Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market Size and Companies (2026-2035)

Revenue, 2025

USD 7.75 Billion

Forecast, 2035

USD 17.91 Billion

CAGR, 2026-2035

8.74%

Report Coverage

Global

Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market Trends for 2026

The global radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market size was estimated at USD 7.75 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 8.43 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 17.91 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 8.74% from 2026 to 2035.

The market is growing steadily, supported by growing cancer incidence, wider use of PET and SPECT imaging, technological advancements, and increasing adoption of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear procedures worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine sector pushed the market to USD 8.43 billion by 2026.
• Long-term projections show USD 17.91 billion valuation by 2035.
• Growth is expected at a steady CAGR of 8.73% in between 2026 to 2035.
• North America dominated the global radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market with a share of approximately 44.5% in 2025.
• Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By type, the diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals segment dominant position in the market with a share of approximately 82% in 2025.
• By type, the therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By modality, the SPECT (Technetium-99m, Iodine-123) segment accounted for a considerable revenue share of approximately 65% in the market in 2025.
• By modality, the PET (Fluorine-18, Gallium-68) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the oncology segment led the global market with a share of approximately 53% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By end user, the hospitals & clinics segment held the largest market share of approximately 68% in 2025.
• By end user, the diagnostic centers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

Powering Precision Healthcare: Growth of the Radiopharmaceuticals Market

Radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine are radioactive drugs used in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy to visualize, diagnose, and treat diseases by tracking organ function and cellular activity inside the body. The radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market is expanding due to rising cancer and cardiac disease prevalence, growing demand for early and accurate diagnosis, wider adoption of PER and SPECT imaging, and advancements in targeted radionuclide therapies. Improved healthcare infrastructure and increased investment in nuclear medicine facilities further support market growth globally.

How AI Can Revolutionize the Market?

AI can revolutionize the radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market by enhancing image interpretation, optimizing radiotracer selection, and improving dose planning for personalized therapies. It enables faster, more accurate diagnosis, streamlines radiopharmaceutical production, predicts treatment outcomes, and supports precision medicine, ultimately improving clinical efficiency, patient safety, and therapeutic effectiveness in nuclear medicine practices.

Trend and Future Outlook of the Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market

Growth of Targeted Therapies

Theranostic radiopharmaceuticals combining diagnosis and therapy are gaining traction, enabling personalized treatment. This drives investment, clinical adoption, and better patient outcomes, particularly in oncology and rare diseases.

Advances in Imaging Technology

Integration of high-resolution PET/SPECT systems and hybrid imaging enhances diagnostic accuracy. Improved scanners and novel tracers accelerate early disease detection and broaden clinical applications across neurology and cardiology.

Global Market Expansion

Emerging markets are increasing nuclear medicine infrastructure and regulatory support. Rising healthcare spending, aging populations, and awareness boost demand for radiopharmaceuticals, fostering collaborations, manufacturing expansions, and sustained long-term growth.

Executive Summary Table

Segmental Insights

By Type Insights

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

In 2025, the diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals segment dominated the radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market with a share of approximately 82% due to growing reliance on advanced PET and SPECT imaging for precise disease diagnosis. Increased cancer screening, rising cardiovascular and neurological disorders, wider hospital adoption, improved radiotracer production, and strong reimbursement support for diagnostic nuclear procedures further strengthened demand and market leadership.

Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals

The therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR due to rising demand for targeted cancer treatments, expanding clinical evidence of efficacy, and increased FDA approvals. Personalized radionuclide therapies offer improved patient outcomes with fewer side effects. Growing investments in oncology research, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and broader healthcare access further accelerate adoption and market growth during the forecast period.

By Modality Insights

How the SPECT (Technetium-99m, Iodine-123) Segment Dominated the Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market in 2025?

In 2025, the SPECT (Technetium-99m, Iodine-123) segment dominated the market with a share of approximately 65% due to its wide clinical use, cost-effectiveness, and reliable availability. These isotopes support a broad range of diagnostic applications. particularly in cardiology and oncology, while SPECT systems remain more accessible than PET in many healthcare settings, driving higher procedure volumes globally.

PET (Fluorine-18, Gallium-68)

The PET (Fluorine-18, Gallium-68) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR due to its superior imaging accuracy, early disease detection capability, and expanding use in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. Advancements in PET scanner technology, increasing availability of PET tracers, and rising adoption in personalized medicine and targeted therapies further fuel rapid market growth during the forecast period.

By Application Insights

Why the Oncology Segment Dominated the Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market?

In 2025, the oncology segment dominated the market with a share of approximately 53% due to high cancer prevalence and the critical role of nuclear medicine in early diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring. The segment is also expected to grow at a faster CAGR, driven by increasing adoption of targeted radionuclide therapies, advancements in PET/SPECT tracers, personalized treatment approaches, and rising investments in oncology research and healthcare infrastructure worldwide.

By End User Insights

Why Did the Hospitals & Clinics Segment Dominate in the Market in 2025?

In 2025, the hospitals & clinics segment dominated the radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market with a share of approximately 68%, with high patient inflow and availability of advanced imaging equipment. Strong investments in healthcare infrastructure, wide adoption of PET and SPECT procedures, and the ability to provide both diagnostic and therapeutic services under one roof further reinforced their market leadership and consistent demand for radiopharmaceuticals.

Diagnostic Centers

The diagnostic centers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR  due to rising demand for specialized, cost-effective, and outpatient nuclear imaging services. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, expanding PET/SPECT capabilities, quicker test turnaround, and greater accessibility for patients outside hospital settings are driving adoption. Additionally, partnerships with healthcare providers and investments in advanced radiopharmaceutical technologies further accelerate the growth of diagnostic centers during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America: Powerhouse of Nuclear Medicine Radiopharmaceuticals

In 2025, North America dominated the global radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market with an approximate 44.5% share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of Pet and SPECT imaging, strong oncology prevalence, and significant R&D investments. Supportive government policies, well-established reimbursement systems, and increasing systems, and increasing awareness of nuclear procedures further reinforced the region’s market leadership and growth.

U.S.: Driving the Radiopharmaceuticals Market Forward

In 2025, the U.S. led the radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market by capturing the largest revenue share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of PET and SPECT imaging, strong focus on oncology diagnostics, robust R&D investments, and favorable regulatory and reimbursement policies supporting nuclear medicine procedures nationwide.

Asia Pacific Set to Lead Nuclear Medicine Growth

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR in the radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market during the forecast period due to rising healthcare investment, increasing cancer and cardiovascular cases, and expanding nuclear medicine facilities. Enhanced awareness of early diagnostic adoption of advanced PET/SPECT imaging, supportive government initiatives, and strategic investments by key players in countries like China and India are fueling rapid regional market growth.

India Poised for Rapid Growth in Radiopharmaceuticals Market

India is anticipated to grow at a rapid CAGR during the forecast period due to increasing cancer and cardiovascular disease prevalence, rising healthcare expenditure, and expanding nuclear medicine infrastructure. Growing awareness of early diagnostics, adoption of advanced PET/SPECT imaging, government initiatives promoting medical technology, and strategic investments by global and domestic players are driving significant growth in the Indian radiopharmaceuticals market.

Europe’s Rising Momentum in Nuclear Medicine

Europe is expected to grow at a notable CAGR in the radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine market during the forecast period due to the increasing prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and growing adoption of advanced PET and SPECT imaging. Supportive government regulations, rising investments in research and development, and the expansion of nuclear medicine facilities across key countries like Germany, France, and the UK are driving steady market growth.

UK Set for Rapid Growth in Radiopharmaceuticals Market

The UK is anticipated to grow at a rapid CAGR during the forecast period due to rising cancer and cardiovascular disease prevalence, increasing adoption of advanced PRT and SPECT imaging, and government support for nuclear medicine initiatives. Expansion of healthcare infrastructure, growing investments in R&D, and rising awareness of early diagnostics are driving strong demand for radiopharmaceuticals across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.

Value Chain Analysis

R&D 

• Radiopharmaceutical R&D centers on developing precise radioactive compounds for disease imaging (PET/SPECT) and targeted radionuclide therapies, mainly in oncology. The focus is shifting toward personalized, theranostic, and highly selective agents that improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
• Key players: Novartis, Bayer, GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers, Lantheus, Curium, Telix Pharmaceuticals.

Regulatory Approvals

• Regulatory approval of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine follows a dual framework, requiring adherence to drug safety, quality, and clinical effectiveness standards alongside strict radiation protection and handling regulations. This ensures both patient safety and therapeutic reliability.
• Key players: Novartis, Bayer, Curium, Eckert & Ziegler, Cardinal Health, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, Telix Pharmaceuticals.

Patient Support and Services

• Patient support and services in nuclear medicine radiopharmaceuticals are designed to enhance patient safety, improve imaging precision, and maximize treatment effectiveness while carefully controlling radiation exposure throughout diagnosis and therapy.
• Key players: GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers, Bracco, Curium, Lantheus, Bayer, and AAA (Advanced Accelerator Applications).

Top Vendors in the Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market & Their Offering

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• High diagnostic accuracy and targeted therapy capabilities.
• Strong clinical value in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
• Growing adoption of PET/SPECT and theranostic approaches.

Weaknesses

• High production and infrastructure costs.
• The short half-life of isotopes complicates logistics.
• Strict regulatory and radiation safety requirements.

Opportunities

• Rising demand for personalized and precision medicine.
• Expansion of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics.
• Growth in emerging markets and nuclear medicine facilities.

Threats

• Supply chain disruptions of radioisotopes.
• Regulatory delays and approval complexities.
• Competition from alternative diagnostic and treatment technologies.

What are the Recent Developments in the Radiopharmaceutical for Nuclear Medicine Market?

• In April 2024, Curium’s acquisition of Eczacıbaşı-Monrol Nuclear Product Co. strengthens its global presence by expanding PET and SPECT capabilities. The deal enhances infrastructure and supports the advancement of innovative radionuclides and radiopharmaceutical pipelines for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• In February 2024, Lantheus Holdings, Inc. partnered with the National Institute on Aging–supported CLARiTI consortium to support Alzheimer’s disease research. Under this collaboration, the consortium is using Lantheus’ clinical-stage F-18 PET imaging agent, MK-6240, to advance imaging-based investigations into Alzheimer’s pathology.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals
• Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals

By Modality

• SPECT (Technetium-99m, Iodine-123)
• PET (Fluorine-18, Gallium-68)

By Application

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Others (Endocrinology, Nephrology)

By End User

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Diagnostic Centers
• Research Institutes

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Norway
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Thailand
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Kuwait