Nuclear Medicine Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Nuclear Medicine industry is projected to expand significantly, rising from USD 10.19 Billion in 2025 to USD 19.34 Billion by 2031, achieving a CAGR of 11.27%. This specialized medical field utilizes radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate physiological processes and manage diseases through targeted molecular interventions. The market's foundational growth is driven by a rapidly aging global demographic and an associated increase in chronic illnesses, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which necessitate high-precision diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. These epidemiological and demographic trends guarantee a lasting demand for nuclear imaging and radionuclide therapies, distinguishing them from temporary market fads.

Despite this potential, the sector encounters major obstacles related to supply chain reliability, specifically the continuous availability of short-lived radioisotopes essential for diagnostics. Producing these vital materials depends heavily on a small number of aging research reactors, leaving the supply chain exposed to logistical interruptions. Highlighting this fragility, Nuclear Medicine Europe reported that unexpected reactor maintenance in late 2024 was expected to result in supply shortages reaching 40% for critical diagnostic isotope generators, underscoring the instability of the global distribution framework.

Market Drivers

The swift growth of theranostics and precision medicine serves as a major accelerator for market expansion, transitioning the industry from solely diagnostic imaging to comprehensive therapeutic strategies. This methodology, which combines diagnostic biomarkers with therapeutic radioisotopes, has achieved significant commercial success, especially in oncology for managing prostate and neuroendocrine tumors. The financial strength of this trend is demonstrated by the performance of top radioligand therapies; for example, Novartis revealed in its Q3 2024 results that global revenue for its prostate cancer treatment, Pluvicto, hit $386 million in that quarter, marking a 50% increase year-over-year. Accordingly, leading pharmaceutical companies are rapidly investing in this sector, as seen in Bristol Myers Squibb's acquisition of RayzeBio for roughly $4.1 billion in February 2024 to secure an actinium-based radiopharmaceutical pipeline, confirming the industry's shift toward targeted alpha therapies.

Concurrently, advancements in isotope production and the radiopharmaceutical supply chain are developing to reduce the historic dependence on older nuclear reactors. To counter the instability of global distribution and the shortage of alpha-emitters needed for advanced therapies, there is a notable increase in investments toward alternative manufacturing techniques, such as particle accelerators. This structural evolution is highlighted by recent funding for European infrastructure; PanTera NV announced in September 2024 that it secured €93 million in Series A funding to fast-track the creation of a commercial-scale Actinium-225 production plant in Belgium. Such enhancements in production capacity are vital for guaranteeing a consistent isotope supply, thereby diminishing logistical risks and enabling the sustainable commercial launch of novel nuclear medicine agents.

Market Challenges

The central hurdle obstructing the Global Nuclear Medicine market's progress is the ongoing volatility of its supply chain, specifically concerning the manufacture of short-lived radioisotopes. In contrast to standard drugs, isotopes like Molybdenum-99 cannot be stored due to rapid radioactive decay, requiring a flawless "just-in-time" global delivery system. This network currently depends on a shrinking group of aging research reactors that are increasingly susceptible to structural breakdowns and unplanned maintenance. When these essential facilities become inoperative, the resulting shortage of diagnostic agents compels healthcare providers to delay or annul procedures, directly impacting patient volume and revenue streams.

This lack of operational reliability significantly restricts market growth by undermining the trust of hospital administrators and physicians. Confronted with erratic supply schedules, medical practitioners may redirect patients toward other diagnostic methods such as CT or MRI, effectively slowing the uptake of nuclear imaging technologies. The gravity of this reliance is particularly severe in key markets; for instance, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging reported in 2024 that the United States depended on foreign imports for more than 80% of its Technetium-99m supply, rendering the industry extremely susceptible to disruptions in international logistics.

Market Trends

The extension of radiopharmaceutical utility into neurology is significantly transforming the market, fueled by the release of disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments that require accurate molecular imaging. Departing from the sector’s traditional focus on oncology, this trend relies on the essential function of amyloid-beta positron emission tomography (PET) scans for qualifying patients and monitoring treatment. This clinical requirement has triggered an immediate rise in diagnostic volumes, confirming the movement toward non-cancer applications. As an illustration, Fierce Pharma reported in February 2025 that Eisai observed a 45% surge in amyloid beta PET testing volumes within the United States during the last quarter of 2024, showing a direct link between therapeutic uptake and diagnostic demand.

At the same time, the increasing importance of Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) is becoming a fundamental component of the industry structure, as stakeholders aim to reduce supply chain risks through robust, consolidated infrastructure. Major healthcare organizations and investors are placing higher value on vertically integrated manufacturers capable of ensuring reliable complex isotope production and global delivery. This appreciation is reflected in recent financial activities; for example, Curium Pharma announced in November 2025 that it completed a recapitalization deal valuing the enterprise at roughly $7 billion, highlighting the premium attached to scalable manufacturing competencies.

Key Players Profiled in the Nuclear Medicine industry is projected to expand significantly, rising from USD 10.19 Billion in 2025 to USD 19.34 Billion by 2031, achieving a CAGR of 11.27%. This specialized medical field utilizes radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate physiological processes and manage diseases through targeted molecular interventions. The market

• Cardinal Health, Inc.
• Curium SAS
• GE Healthcare, Inc.
• Novartis AG
• Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Bracco Imaging S.p.A
• Nordion Inc.
• Isotopia Molecular Imaging Limited
• NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Nuclear Medicine market has been segmented into the following categories:

Nuclear Medicine market, by Type:

• Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine & Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine market, by Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine:

• SPECT & PET Radiopharmaceuticals

Nuclear Medicine market, by Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine:

• Beta Emitters
• Alpha Emitters & Brachytherapy Isotopes

Nuclear Medicine market, by Application:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Others

Nuclear Medicine market, by End User:

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Diagnostic Centers
• Academic & Research Institutions
• Others

Nuclear Medicine market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Nuclear Medicine market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.