APAC building on enough supply network for radiopharmaceuticals

The radiopharmaceutical industry is gaining ground across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as countries not only step up development of novel therapies but also move to secure critical supply chains. From new partnerships to domestic isotope production, let's explore how APAC is building a foothold in this specialised sector.

- Ayesha Siddiqui

Global interest in radiopharmaceuticals has surged in recent years, driven by a string of high-profile deals and rising demand for targeted therapies. Major pharmaceutical companies from Pfizer to Eli Lilly have collectively invested billions of dollars to secure a foothold in this emerging space. GE HealthCare's acquisition of Japan based Nihon Medi-Physics in March 2025 is one such example of strategic consolidation aimed at strengthening radiopharmaceutical capabilities.

In the APAC region, this momentum is mirrored by a growing number of players and initiatives focused on developing and manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals. Australia, in particular, has emerged as a stronghold, with companies like Telix Pharmaceuticals, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, AdvanCell Biosciences, and Radiopharm Theranostics leading innovation across diagnostics and therapeutics.

South Korea is stepping up its radiopharmaceutical ambitions. SK Biopharmaceuticals recently signed its first Actinium-225-based research agreement with the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, marking a push into targeted radiotherapy. Meanwhile, Korean Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMOs) including DuChemBio, CellBion, and FutureChem are expanding their capabilities to tap into growing demand.

Securing the isotopes supply chain

As the global radiopharmaceuticals market gains momentum, the APAC region is moving quickly to establish a firm foothold in this complex and increasingly strategic domain. Once considered a niche, radiopharmaceuticals are now central to precision oncology and advanced diagnostics. But their promise comes with equally intricate supply chains, where production and logistics depend on a delicate balance of radioactive isotopes, infrastructure, and regulatory synchrony.