Radioligand Therapy Market

Market Overview

The global radioligand therapy market size was valued at USD 10.55 billion in 2021, and it is anticipated to reach USD 15.84 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.62%. The use of radioligands to treat specific cancers is a novel method. It delivers radiation to cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy and minimal side effects on healthy cells, resulting in higher treatment efficacy.

The radioisotope and the cell-targeting molecule, or ligand, are the two fundamental components of radioligand treatments. Several specific nuclear reactors or generators create therapeutic radioisotopes, which are subsequently delivered to a production facility where the radioisotope is bonded to the cell-targeting chemical. It is then packaged in lead-shielded containers and delivered to the hospital or clinic in vials, ready to be used as a treatment. The radioisotope's activity reduces over time. Thus, it must be delivered and administered to the patient promptly. These medications are frequently prepared in single-patient dosages due to the medication's short delivery window.

Radioligand therapy has evolved from targeted radioisotope therapies as a treatment option for thyroid cancer and bone metastases owing to prostate cancer. Radioligand therapy, however, allows for cellular-level precision in radioisotope therapy. Diagnostic and therapeutic applications for radioligands include their ability to bind to specific types of cancer cells in any part of the body. Employing focused treatment aims to minimize collateral damage. Certain neuroendocrine neoplasms and lymphomas can currently be treated using radioligand therapy. Other tumors, such as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and non-cancer disorders, may also benefit from this treatment.

Market Dynamics

Global Radioligand Therapy Market Drivers

• The demand for the global radioligand therapy market growth is driven by an increase in cancer patients, clinical research efforts, and initiatives done by major industry participants.
• The rise in the number of cancer patients, clinical research activities and initiatives taken by key market players are driving the demand for the global radioligand therapy market.

From January 2018 to February 2022, many radioligand treatment product launches, product approvals, and business funding. According to the companies' penchant for new product launches and product approvals, the radioligand therapy market trends are driven by an increase in the prevalence of cancer, increased clinical research activities, and initiatives from key players.

The market is expanding due to the increased number of cancer patients and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most cases can be avoided most effectively with early detection and treatment. According to the WHO, cancer will be the leading cause of death for approximately 10 million people in 2020. By 2025, an estimated 19.3 million additional instances of cancer will be diagnosed globally. According to the WHO, cardiovascular disease (CVD) claimed the lives of 17.9 million people globally in 2019, or 32% of all global deaths. This figure is expected to increase to 23.3 million by 2030. The increased frequency of various diseases is likely to fuel the market's expansion throughout the forecast period, as radioligand therapy plays a vital role in their treatment.

Therapeutic radiopharmaceutical pipelines that are robust will drive market growth

The companies in the market are constantly developing nuclear medicine therapies. Radioligand therapy is in high demand due to the superior clinical outcomes it provides patients compared to other treatment options.

In countries where cancer is a significant problem, radioligand therapies are expected to grow in demand due to better therapeutic outcomes in cancer and other disorders.

For example, in October 2021, the U.S. FDA sent Curium a letter stating that its investigational product, lutetium Lu 177 PSMA I&T, could begin a Phase-III trial. Radiation therapy that binds to the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) protein has been developed for prostate cancer treatment.

Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer will be able to receive the FDA Therapy designation for 177Lu-PSMA-617, thanks to Advanced Accelerator Applications, in June 2021.

Global Radioligand Therapy Market Restraints

Lack of suitable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries

It is anticipated that the high costs connected with research and development capabilities, the restricted infrastructural facilities, the high prices of equipment, and the lack of awareness in developing nations will all work together to hinder the expansion of the market. A lack of favorable reimbursement scenarios and technology penetration in developing economies, cuts to hospital budgets, particularly during the pandemic, and an absence of suitable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries are projected to be challenges for the market during the forecast period.

Global Radioligand Therapy Market Opportunities

Rising geriatric population and expenditure on healthcare

The growing geriatric population, increased public and private funding for targeted cancer research, increased awareness of the benefits of alpha radioimmunotherapy, and increased product innovation and development due to technological advancements will provide profitable opportunities for market players in the coming years. There will also be an increment in the market's growth rate in the future due to expanding internet penetration, increasing use of radioisotopes in healthcare, increasing usage of radiopharmaceuticals in neurological applications, and rising per capita healthcare expenditure.

Regional Analysis

North America is predicted to hold the largest market share and will continue to do so in future years. As a result of the presence of industrialized countries like the United States, Canada, and others, as well as an increase in cancer and medical imaging prevalence and public awareness. The increasing use of nuclear medicine in oncology and cardiology drives the market's expansion. In 2021, there were 1.9 million new cancer cases in the United States, and about 608,570 people died.

Over the next few years, Europe's radioligand therapy market is predicted to closely follow North America's, owing to its improved infrastructure, increased research & development, and technical innovation.

The Asia-Pacific region is likely to grow remarkably and maintain its position as the world's leading economy for the foreseeable future. The radioligand therapy market is predicted to rise due to rising chronic disease prevalence, raising public awareness, and rising disposable income. It is predicted that the economies of Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East will grow slowly shortly.

Segmental Analysis

The global market for radioligand therapy is segmented based on product type, indication, biomarker and region. Further, it is divided into two parts based on product: Approved Products and Potential Pipeline.

Based on indication, the market is divided into three parts, Prostate Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumour (NETs) and Others.

Based on biomarkers, the market is classified into three parts: Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen, Ki 67 Expression & Grading and Cytochrome P450 17A1 Inhibitor. The region's market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. North America is the most significant market.

Recent Developments

• 5^th May 2022, the radioligand therapy production locations in Ivrea, Italy, and Millburn, New Jersey, have been temporarily halted by Novartis. The business has taken this precautionary measure in light of recent quality difficulties in its production processes. Novartis is scrutinizing the situation and anticipates resuming some supply in the next six weeks once the problems are resolved.

• The supply of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T for the Phase 3 ECLIPSE clinical trial (NCT05204927) compares Lutetium 177Lu-PSMA-I&T treatment to standard of care hormone therapy in men with metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and patient enrollment have not been impacted by Curium, as of May 2022.
• June 2022, Clinical-stage oncology company Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced updates on its Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating FPI-1434 as a monotherapy for the treatment of solid tumours expressing IGF-1R and on its Phase 1 clinical trial investigating FPI-1966 for the treatment of solid tumours expressing FGFR3.
• March 2022, second-round financing for Precirix brought in €80 million ($88 million), which will be put toward the company's efforts to advance numerous radiopharmaceutical candidates for cancer treatment through clinical development.