The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market By Radioisotope (Fluorine-18 Derivatives, Technetium-99, Lutetium (Lu) 177, Gallium-68, Zirconium 89, 11C-choline, 14C-urea, and Other Radioisotopes), By Type, By Source, By Application, and By End User – The US Industry Outlook, Key Trends and Forecast 2025-2034

Market Overview

The US radiopharmaceuticals market is projected to grow from USD 2,364.1 million in 2025 to USD 3,189.6 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 3.4%. The market expansion is driven by increasing adoption of nuclear imaging, rising prevalence of oncology and cardiovascular diseases, and advancements in targeted radiotherapy and diagnostic isotopes.

Radiopharmaceuticals are specialized pharmaceutical compounds that contain radioactive isotopes and are primarily used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the field of nuclear medicine. These compounds are designed to target specific organs, tissues, or cellular receptors, enabling physicians to visualize biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels or to deliver targeted radiation therapy to diseased cells.

Radiopharmaceuticals play a critical role in identifying and treating conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, offering precise imaging and therapeutic solutions that traditional pharmaceuticals cannot achieve. Their development involves a combination of radiochemistry, pharmacology, and medical imaging technologies to ensure safety, efficacy, and specificity for clinical applications.

The US radiopharmaceuticals market refers to the sector involved in the production, distribution, and utilization of radioactive compounds for medical imaging, diagnosis, and targeted treatment. This market encompasses a wide range of products, including positron emission tomography tracers, technetium-based agents, and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals that address oncology, cardiology, and neurology needs. Growth in this market is driven by increasing adoption of nuclear imaging techniques, rising incidence of chronic and life-threatening diseases, and continuous technological advancements in radiochemistry and molecular imaging.

In addition, the US radiopharmaceuticals market is influenced by regulatory frameworks, reimbursement policies, and collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare providers. Expansion is also fueled by the development of personalized medicine approaches that leverage radiopharmaceuticals for patient-specific treatment plans.

Increasing investments in research and development, along with the rising availability of hospital-based cyclotrons and radiopharmacies, further support market penetration and adoption across diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The market remains competitive, with major players focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and clinical trials to enhance their product portfolios and meet growing medical demands.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Key Takeaways

• Market Value: The US Radiopharmaceuticals market size is expected to reach a value of USD 3,189.5 million by 2034 from a base value of USD 2,364.1 million in 2025 at a CAGR of 3.4%.
• By Radioisotope Segment Analysis: Fluorine-18 Derivatives are expected to maintain their dominance in the radioisotope segment, capturing 15.0% of the total market share in 2025.
• By Type Mode Segment Analysis: Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals will dominate the type segment, capturing 74.0% of the market share in 2025.
• By Source Segment Analysis: Cyclotrons are anticipated to dominate the source segment, capturing 39.0% of the total market share in 2025.
• By Application Segment Analysis: Oncology applications will dominate the application segment, capturing 32.0% of the market share in 2025.
• By End-User Segment Analysis: Hospitals will account for the maximum share in the end-user segment, capturing 30.0% of the market share in 2025.
• Key Players: Some key players in the US Radiopharmaceuticals market include Eli Lilly and Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Iso-Tex Diagnostics, Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, Lantheus Holdings, Inc., Cardinal Health, Inc., GE HealthCare Technologies Inc., Siemens Healthineers, Novartis, RayzeBio (BMS), BWXT Medical, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Others.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Use Cases

• Oncology Imaging and Targeted Therapy: Radiopharmaceuticals are extensively used in oncology for both imaging and therapeutic purposes. Positron emission tomography (PET) tracers and technetium-based agents enable accurate visualization of tumors, helping clinicians detect cancer at early stages and monitor disease progression. Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals deliver targeted radiation to malignant cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The adoption of precision medicine and personalized oncology treatments is driving demand for radiopharmaceuticals in cancer diagnosis and therapy, supporting improved patient outcomes.
• Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis: In cardiology, radiopharmaceuticals play a crucial role in evaluating heart function, detecting ischemia, and assessing myocardial perfusion. Agents labeled with radioactive isotopes, such as technetium-99m, provide detailed imaging of cardiac tissue, aiding in early diagnosis of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions. The use of nuclear imaging in risk stratification and treatment planning enhances clinical decision-making and reduces the need for invasive procedures, thereby increasing adoption in hospitals and cardiac care centers.
• Neurological Disorder Assessment: Radiopharmaceuticals are widely applied in neurology to assess brain function and detect neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. PET and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging agents allow visualization of amyloid plaques, dopamine transporters, and cerebral blood flow abnormalities. This facilitates early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and research into brain disorders, driving growth in the neuroimaging segment of the US market.
• Theranostics and Personalized Medicine: The integration of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in radiopharmaceuticals, known as theranostics, is transforming personalized medicine in the US. These agents enable physicians to diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases using a single compound tailored to patient-specific molecular profiles. Applications in targeted therapy, dose optimization, and treatment monitoring are accelerating adoption in oncology, cardiology, and rare disease management. The focus on precision medicine and patient-specific treatment solutions continues to expand the market for advanced radiopharmaceuticals.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the US Radiopharmaceuticals Market

• Enhanced Drug Discovery and Development: Artificial intelligence is accelerating the discovery of novel radiopharmaceutical compounds by analyzing complex biological and chemical data. Machine learning algorithms predict molecular behavior, optimize isotope selection, and identify potential therapeutic targets, reducing development timelines and costs while improving efficacy and safety profiles.
• Improved Diagnostic Accuracy and Imaging: AI-powered imaging tools enhance the interpretation of PET and SPECT scans, enabling more precise detection of tumors, cardiac anomalies, and neurological disorders. Advanced algorithms can detect subtle patterns, quantify tracer uptake, and reduce human error, increasing the reliability of radiopharmaceutical-based diagnostics.
• Optimized Manufacturing and Supply Chain: AI applications in production and logistics streamline the manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient isotope distribution. Predictive analytics and automated monitoring help manage short-lived isotopes, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency in the US market.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Stats & Facts

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• In 2025, the DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) collaborated with various agencies to support domestic production of vital medical isotopes, including molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), essential for radiopharmaceuticals.
• The DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy has been actively involved in initiatives to enhance the domestic supply chain for medical isotopes, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign sources.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• In August 2025, the FDA published a draft guidance on dosage optimization during clinical development of oncology therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, aiming to standardize dosing protocols.
• The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) oversees the regulation of radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring their safety and efficacy for public use.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• The EPA provides guidelines on the safe use of radiation in nuclear medicine, emphasizing the importance of proper training and safety measures in handling radiopharmaceuticals.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

• The NRC regulates the use of radioactive materials, including radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring that facilities meet strict safety standards.
• In 2025, the NRC continued its oversight of radiopharmaceutical production and usage, collaborating with state programs to maintain safety and compliance.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Market Dynamics

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Driving Factors

Rising Incidence of Chronic and Life-Threatening Diseases
The increasing prevalence of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders in the United States is driving demand for radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear imaging and targeted radiotherapy are critical tools for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized treatment planning, making radiopharmaceuticals an essential component of modern healthcare. Hospitals and diagnostic centers are expanding their nuclear medicine capabilities, which further fuels market growth.

Advancements in Nuclear Medicine and Radiochemistry
Technological innovations in radiochemistry, PET tracers, and theranostic agents are enhancing the specificity and safety of radiopharmaceuticals. Improvements in isotope production, labeling techniques, and molecular targeting enable more accurate diagnostics and effective therapies, encouraging adoption by healthcare providers and research institutions.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Restraints

Stringent Regulatory Approvals
The US radiopharmaceuticals market faces rigorous regulatory requirements from the FDA and other health authorities. Lengthy approval processes, complex clinical trials, and strict quality control standards can delay product launches and increase development costs, limiting market entry for smaller companies.

High Cost of Radiopharmaceuticals and Imaging Procedures
The production of radioactive isotopes and associated imaging procedures is capital-intensive, making radiopharmaceutical-based diagnostics and therapies expensive. Limited reimbursement coverage and high out-of-pocket costs for patients can restrict adoption, particularly in smaller clinics and rural healthcare settings.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Opportunities

Expansion of Personalized Medicine
The growing focus on patient-specific treatment plans presents significant opportunities for radiopharmaceuticals. Theranostic agents that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions enable clinicians to tailor therapies based on molecular profiling, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This trend is creating demand for innovative radiopharmaceuticals targeting rare and complex diseases.

Emerging Hospital-Based Radiopharmacies and Cyclotron Installations
The establishment of hospital-based radiopharmacies and in-house cyclotrons for isotope production offers opportunities to enhance local supply, reduce isotope decay, and increase adoption of nuclear imaging and therapy. These facilities support timely delivery of short-lived isotopes, improving operational efficiency and patient access.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Trends

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are being increasingly integrated into radiopharmaceutical development, imaging interpretation, and supply chain management. Predictive analytics and automated image analysis are improving diagnostic accuracy, optimizing therapy planning, and enhancing operational efficiency across hospitals and research centers.

Shift towards Theranostics and Targeted Radiotherapy
The trend toward combining diagnostic imaging with therapeutic interventions, known as theranostics, is transforming the US radiopharmaceuticals market. Targeted radiotherapy agents allow clinicians to deliver personalized treatments while simultaneously monitoring disease progression, driving adoption in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Research Scope and Analysis

By Radioisotope Analysis

Fluorine-18 derivatives are among the most widely used radioisotopes in the US radiopharmaceuticals market, particularly in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. These compounds are highly valued for their ability to produce high-resolution images with relatively short half-lives, allowing for detailed visualization of metabolic and molecular processes within the body.

Fluorine-18 labeled agents, such as fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), are extensively employed in oncology for tumor detection, staging, and treatment monitoring, as well as in cardiology and neurology to assess tissue viability and brain function. Their favorable pharmacokinetics, strong targeting ability, and compatibility with advanced PET imaging systems support their continued dominance in the radioisotope segment, capturing approximately 15% of the market share in 2025. Increasing adoption of PET imaging in hospitals and diagnostic centers, along with ongoing research into novel fluorine-18 compounds, is expected to sustain growth in this segment.

Technetium-99m is another cornerstone radioisotope in nuclear medicine, widely used for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Its ideal half-life of six hours and gamma emission properties make it highly suitable for diagnostic imaging of organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and bones.

Technetium-99m labeled agents enable clinicians to evaluate myocardial perfusion, detect fractures, and monitor organ function with minimal radiation exposure to patients. The radioisotope is produced using molybdenum-99 generators, which allow on-site availability in hospitals and imaging centers, supporting timely diagnostic procedures. Its versatility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness make technetium-99m a critical component of the US radiopharmaceuticals market, driving widespread use across cardiology, oncology, and general diagnostic applications.

By Type Analysis

Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are expected to dominate the type segment of the US radiopharmaceuticals market, capturing approximately 74.0% of the market share in 2025. These compounds are primarily used for imaging and disease detection, providing critical insights into physiological and molecular processes within the body.

Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including PET and SPECT tracers, are widely employed in oncology for tumor detection and staging, in cardiology for evaluating myocardial perfusion, and in neurology for assessing brain function and neurodegenerative disorders. Their ability to provide high-resolution, non-invasive imaging supports early diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease monitoring, driving widespread adoption in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research institutions across the United States.

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, in contrast, are designed for targeted treatment rather than diagnosis. These agents deliver radioactive isotopes directly to diseased cells, particularly cancerous tissues, while minimizing exposure to healthy organs.

Isotopes such as lutetium-177, iodine-131, and yttrium-90 are commonly used for therapies in oncology, offering personalized treatment options based on molecular profiling. The growing focus on precision medicine and the need for effective, minimally invasive therapies are fueling demand for therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Their applications are also expanding into cardiovascular and bone-related treatments, highlighting their potential to complement traditional therapies and transform patient care in the US market.

By Source Analysis

Cyclotrons are anticipated to dominate the source segment of the US radiopharmaceuticals market, capturing approximately 39% of the total market share in 2025. These devices are widely used for on-site production of short-lived radioisotopes, particularly fluorine-18, which is essential for PET imaging.

Cyclotrons enable hospitals and diagnostic centers to generate high-purity isotopes quickly, reducing transportation challenges and minimizing decay during delivery. Their ability to produce patient-specific doses and support rapid synthesis of novel tracers contributes to increased efficiency, timely diagnostics, and enhanced adoption of PET-based imaging procedures across oncology, cardiology, and neurology applications. The growing establishment of hospital-based cyclotron facilities and research centers is further strengthening their dominance in the source segment.

Nuclear reactors, in contrast, serve as a primary source for producing longer-lived radioisotopes such as technetium-99m and molybdenum-99, which are extensively used in SPECT imaging and therapeutic applications.

These reactors provide a continuous supply of high-activity isotopes for large-scale distribution to hospitals, radiopharmacies, and diagnostic centers. Although dependent on centralized production and longer lead times, reactor-produced isotopes are critical for routine diagnostic procedures and therapies requiring stable and consistent isotope availability. Nuclear reactors remain essential for meeting national demand for certain radiopharmaceuticals, complementing cyclotron-based production and supporting widespread adoption across the US healthcare system.

By Application Analysis

Oncology applications are expected to dominate the application segment of the US radiopharmaceuticals market, capturing approximately 32% of the market share in 2025. Radiopharmaceuticals play a critical role in cancer detection, staging, and treatment monitoring through advanced imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Agents like fluorine-18 labeled compounds and therapeutic isotopes enable precise visualization of tumors, assessment of metastatic spread, and evaluation of treatment response. The increasing prevalence of cancer, growing awareness about early diagnosis, and adoption of personalized medicine approaches are driving the widespread use of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology, making it the largest application segment in the US market.

Cardiology is another important application segment, where radiopharmaceuticals are used to evaluate heart function, detect coronary artery disease, and assess myocardial perfusion. Technetium-99m labeled agents and other isotopes provide high-resolution imaging of cardiac tissues, helping physicians identify ischemic regions, monitor heart muscle viability, and guide treatment planning.

The non-invasive nature of nuclear cardiac imaging, combined with its ability to deliver accurate diagnostic information, is increasing adoption in hospitals, specialized cardiac centers, and diagnostic laboratories. Growing cardiovascular disease prevalence and the need for early intervention continue to support the expansion of radiopharmaceutical applications in cardiology.

By End-User Analysis

Hospitals are expected to account for the largest share in the end-user segment of the US radiopharmaceuticals market, capturing approximately 30% of the market share in 2025. Hospitals are primary hubs for nuclear medicine procedures, including PET and SPECT imaging, as well as targeted radiotherapy treatments.

The availability of in-house radiopharmacies, cyclotrons, and advanced imaging equipment enables hospitals to provide timely diagnostics and personalized therapeutic solutions. The increasing demand for early disease detection, growing patient volumes, and integration of radiopharmaceutical-based diagnostics into standard care pathways are driving hospital adoption, making them the dominant end-users in the US market.

Medical imaging centers also play a significant role in the radiopharmaceuticals market by providing specialized diagnostic services such as PET and SPECT scans. These centers often collaborate with hospitals and research institutions to offer advanced imaging solutions for oncology, cardiology, and neurology applications.

Focused expertise, state-of-the-art imaging technology, and the ability to handle short-lived isotopes efficiently make medical imaging centers important contributors to the overall market. Their expansion, particularly in urban and high-demand regions, supports broader access to nuclear imaging services and drives growth in the radiopharmaceuticals market.

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following:

By Radioisotope

• Fluorine-18 Derivatives
  • Fluorine-18 Fludeoxyglucose (FDG)
  • Fluorine-18 Sodium Fluoride
  • Fluorine-18 Sodium Flucicovine
  • Fluorine-18 Sodium Florbetapir
  • Fluorine-18 Sodium Flurbetaben
  • Others
• Technetium-99
• Lutetium (Lu) 177
• Gallium-68
  • Dotatate
  • Dotatoc
• Zirconium 89
• 11C-choline
• 14C-urea
• Other Radioisotope

By Type

• Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals
  • SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals
  • PET Radiopharmaceuticals
    • Standalone PET Systems
    • Hybrid PET/CT
    • Hybrid PET/MRI
• Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Alpha Emitters
  • Beta Emitters
  • Others

By Source

• Cyclotrons
• Nuclear Reactors
• Generators

By Application

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Other Application

By End User

• Hospitals
• Medical Imaging centers
• Cancer Research Institute
• Other End User

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Competitive Landscape

The US radiopharmaceuticals market is highly competitive, driven by continuous innovation in diagnostic and therapeutic agents, advancements in molecular imaging technologies, and strategic collaborations across the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. Companies are increasingly focusing on research and development to introduce novel radioisotopes, enhance tracer specificity, and expand theranostic applications.

Market players are also investing in hospital-based cyclotrons, radiopharmacies, and supply chain optimization to ensure timely delivery of short-lived isotopes. Strategic partnerships with research institutions, clinical trials, and adoption of precision medicine approaches further intensify competition, as organizations strive to improve patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in the rapidly growing US nuclear medicine landscape.

Some of the prominent players in the US Radiopharmaceuticals market are:

• Eli Lilly and Company
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Iso-Tex Diagnostics, Inc.
• PerkinElmer Inc.
• Shimadzu Corporation
• Lantheus Holdings, Inc.
• Cardinal Health, Inc.
• GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
• Siemens Healthineers
• Novartis
• RayzeBio (BMS)
• BWXT Medical
• Telix Pharmaceuticals
• Jubilant Pharmova
• PeptiDream
• Eckert & Ziegler
• Clarity Pharmaceuticals
• Perseus Proteomics
• Actinium Pharmaceuticals
• OncoTherapy Science
• Other Key Players

The US Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Recent Developments

• October 2025: Clarity Pharmaceuticals announced a copper-67 supply agreement with Nusano, expanding its network of US-based suppliers, including NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes and Idaho State University Idaho Accelerator Center.
• September 2025: Full-Life Technologies secured USUSD 77 million in financing, comprising USUSD 50 million in Series C equity and USUSD 27 million in debt, to accelerate the development of its radiopharmaceutical pipeline and manufacturing capabilities.
• June 2025: GE HealthCare introduced LesionID™ Pro at the SNMMI Annual Meeting, aiming to enhance theranostic applications with automated imaging analysis.
• May 2025: SHINE Medical Technologies agreed to acquire Lantheus's SPECT business line, including technetium-99m and xenon-133 diagnostic products, strengthening its position in the nuclear medicine market.

Report Details

Report Characteristics
Market Size (2025)	USD 2,364.1 Mn
Forecast Value (2034)	USD 3,189.5 Mn
CAGR (2025–2034)	3.4%
The US Market Size (2025)	USD 4.2 Bn
Historical Data	2019 – 2024
Forecast Data	2026 – 2034
Base Year	2024
Estimate Year	2025
Report Coverage	Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, etc.
Segments Covered	By Radioisotope (Fluorine-18 Derivatives, Technetium-99, Lutetium (Lu) 177, Gallium-68, Zirconium 89, 11C-choline, 14C-urea, Other Radioisotope), By Type (Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals, Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals), By Source (Cyclotrons, Nuclear Reactors, Generators), By Application (Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Other Application), and By End User (Hospitals, Medical Imaging centers, Cancer Research Institute, Other End User)
Regional Coverage	The US
Prominent Players	Eli Lilly and Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Iso-Tex Diagnostics, Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, Lantheus Holdings, Inc., Cardinal Health, Inc., GE HealthCare Technologies Inc., Siemens Healthineers, Novartis, RayzeBio (BMS), BWXT Medical, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Others.
Purchase Options	We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days, and 5 analysts working days respectively.