A niche cancer treatment is poised to become mainstream, offering clinicians and patients a valuable new option. Targeted radioligand therapies (RLTs) are rapidly evolving into a fundamental component of cancer treatment, joining the ranks of chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and traditional radiotherapy. We estimate that the global market for RLTs will surge to $5.4 billion by 2028, up from $1.9 billion in 2023.
To seize the momentum, executives across pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, and logistics must understand and respond to the changing landscape. Our latest report, Targeting Success, details the opportunities and challenges facing leaders and, critically, lays out strategies for moving forward.
Global investment in RTLs is driving growth
RLTs combine a radioactive isotope with a targeting moiety that binds to cancer cells, delivering radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. While the concept has been around since the 1950s, recent advancements have significantly enhanced the specificity, safety, and commercial viability of these therapies and sparked interest and investment.
Growth of the RLT market can be attributed to several critical factors. Advances in science and technology have led to improved targeting mechanisms, the discovery of new radioisotopes, and enhanced delivery systems, all of which contribute to the effectiveness of these therapies. There’s rising global interest in getting more treatments to market as well. There are currently 98 clinical trials and 158 assets in the pre-clinical trial stage. Activity is highest in Australia, China, Germany, Switzerland, and the US, with the most significant growth occurring in China, where the number of radiopharmaceutical companies increased to 12 in 2024, up from just one in 2014."
As we reported from the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference earlier this year, a handful of market-shaping deals are also fueling optimism.
Overcoming operational and commercial barriers
Pharmaceutical companies aiming to capitalize on RLT growth must act strategically, including navigating supply chain constraints, as the short half-life of radioisotopes necessitates just-in-time manufacturing and a robust distribution network. Companies may need to invest in production facilities or form partnerships to ensure a consistent supply. Additionally, strict regulatory and safety requirements govern the handling of radioactive materials, creating further operational complexities. The effectiveness of RLTs also relies on a well-established network of diagnostic and treatment centers. But a shortage of trained radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists is already causing delays in treatment delivery. Pharmaceutical companies should enhance training for key account managers so they can better assist across the value chain.
Investing in a comprehensive portfolio strategy that identifies emerging opportunities in oncology and explores how RLTs can complement existing therapies will give companies a competitive edge. It is also important to form strategic partnerships with biotech firms, healthcare providers, and logistics companies.
Leaders who are proactive will not only gain a competitive edge but also play a vital role in shaping the future of cancer treatment. RLTs are a promising frontier in oncology, with the potential to redefine cancer treatment paradigms. For business leaders, the time to act is now — strategic investment and engagement in this transformative movement are essential for success in the evolving landscape of cancer care.
