Global Nuclear Medicine Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Product Type;
Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine - SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals[Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), Thallium-201 (Tl-201), Gallium-67 (Ga-67), Iodine-123 (I-123), and Others], - PET Radiopharmaceuticals[Fluorine-18 (F-18), Rubidium-82 (Ru-82), and Others] - Alpha Emitters[Radium-223 (Ra-223)], - Beta Emitters[Iodine-131 (I-131), Yttrium-90 (Y-90), Sm-153, Re-186, Lu-177, and Others]By Type;
Targeted Drug Delivery Systems, Controlled Drug Delivery Systems, and Modulated Drug Delivery SystemsBy Application;
Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Thyroid, and OthersBy End User;
Hospitals & Diagnostic Centers, and Research InstitutesBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Nuclear Medicine Market Overview
Nuclear Medicine Market (USD Million)
Nuclear Medicine Market was valued at USD 10,829.50 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 19,293.77 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6%.
Global Nuclear Medicine Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 8.6 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
---|---|
Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 8.6 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 10,829.50 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 19,293.77 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 369 |
Major Players
- Cardinal Health Inc
- GE Healthcare
- Curium Pharma
- Siemens Healthineers
- Lantheus Medical Imaging
- Bayer AG
- Bracco Imaging S.p.A
- Jubilant Pharma
- Eckert & Ziegler
- Nordion
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Global Nuclear Medicine Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The nuclear medicine market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. As the prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders continues to rise, the use of radiopharmaceuticals has expanded. Currently, over 60% of nuclear medicine procedures are focused on oncology and cardiology, highlighting their critical role in precise disease diagnosis and management. The non-invasive nature of nuclear imaging, combined with its ability to deliver accurate results, is a key factor driving its widespread adoption.
Innovations in Radiopharmaceuticals
The field of radiopharmaceuticals is witnessing rapid advancements, significantly enhancing the precision and effectiveness of nuclear medicine. Nearly 40% of recent drug developments in this space are directed towards targeted radiotherapy, which aims to deliver precise radiation doses directly to affected tissues, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells. This targeted approach is improving patient outcomes and reducing side effects, making it a vital component of modern cancer therapy.
Expanding Applications in Oncology
The oncology sector is a dominant segment within the nuclear medicine market, consuming nearly 50% of all radiopharmaceuticals. The growing incidence of cancer and the demand for accurate tumor localization are fueling this trend. Moreover, ongoing advancements in radiotheranostics, which combine diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy, are transforming cancer treatment, offering more personalized and effective care for patients.
Future Growth Opportunities
With continuous advancements in molecular imaging and theranostics, the nuclear medicine market is set for sustained growth. More than 45% of ongoing innovations in this field are focused on personalized treatments, reflecting a broader shift toward precision medicine. This focus on patient-centric care is expected to further strengthen the role of nuclear medicine in the healthcare landscape, supporting its continued expansion.
Nuclear Medicine Market Recent Developments
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In February 2024, Lantheus Holdings, Inc. collaborated with the National Institute on Aging-sponsored study, the Consortium for Clarity in ADRD Research through Imaging (CLARiTI). This agreement permitted the consortium to utilize MK-6240, Lantheus’ clinical-stage F18-labeled PET imaging agent, in Alzheimer’s disease research.
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In January 2021, Advanced Accelerator Applications (France) signed a multi-year exclusive supply agreement for lutetium-177 with the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). This agreement enabled MURR to supply AAA with GMP-quality lutetium-177 chloride, essential for developing Lutathera and other Lu-177-based therapeutics.
Nuclear Medicine Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Product Type, Type, Application, End User and Geography.
Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Product Type
The Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Product Type into Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine, Iodine, - PET Radiopharmaceuticals[Fluorine-18 (F-18), Rubidium-82 (Ru-82) and Others] - Alpha Emitters[Radium-223 (Ra-223)], - Beta Emitters[Iodine-131 (I-131), Yttrium-90 (Y-90), Sm-153, Re-186, Lu-177 and Others].
Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine – SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals
SPECT radiopharmaceuticals, dominating the diagnostic segment with a 45% share, include isotopes such as Technetium-99m and Thallium-201. These agents are critical in functional imaging for cardiovascular, bone, and endocrine disorders due to their stability and availability.
Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine – PET Radiopharmaceuticals
PET radiopharmaceuticals, holding 30%, are vital in advanced molecular imaging. Fluorine-18 and Rubidium-82 offer high-resolution images for cancer, brain, and heart diagnostics, enabling early detection and precise treatment planning.
Alpha Emitters
Alpha emitters, capturing 12% of the market, are gaining traction in therapeutic nuclear medicine. Radium-223, used for bone metastases in prostate cancer, delivers intense localized radiation with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues.
Beta Emitters
Beta emitters, comprising 13%, are established tools in radionuclide therapy. Isotopes like Iodine-131, Yttrium-90, and Lutetium-177 offer deep tissue penetration, making them suitable for thyroid, liver, and neuroendocrine cancer treatments.
Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Type
The Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Type into Targeted Drug Delivery Systems, Controlled Drug Delivery Systems and Modulated Drug Delivery Systems.
Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
Targeted drug delivery systems, holding 48% of the nuclear medicine market, enable precise delivery of radiopharmaceuticals to cancerous tissues. This approach enhances therapeutic efficacy while protecting healthy organs, making it a cornerstone in modern nuclear oncology treatments.
Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled delivery systems, with a 32% share, release radioactive agents at a predictable rate. They are especially beneficial in chronic conditions where maintaining consistent therapeutic radiation levels over time is critical for patient outcomes.
Modulated Drug Delivery Systems
Modulated systems, comprising 20%, are engineered to adjust drug release based on biological signals or external triggers. These smart platforms are gaining ground for their role in personalized nuclear therapies that adapt in real-time to patient physiology.
Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Application
The Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Application into Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Thyroid and Others.
Oncology
Oncology leads the nuclear medicine market with a 42% share, driven by the increasing adoption of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer diagnosis and therapy. PET and SPECT scans, as well as radiotherapeutics like Lu-177 and Ra-223, are revolutionizing personalized cancer care.
Cardiology
Cardiology, holding 28%, relies heavily on nuclear imaging for evaluating blood flow and heart function. Myocardial perfusion imaging remains a gold standard for detecting coronary artery disease and planning interventions.
Neurology
Neurology applications contribute 14%, with growing use in diagnosing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. Brain SPECT and PET scans provide valuable insights into brain metabolism and neurotransmitter function.
Thyroid
Thyroid-related nuclear medicine, at 10%, continues to play a critical role in managing thyroid disorders. Iodine-131 and other isotopes are used effectively in both imaging and therapy, especially for thyroid cancer and Graves' disease.
Others
Other applications, comprising 6%, include renal scans, bone imaging, and lung perfusion studies. These are expanding in usage due to increased recognition of nuclear medicine's value in multi-specialty diagnostics.
Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by End User
The Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by End User into Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers and Research Institutes.
Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers
Hospitals and diagnostic centers dominate the nuclear medicine market with a 78% share. These institutions are essential for clinical applications, offering comprehensive imaging services, radiotherapy, and access to cutting-edge technologies for patient care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
Research Institutes
Research institutes, comprising 22% of the market, are pivotal in driving advancements in nuclear medicine. They focus on discovering new radiopharmaceuticals, optimizing dosimetry protocols, and conducting clinical trials to bring innovative therapies to market.
Nuclear Medicine Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Nuclear Medicine Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Nuclear Medicine Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America dominates the nuclear medicine market with a 44% share. The presence of advanced healthcare systems, favorable reimbursement policies, and continuous R&D in radiopharmaceuticals support its leading position, especially in the U.S. and Canada.
Europe
Europe, capturing 26%, continues to expand due to increasing demand for PET and SPECT imaging. Strong regulatory frameworks, growing cancer diagnostics, and emphasis on early disease detection contribute to market growth.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific, with an 18% market share, is rapidly emerging as a major player. Accelerated adoption of nuclear diagnostics, infrastructure improvements, and high unmet medical needs make it a hotspot for investment.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa, at 6%, is witnessing steady growth. Government initiatives, medical tourism, and growing investments in diagnostic imaging are enhancing access to nuclear medicine in this region.
Latin America
Latin America, also at 6%, is gradually embracing nuclear medicine technologies. Expansion of public healthcare programs, collaborations with international vendors, and rising incidences of cancer and cardiovascular diseases support market expansion.
Nuclear Medicine Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Nuclear Medicine Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
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Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing incidence of cancer
- Growing awareness about nuclear medicine
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Rising demand for effective diagnostics - The nuclear medicine market is witnessing momentum due to the rising demand for effective diagnostics. As healthcare providers focus on early disease detection, nuclear imaging modalities like PET and SPECT have become critical for their highly accurate, molecular-level insights. These tools support better decision-making and improved treatment outcomes across multiple clinical domains. Chronic diseases and aging populations are amplifying the importance of early diagnostic capabilities. Nuclear medicine enables physicians to detect abnormalities before structural changes manifest, making it a vital tool for timely interventions. Patients benefit from faster diagnoses and more personalized care strategies.
The evolution of hybrid imaging systems, combining modalities such as PET-CT or PET-MRI, has expanded the functional capabilities of diagnostics. These combinations allow for both anatomical and physiological visualization, increasing diagnostic confidence in complex cases involving oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Broader access to nuclear imaging tools is also improving, supported by technological advancements and expanding radiopharmaceutical supply chains. This trend is making advanced diagnostics available to a wider range of healthcare facilities, enhancing the market’s global footprint.
Restraints
- Stringent regulatory requirements
- Limited availability of skilled professionals
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Concerns regarding radiation exposure - One major limiting factor for the nuclear medicine market is concern over radiation exposure. While the benefits of radiopharmaceutical-based imaging are significant, fears around long-term radiation risks, especially for children and patients requiring multiple scans, continue to influence both clinician and patient decisions. Regulatory bodies impose strict dosage protocols and operational safeguards, increasing the cost and complexity of implementation. This poses a challenge for smaller clinics and diagnostic centers, which may find it difficult to meet compliance requirements without substantial investment in training and infrastructure.
In many cases, non-ionizing imaging alternatives like ultrasound or MRI are favored to avoid radiation altogether. This preference results in reduced utilization of nuclear medicine techniques in situations where their application would otherwise enhance diagnostic accuracy. To overcome this barrier, the industry is focusing on developing low-dose imaging solutions and raising awareness about the safety profile of modern radiopharmaceuticals. Effective education and innovation will be crucial to mitigating risk perception and promoting broader adoption.
Opportunities
- Development of novel radiopharmaceuticals
- Increasing applications in therapeutics
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Collaborations and partnerships for R&D - Strong potential exists in the market through collaborations and partnerships for R&D. Cross-sector initiatives among pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, and medical device companies are fueling the development of innovative imaging agents and equipment with enhanced diagnostic capabilities. These alliances are not only advancing the science but also improving supply chain resilience for key isotopes. As access to critical radiopharmaceuticals improves, healthcare facilities globally can provide nuclear imaging more consistently and reliably.
Collaborative R&D efforts are also accelerating the rise of theranostics integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches tailored to patient-specific profiles. This represents a growing area of interest within nuclear medicine, driven by the shift toward personalized healthcare solutions. Ultimately, partnerships foster faster innovation cycles and ensure that cutting-edge technologies are delivered to a broader range of healthcare systems. This cooperative approach is vital for scaling up the global impact of nuclear medicine and addressing unmet medical needs.
Nuclear Medicine Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Nuclear Medicine Market include:
- Cardinal Health Inc
- GE Healthcare
- Curium Pharma
- Siemens Healthineers
- Lantheus Medical Imaging
- Bayer AG
- Bracco Imaging SpA
- Jubilant Pharma
- Eckert & Ziegler
- Nordion
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Product Type
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Nuclear Medicine Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing incidence of cancer
- Growing awareness about nuclear medicine
- Rising demand for effective diagnostics
- Restraints
- Stringent regulatory requirements
- Limited availability of skilled professionals
- Concerns regarding radiation exposure
- Opportunities
- Development of novel radiopharmaceuticals
- Increasing applications in therapeutics
- Collaborations and partnerships for R&D
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Nuclear Medicine Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
- SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals
- Technetium-99m (Tc-99m)
- Thallium-201 (Tl-201)
- Gallium-67 (Ga-67)
- Iodine-123 (I-123)
- Others
- PET Radiopharmaceuticals
- Fluorine-18 (F-18)
- Rubidium-82 (Ru-82)
- Others
- Alpha Emitters
- Radium-223 (Ra-223)
- Beta Emitters
- Iodine-131 (I-131)
- Yttrium-90 (Y-90)
- Sm-153
- Re-186
- Lu-177
- Others
- SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals
- Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
- Nuclear Medicine Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
- Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
- Modulated Drug Delivery Systems
- Nuclear Medicine Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Thyroid
- Others
- Nuclear Medicine Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Hospitals & Diagnostic Centers
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Research Institutes
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- Nuclear Medicine Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Nuclear Medicine Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Cardinal Health Inc
- GE Healthcare
- Curium Pharma
- Siemens Healthineers
- Lantheus Medical Imaging
- Bayer AG
- Bracco Imaging S.p.A
- Jubilant Pharma
- Eckert & Ziegler
- Nordion
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market