plays an important role in the management of residual thyroid cancer and the prevention of recurrence. Continuous advancements in nuclear medicine, the growing use of personalized treatment methods, and the increasing availability of specialized healthcare facilities are all helping to drive growth within this market. Growing awareness for early diagnosis of thyroid diseases, as well as successful clinical outcomes associated with I-131 therapy, will continue to increase demand for this therapy in all hospitals and all cancer and nuclear medicine facilities around the globe.

AI Technological Shifts in the Market

The use of AI in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market is increasing, where it is being utilized for the analysis of patient data, which is promoting the development of personalized treatments, combination therapies, and other formulations, with enhanced efficacy and low radiation exposure. It also helps in the detection of various thyroid disorders, where it is also used to identify the disease progress, patient response to the therapy, and dose calculations.

What are the Trends & Future Outlook of the Market?

Expanding Nuclear Medicine Facilities

There is a growth in the nuclear medicine facilities globally, where new collaborations are also expanding their services, which is increasing the development of medical radioactive iodine I-131.

Increasing Innovations

The companies are developing various medical radioactive iodine I-131 targeted, personalized, and combination therapies to enhance their efficacy, safety, applications, and reduce their side effects.

Growing Technological Advancements

Different types of diagnostic and drug delivery systems are being developed, where the companies are also focusing on integrating modern imaging techniques with medical radioactive iodine I-131 to enhance their detection, treatment, and monitoring outcomes.

Key Indicators and Highlights

Key Elements Scope
Market Size in 2026 USD 862.74 Million
Projected Market Size in 2035 USD 1505.29 Million
CAGR (2026 - 2035) 6.38%
Leading Region North America
Key Applications Thyroid cancer therapy, Hyperthyroidism treatment, Diagnostic imaging, Radioiodine ablation, Neuroendocrine tumor therapy (I-131 MIBG), Nuclear medicine procedures
Primary End Users Hospitals, Nuclear Medicine Centers, Oncology Centers, Academic Medical Centers, Specialty Clinics, Research Institutes
Key Challenges Limited reactor-based isotope production, short isotope half-life, complex logistics, stringent regulatory requirements, radiation safety compliance, supply chain disruptions
Measurable Values USD Millions/Units/Volume
Market Segmentation By Application, By Product, By End User, By Distribution Channel, By Region
Top Key Players Jubilant Draxlmage, NTP Radioisotopes, Curium Pharma, POLATOM, Isotope JSC, Nordion Inc., Cardinal Health

Segmental Insights

By Application Insights

Why Did the Diagnostic Segment Dominate in the Market in 2025?

The diagnostic segment led the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025, as they were essential in thyroid cancer detection. They offered enhanced accuracy with lower doses, which increased their use in the various thyroid function tests. Moreover, their non-invasive approach and affordability also increased their acceptance rates.

Therapeutic

The therapeutic segment is expected to show the highest growth during the upcoming years, due to growing thyroid cancer rates. The medical radioactive iodine I-131 also offers enhanced effectiveness, which is increasing its demand. Additionally, increasing health awareness is also increasing their use and innovations.

By Product Insights

Which Product Type Segment Held the Dominating Share of the Market in 2025?

The capsule segment held the dominating share in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025, due to its longer shelf life. Their easy use and consistent dosing also increased their demand, which enhanced patient compliance. Furthermore, they also offered easy and simple storage and transportation, which increased their adoption rates.

Solution

The solution segment is expected to show rapid growth during the upcoming years, driven by its flexible dosing. The rising paediatric and geriatric population is also increasing its use. Moreover, their personalized dosing and faster absorption rates are also increasing their demand and adoption rates.

By End User Insights

How Hospitals Segment Dominated the Market in 2025?

The hospitals segment led the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025, due to the presence of specialized nuclear medicine departments. At the same time, the presence of radiation safety infrastructure and skilled personnel handling high-dose therapeutic products also attracted the patient. Additionally, advanced diagnostic techniques also increased their dependence.

Clinics

The clinics segment is expected to show the highest growth during the predicted time, due to the growing number of outpatients. This is increasing the use of medical radioactive iodine I-131 for the diagnosis and treatment of various thyroid diseases. They also offer an affordable solution, which is increasing their demand.

Diagnostic Lab

In the clinics segment, the diagnostic lab subsegment is expected to show the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, due to growing health awareness, which is increasing the use of medical radioactive iodine I-131 for thyroid function tests and imaging. Additionally, expanding labs and high patient volumes are also increasing their use.

By Distribution Channel Insights

What Made Hospital Pharmacy the Dominant Segment in the Market in 2025?

The hospital pharmacy segment held the largest share in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025, due to the stringent radiation handling and storage facilities. They also offered integration with nuclear medicine and the therapeutic department, which maintained the availability of medical radioactive iodine I-131, increasing their acceptance rates.

Retail Pharmacy

The retail pharmacy segment is expected to show rapid growth during the predicted time, due to growing outpatient volume. The growing demand for low-dose I-131 for diagnostic applications is also increasing its use. Additionally, their widespread availability is also increasing the reliance on them.

Regional Insights

What Factor Drives North America?

North America dominated the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in 2025, due to the presence of a well-established nuclear medicine infrastructure. The growing thyroid disorders are also increasing their use. Moreover, the advanced healthcare infrastructures and reimbursement policies also increased their use, which contributed to the market growth.

U.S. Market Trends

The U.S. consists of an advanced healthcare infrastructure, which is driving the early adoption of various personalized and targeted medical radioactive iodine I-131 treatment options. The growing thyroid cancer cases and increasing healthcare investments are also increasing their demand and encouraging their advancements.

Canada Market Trends

An increasing incidence of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, along with a growing use of procedures using nuclear medicine and a well-established healthcare system, contributes to the expansion of the I-131 market for medical radioiodine in Canada. Additionally, strong governmental support for cancer treatment, the increased availability of radiopharmaceuticals, and continued investments into both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine are all factors driving demand for I-131 in hospitals and specialty clinics.

Mexico Market Trends

The market for I-131 medical radioiodine continues to grow at a steady pace in Mexico due to the increasing diagnosis of patients with thyroid disorders, an increased number of nuclear medicine services, and improvement in the country’s healthcare system. Growing awareness of the benefits of radioisotope-based treatment, improved access by patients to specialized oncology care, and increased investments in advanced imaging techniques have resulted in increased use of I-131 in the practice of medicine.

Estimated Thyroid Cancer Rates in U.S. in 2026

Are Increasing Thyroid Disorders Propelling the Asia Pacific?

Asia Pacific is expected to host the fastest-growing medical radioactive iodine I-131 market during the forecast period, due to growing thyroid disorders, which are increasing the use of medical radioactive iodine I-131 for their early and effective diagnosis and treatment. The expanding healthcare and growing awareness are also enhancing the market growth.

China Market Trends

China is experiencing a rise in thyroid disorders, which is increasing the demand for medical radioactive iodine I-131 solutions. The expanding healthcare and growing government initiatives are also increasing their adoption rates, where increasing investments are driving their innovations.

India Market Trends

The growth of the market for medical radioactive iodine I-131 in India appears to be increasing rapidly due to a number of factors: the growing burden of thyroid disease, the growing number of facilities to treat cancers and increased use of nuclear medicine. Furthermore, government initiatives focused on improving health care infrastructure, increasing investment in the production of radiopharmaceuticals and the increase of the number of specialized centers with access to such treatments will all help drive continued growth in this marketplace.

Japan Market Trends

Japan's medical market for radioactive iodine I-131 continues to benefit from its advanced health care system, the large proportion of its population who are elderly, and very high levels of use of nuclear medicine technologies. In addition, the increasing incidence of thyroid disease, the vast clinical experience with radiopharmaceuticals as therapeutic agents in Japan and the continued introduction of new technology into both diagnostic and therapeutic uses will continue to drive demand for I-131 in the Japanese marketplace.

Why is Advanced Healthcare Stimulating Europe?

Europe is expected to grow significantly in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market during the forecast period, due to the presence of advanced healthcare systems, which are increasing the availability of medical radioactive iodine I-131. The stringent regulations, growing innovations, and increased thyroid disease are also promoting the market growth.

The presence of a well-developed nuclear medicine infrastructure and healthcare system is increasing the development and use of medical radioactive iodine I-131. The growing health awareness and government support are also increasing their use for early detection and effective management of thyroid diseases.

Germany Market Trends

Germany is at the forefront of the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market in Europe with a strong nuclear medicine sector, an effective healthcare system, and wide adoption of precision therapies using targeted radiopharmaceuticals. With a high demand for effective treatment of thyroid cancer, a large amount of research being done in this field, and many dedicated specialist centres, Germany's medical radioactive iodine I-131 market will continue to grow.

Netherlands Market Trends

The Netherlands has a flourishing medical radioactive iodine I-131 market, thanks to its highly developed healthcare system, increased use of nuclear medicine, and greater efforts to implement precision strategies for cancer. The increasing need for effective treatment of thyroid end in cancer, as well as the expanding number of specialist centres to provide radiopharmaceutical services, will continue to cause growth in the market.

UK Market Trends

The UK is one of the most important markets in the world for medical radioactive iodine I-131, driven by the high rate of thyroid cancer cases diagnosed each year, a well-established network of nuclear medicine services, and a strong commitment to developing and implementing precision cancer therapies. The continuing adoption of radiopharmaceutical therapies and the continued investment in the development and maintenance of specialist health services will ensure that the UK remains an essential player in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market for many years to come.

Market Ecosystem Analysis

Ecosystem Segment Description
Technology Providers Nuclear reactor operators, isotope production technology developers, radiochemistry equipment manufacturers, hot-cell technology providers.
Product Manufacturers Manufacturers producing I-131 sodium iodide capsules, oral solutions, I-131 MIBG products, therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, and isotope generators.
Service Providers Nuclear pharmacy networks, radiopharmaceutical distributors, isotope logistics providers, radiation safety services, clinical treatment providers.
Platform Providers Radiopharmaceutical manufacturing platforms, isotope processing facilities, GMP production infrastructure, nuclear medicine supply chain operators.
CROs/CDMOs Contract manufacturers specializing in sterile radiopharmaceutical production, isotope labeling, GMP manufacturing, and regulatory support.
Software Vendors Nuclear medicine workflow software, dosimetry platforms, radiation planning software, imaging informatics vendors.
Research Institutions National laboratories, nuclear research institutes, university hospitals, cancer research centers, isotope development organizations.
End-User Industries Hospitals, cancer centers, endocrinology clinics, nuclear medicine departments, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies.

Market Value Chain Analysis

R&D

  • The R&D of the medical radioactive iodine I-131 focuses on restoring iodine uptake in cancer treatments and the development of targeted radioimmunotherapies.
  • Key players: AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Actinium Pharmaceuticals.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approvals

  • The thyroid remnant ablation rates, disease-free survival, radiation exposure level, bone marrow suppression, and salivary gland toxicity are evaluated in the clinical trials and regulatory approvals of the medical radioactive iodine I-131.
  • Key players: Jubilant Draxlmage, Curium Pharma, AstraZeneca.

Patient Support and Services

  • Comprehensive radiation safety training, financial assistance, and medication management are provided in the patient support and services of the medical radioactive iodine I-131.
  • Key players: Jubilant Draxlmage, Cardinal Health, Curium Pharma.

Who are the Market Top Vendors and What are Their Offerings?

Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131 Market Key Players

Market Share Influence Assessment

  Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Typical Market Influence 68% 22% 10%

Competitive Landscape

Tier 1
Company Name Headquarters Country Why Relevant to This Market Key Products/Services
Curium Paris France Global leader in nuclear medicine with extensive commercial I-131 portfolio and worldwide distribution Sodium Iodide I-131, diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals
GE HealthCare Chicago, Illinois United States Major global nuclear medicine supplier with broad radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution capabilities I-131 products, nuclear medicine portfolio, imaging solutions
Eckert & Ziegler Berlin Germany Leading isotope manufacturer with extensive isotope production and radiopharmaceutical capabilities I-131 isotopes, radioisotopes, radiopharmaceutical manufacturing
Tier 2
Company Name Headquarters Country Why Relevant to This Market Key Products/Services
ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE Garching, Bavaria Germany Established radiopharmaceutical company with isotope production expertise and expanding therapeutic portfolio Medical radioisotopes, isotope supply, therapeutic radionuclides
POLATOM (Radioisotope Centre POLATOM) Otwock Poland Major European producer of therapeutic radioisotopes including I-131 Sodium Iodide I-131, therapeutic radioisotopes
NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes Beloit, Wisconsin United States Growing isotope manufacturer expanding domestic medical isotope production Medical radioisotopes, isotope manufacturing
Tier 3
Company Name Headquarters Country Why Relevant to This Market Key Products/Services
Telix Pharmaceuticals North Melbourne, Victoria Australia Expanding therapeutic radiopharmaceutical portfolio with strategic isotope capabilities Therapeutic radiopharmaceutical development
Alpha Nuclides Beltsville, Maryland United States Specialized supplier of medical radioisotopes including I-131 for clinical and research applications I-131 radioisotopes, isotope distribution
Global Medical Solutions Ltd. (GMS) Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Regional manufacturer and distributor of radiopharmaceuticals serving Middle East markets I-131 radiopharmaceutical production

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • The medical radioactive iodine I-131 provides target-specific action, which is increasing its use in the treatment of various thyroid diseases.
  • Their proven effectiveness in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer is also increasing their adoption rates.
  • The presence of oral capsules is increasing its acceptance rates as a minimally invasive approach and increasing patient adherence to the treatment.
  • Its diagnostic and therapeutic approach is also increasing its use for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases.

Weaknesses

  • The medical radioactive iodine I-131 is used only in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid-related diseases, which act as the major weakness in the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market, limiting its applications.
  • Risk of radiation exposure increases safety concerns, reducing their acceptance rate.

Opportunities

  • The growing thyroid disorders are increasing the use of medical radioactive iodine I-131.
  • The growing advancements in nuclear medicine and personalized medications are also increasing their innovations.
  • Similarly, increasing advancements in modern imaging technologies are also encouraging their use.
  • The companies are also focusing on enhancing their safety and are developing radiation protection technologies, driving new opportunities.

Threats

  • The development of medical radioactive iodine I-131 requires nuclear reactors, where their lack of availability reduces their production rates.
  • Moreover, old reactor infrastructure and limited global suppliers also affect their development.

Latest Announcement by Industry Leader

In January 2025, Mihály Lakatos, Managing Director of Institute of Isotopes Co. Ltd., commented: “Our collaboration with Curium in the field of iodine-131 products allows us to provide nuclear medicine laboratories operating in several European countries with the availability of products containing the I-131 isotope, which is essential for thyroid treatments. Our production areas are prepared to produce the medicines necessary for the diagnosis and therapy of thyroid cancer, and our collaboration with Curium allows us to provide the available treatment to as many patients as possible.”

What are the Recent Developments in the Market?

  • In October 2025, the initiation of Phase II clinical trials of the combination of selpercatinib followed by 131I therapy for the treatment of RET fusion differentiated thyroid cancer was announced, where its efficacy and safety will be evaluated.
  • In January 2025, to enhance the availability of the Iodine-131 diagnostic capsules to patients in the Nordic Region and in other European countries, a collaboration between Curium and Institute of Isotopes Co. Ltd. (Izotop) was announced.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Application

  • Diagnostic
  • Therapeutic
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Thyroid Cancer

By Product

  • Capsule
  • Solution

By End User

  • Clinics
  • Diagnostic Lab
  • Outpatient Center
  • Hospitals
  • Specialty Cancer Center
  • Tertiary Care Hospital
  • Research Institutes
  • Academic Research Center
  • Contract Research Organization

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct Sales
  • Hospital Pharmacy
  • Retail Pharmacy

By Region 

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada 
    • Mexico 
    • Rest of North America
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of South America
  • Europe 
    • Western Europe 
      • Germany 
      • Italy
      • France
      • Netherlands
      • Spain
      • Portugal 
      • Belgium
      • Ireland
      • UK 
      • Iceland 
      • Switzerland
      • Poland
      • Rest of Western Europe
    • Eastern Europe 
      • Austria
      • Russia & Belarus 
      • Türkiye
      • Albania 
      • Rest of Eastern Europe 
  • Asia Pacific
    • China 
    • Taiwan
    • India 
    • Japan 
    • Australia and New Zealand
    • ASEAN Countries (Singapore, Malaysia)
    • South Korea 
    • Rest of APAC 
  • MEA 
    • GCC Countries
      • Saudi Arabia 
      • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
      • Qatar 
      • Kuwait 
      • Oman 
      • Bahrain 
    • South Africa
    • Egypt 
    • Rest of MEA

FAQ's

Finding : The medical radioactive iodine I-131 market is valued at USD 862.74 million in 2026 and is on track to reach USD 1505.29 million by 2035, witnessing a steady CAGR of 6.38% during the forecast span.

Finding : North America is currently leading the medical radioactive iodine I-131 market due to the presence of a well-established nuclear medicine infrastructure.

Finding : American Cancer Society, NIH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, National Institutes of Health, FDA, WHO, PIB, CDC.

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Aditi Shivarkar is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in healthcare market research. As a content reviewer, Aditi ensures the quality and accuracy of all market insights and data presented by the research team.

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Medical Radioactive Iodine I-131 Market
Updated Date: 01 July 2026   |   Report Code: 6672