심혈관질환, 암, 호흡기질환, 신경질환, 대사성질환 등 만성질환의 유병률 증가는 핵의학 시장의 중요한 촉진요인입니다. 따라서 만성질환 유병률 증가는 시장 규모의 성장을 급증시켜 2024년에는 68억 달러를 돌파하였고, 2032년에는 129억 9,000만 달러의 평가액에 이를 전망입니다.
헬스케어 분야에서 핵의학의 채용은 기존의 의약품에 비해 초기 단계에 있었습니다. 그러나 의료용 화상 처리 기술, 방사성 의약품 진보, 핵의학의 이점에 대한 이해의 심화로 핵의학의 채용이 증가하고 있습니다. 이처럼 헬스케어 분야의 핵의학 채택 확대로 시장은 2026-2032년 CAGR 9.30%로 성장할 전망입니다.
핵의학 시장 정의 및 개요
핵의학은 신경학, 순환기학, 내분비계, 소화기계, 암 등 다양한 질환의 진단과 치료에 방사성 의약품을 이용하는 학제적인 분야입니다. 방사성 의약품에는 방사성 트레이서가 포함되어 있어 환자의 체내에 주입되면 감마선을 방출합니다. 이러한 방사선은, 단일 광자 방사 단층 촬영법(SPECT)이나 양전자 방사 단층 촬영법(PET)과 같은 고도의 화상 기술에 의해서 포착되어 종래의 이미징법의 능력을 능가하는, 질환의 조기 발견, 정확한 진단, 종합적인 검사에 도움이 되는 매우 상세한 화상을 가능하게 합니다.
최근의 방사성 의약품의 진보에 의해 암세포의 증식, 심장 질환에 있어서 심근 관류, 중증 폐렴에 있어서 환기, 갑상선 기능 항진증에 있어서 갑상선 및 부갑상선의 활동 등, 마이크로 레벨의 생리학적 프로세스를 연구하는 능력이 향상되고 있습니다. 핵의학은 항체, 생물학적 약제, 펩타이드와의 방사성 의약품 결합체를 포함한 차세대 치료의 연구개발에 점점 이용되고 있습니다. 이를 통해 표적 약물 전달, 투여량 최적화, 혁신적인 치료 솔루션 창출이 가능해집니다. 그 결과 핵의학은 강력한 진단 도구일 뿐만 아니라 다양한 의료 분야에서 치료 전략을 진행하는 데 중요한 역할을 담당하고 있습니다.
세계보건기구(WHO)에 따르면 암은 세계의 주요 사인이며 2020년에는 약 1,000만 명이 사망했다고 합니다. 미국심장협회(American Heart Association)의 보고에 따르면 심혈관계 질환은 세계의 주요 사인으로 2019년 연간 1,790만 명 이상의 사망을 차지했습니다. 방사성 의약품과 화상 진단 장치의 기술적 진보에 대한 검증된 시장 조사에 의하면, 방사성 의약품 시장은 2023년에 60억 5,000만 달러로 평가되었고, 2032년에는 136억 1,000만 달러에 이를 전망이며, CAGR 11.76%로 성장할 것으로 예측되고 있습니다.
핵의학 연구 개발에 대한 투자가 증가하고 있습니다. 미국 에너지부 과학국의 핵물리학 연구 예산은 2021년 회계연도에 7억 1,300만 달러였습니다. 유럽위원회는 Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025년 핵 연구와 훈련 활동에 13억 8,000만 유로를 할당했습니다. 개별화 의료에 대한 인식과 수용이 높아지면서 검증된 시장 조사의 보고서에 따르면, 개별화 의료 시장은 2023년에 1,302억 3,000만 달러로 평가되었고, 2032년에는 2,725억 9,000만 달러로 성장할 전망이며, 2026-2032년 CAGR 10.67%로 성장할 것으로 예측되고 있습니다. 개별화의료연합(Personalized Medicine Coalition)의 조사에 따르면 암 전문의의 73%가 암 환자에게 개별화의료검사를 이용하고 있습니다.
분자 이미징에서 방사성 동위 원소의 용도가 확대되고 있습니다. 미국 원자력규제위원회의 보고에 따르면 미국에서는 매년 약 5,000만 건의 핵의학 검사가 이루어지고 있습니다. 노인 인구 증가와 그에 따른 만성 질환 증가가 주된 요인입니다. 유엔은 65세 이상의 세계 인구가 다른 모든 연령층보다 빠르게 증가하고 있으며, 2050년까지 15억 명으로 두 배로 증가할 것으로 예측하고 있다고 보고했습니다. WHO는 2030년까지 세계 6명 중 1명이 60세 이상이 돼 진단 및 치료용 핵의학 처치 수요가 증가할 것으로 예측하고 있습니다.
핵의학 검사 및 장비의 고비용은 핵 의학 시장의 성장을 방해하고 있습니다. 미국방사선학회(American College of Radiology)에 따르면 미국의 PET/CT 스캔 평균 비용은 1,250-1,650달러이며, 많은 환자들에게 터무니없이 비쌉니다. 엄격한 규제 요건도 있습니다. 미국 원자력규제위원회는 새로운 방사성 의약품의 심사와 승인에 평균 24개월이 걸린다고 보고하고 있습니다. 유럽에서는 유럽의약품청(EMA)이 2018-2022년 사이에 승인한 신규 방사성 의약품은 3개 품목에 불과하여 승인 프로세스의 엄격함이 부각되고 있습니다.
핵의학 및 분자이미징 학회는 테크네튬-99m과 같이 일반적으로 사용되는 방사성 동위원소의 반감기는 불과 6시간으로 물류를 복잡하게 하고 비용을 증대시키고 있다고 지적했습니다. Journal of Nuclear Medicine지에 게재된 연구에 따르면 반감기가 짧은 방사성 의약품은 물류 과제로 인해 준비된 투여량의 최대 20%가 미사용되고 있습니다. 숙련된 핵의학 기사의 부족도 있습니다. 미국 노동통계국은 2019-2029년 핵의학 검사기사 수요가 5% 증가할 것으로 예측했지만 이 분야는 소규모이며 2019년 구인수는 약 1만 8,000건에 불과했다고 지적했습니다. 미국방사선기사회의 조사에 따르면 2019년에는 핵의학 검사기사의 4.7%가 결원되어 유자격자가 부족하다는 것을 보여주고 있습니다.
The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions is a significant driver for the nuclear medicine market. Thus, the rising prevalence of chronic disorders surged the growth of market size surpassing USD 6.8 Billion in 2024 to reach a valuation of USD 12.99 Billion by 2032.
The adoption of nuclear medicine in the healthcare sector was at a nascent stage compared to traditional drug products. However, advancements in medical imaging technologies, radiopharmaceuticals, and the growing understanding of nuclear medicine's benefits have led to its increasing adoption. Thus, the increasing adoption of nuclear medicine in the healthcare sector enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 9.30% from 2026 to 2032.
Nuclear Medicine Market: Definition/ Overview
Nuclear medicine is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases in areas such as neurology, cardiology, the endocrine system, the gastrointestinal system, and cancers. Radiopharmaceuticals contain a radioactive tracer that, when injected into the patient's body, emits gamma rays. These rays are captured by advanced imaging techniques like Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), enabling highly detailed images that aid in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive examination of diseases, surpassing the capabilities of conventional imaging methods.
Recent advancements in radiopharmaceuticals have enhanced the ability to study micro-level physiological processes, such as cancer cell proliferation, myocardial perfusion in cardiac conditions, ventilation in severe pneumonia cases, and thyroid and parathyroid activity in hyperthyroidism. Nuclear medicine is increasingly used in research and development for next-generation therapies, including radiopharmaceutical conjugates with antibodies, biological drugs, and peptides. This enables targeted drug delivery, dose optimization, and the creation of innovative therapeutic solutions. As a result, nuclear medicine is not only a powerful diagnostic tool but also a key player in advancing therapeutic strategies across multiple medical fields.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The American Heart Association reported that cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.9 million deaths per year in 2019. Technological advancements in radiopharmaceuticals and imaging equipment. According to the Verified Market Research, the Radiopharmaceuticals Market was valued at 6.05 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.61 Billion by 2032, growing CAGR of 11.76%.
Increasing investment in nuclear medicine research and development. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science budget for Nuclear Physics research was $713 million in fiscal year 2021. The European Commission allocated €1.38 billion for nuclear research and training activities under the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025. Growing awareness and acceptance of personalized medicine. According to the report of Verified Market Research the Personalized Medicine Market was valued at 130.23 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at 272.59 Billion by 2032, growing CAGR 10.67% from 2026 to 2032. A survey by the Personalized Medicine Coalition found that 73% of oncologists use personalized medicine testing for cancer patients.
Expanding applications of radioisotopes in molecular imaging. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reported that approximately 50 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed each year in the United States. Increasing geriatric population and associated chronic diseases. The United Nations reported that the global population aged 65 and over is growing faster than all other age groups, expected to double to 1.5 billion by 2050. The WHO projects that by 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over, increasing the demand for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.
The high cost of nuclear medicine procedures and equipment hinders the growth of the nuclear medicine market. According to the American College of Radiology, the average cost of a PET/CT scan in the U.S. ranges from $1,250 to $1,650, which is prohibitively expensive for many patients. Stringent regulatory requirements. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reported that it takes an average of 24 months to review and approve a new radiopharmaceutical. In Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved only 3 new radiopharmaceuticals between 2018 and 2022, highlighting the rigorous approval process.
Short half-life of radiopharmaceuticals. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging noted that commonly used radioisotopes like Technetium-99m have a half-life of only 6 hours, complicating logistics and increasing costs. A study in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that up to 20% of prepared doses of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals go unused due to logistical challenges. Shortage of skilled nuclear medicine technologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5% growth in demand for nuclear medicine technologists from 2019 to 2029 but noted that the field is small, with only about 18,000 jobs in 2019. A survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists found that 4.7% of nuclear medicine technologist positions were vacant in 2019, indicating a shortage of qualified professionals.
The diagnostic nuclear medicine segment dominates in the nuclear medicine market driven by advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as the ability to capture high-resolution 3D images, faster device processing speeds, and increased automation. These improvements enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing various diseases, making nuclear medicine an essential tool in modern healthcare. Additionally, government interventions and the approval of numerous nuclear medicines for different disease treatments have accelerated the commercialization of these products, further expanding the segment's reach.
The development of a robust supply chain for radiopharmaceuticals and the availability of advanced infrastructure for the production and distribution of these medicines are also contributing to the segment's dominance. As a result, nuclear medicine is becoming more accessible, allowing healthcare providers to utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools for early detection and precise treatment planning. These factors, coupled with growing healthcare investments and the demand for better diagnostic solutions, are expected to drive the market forward. The diagnostic nuclear medicine segment will continue to play a critical role in the healthcare landscape, improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of medical imaging and treatment.
The oncology segment is set to dominate nuclear medicine driven by the increasing global burden of cancer. Changes in lifestyle, including unhealthy diets, smoking, and sedentary work habits, have significantly contributed to the rising incidence of cancer. Rapid urbanization has led to a larger population engaging in regular smoking, which remains a leading risk factor for various types of cancer. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles, characterized by minimal physical activity and a higher intake of processed and junk food, further exacerbate the cancer risk.
With cancer continuing to cause a significant number of deaths worldwide, there is a growing demand for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nuclear medicine plays a critical role in oncology by offering highly advanced imaging techniques for early detection and precise diagnosis, which are crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, there has been a surge in investments aimed at developing novel radiopharmaceuticals and therapies specifically designed for cancer treatment. These advancements enable targeted treatment, improving patient outcomes while minimizing side effects.
The increasing prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular disorders escalates the growth of nuclear medicine. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for about 659,000 deaths annually as of 2020. Strong research and development infrastructure The National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for cancer research reached USD 6.56 Billion in fiscal year 2021, a significant portion of which supports nuclear medicine research. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) reported that over 20 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed each year in the United States.
Favorable Reimbursement Policies and Healthcare Spending. the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that national health spending in the U.S. grew 9.7% to $4.1 trillion in 2020, or $12,530 per person. A study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that Medicare reimbursement for PET scans increased by 14% between 2017 and 2020, encouraging wider adoption.
The growing healthcare infrastructure and high investment surge the growth of the nuclear medicine market in the Asia Pacific. According to the World Health Organization, healthcare spending in the Asia Pacific region was projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.1% between 2020 and 2024, outpacing the global average of 5.4%. China's healthcare expenditure reached 7.12 trillion yuan (approximately USD 1.1 Trillion) in 2020, a 10.2% increase from the previous year, as reported by the National Health Commission of China.
Increasing prevalence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimated that in 2020, there were approximately 8.9 million new cancer cases in Asia, accounting for nearly half of the global cancer burden. The Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology reported that cardiovascular diseases accounted for 35% of all deaths in the Asia Pacific region in 2019, highlighting the need for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options. Growing adoption of nuclear medicine technologies. The Indian nuclear medicine market was expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% between 2021 and 2026, driven by increasing government initiatives and rising awareness, as per a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology.
The competitive landscape of the Nuclear Medicine Market is characterized by technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and a focus on providing high-quality, cost-effective services. Players must continuously invest in research and development, build strong partnerships, and adapt to evolving market trends to maintain a competitive edge.
The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players operating in the nuclear medicine market include: