
- Get in Touch with Us
Last Updated: Apr 25, 2025 | Study Period: 2024-2030
The battle against cancer has witnessed significant strides in recent years, with the advent of innovative treatment modalities like immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Among these promising approaches, alpha emitter therapy has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a unique and potentially transformative approach to cancer treatment.
Alpha emitters are radioactive isotopes that emit high-energy alpha particles, which possess remarkable destructive power against cancer cells. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, where the radiation dose is distributed more widely, alpha emitters selectively target and annihilate cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This unique characteristic stems from the short range of alpha particles, ensuring that their destructive power is concentrated within the confines of the tumor.
Driving Forces Behind the Market's Growth
The global alpha emitter market is poised for significant growth, propelled by several key factors:
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the promising outlook, the global alpha emitter market faces certain challenges:
Investing in the Future of Alpha Emitter Therapy
Despite these challenges, the global alpha emitter market presents attractive investment opportunities:
The global alpha emitter market holds immense potential for revolutionizing cancer treatment and potentially extending its reach to other diseases. As technological advancements continue to refine alpha emitter therapy, regulatory pathways become more streamlined, and public awareness grows, alpha emitters are poised to become a cornerstone of the future of medicine.
Companies that embrace innovation, address existing challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities will be well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping this transformative landscape.
Alpha decay, also known as -decay, is a kind of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus produces an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and therefore converts or decays into a new atomic nucleus with a mass number of four and an atomic number of two. An alpha particle is the same as a helium-4 atom's nucleus, which is made up of two protons and two neutrons. It has a mass of 4 u and a charge of +2 e.
While alpha particles have a charge of +2 e, this is rarely displayed since a nuclear equation explains a nuclear reaction without taking electrons into account - a practice that does not imply that nuclei always occur in neutral atoms.
The most frequent type of cluster decay is alpha decay, in which the parent atom ejects a defined daughter collection of nucleons, leaving another determined product behind. It is the most prevalent type due to the alpha particle's extraordinarily high nuclear binding energy and comparatively modest mass.
Alpha decay, like other cluster decays, is basically a quantum tunneling phenomenon. In contrast to beta decay, it is regulated by the interaction of the strong nuclear force and the electromagnetic force.Radium-223 is an alpha emitter that is naturally attracted to bone due to its calcium mimetic properties.
Radium-223 can be pumped into a cancer patient's veins, where it migrates to areas of the bone with high cell turnover due to the presence of metastasized tumors.
Ra-223 emits alpha radiation once within the bone, which can kill tumor cells within a 100-micron radius. Radium-223 dichloride, also known as Xofigo, is a medication that has been used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bone.
Radionuclides injected into the circulation can reach places accessible via blood arteries. This indicates that radiation may not successfully destroy the interior of a huge tumor that is poorly vascularized (i.e., not well penetrated by blood vessels).
The -particle, a bare 4He nucleus with a +2 charge, travels along a nearly linear path because of its enormous mass in comparison to electrons. With an initial kinetic energy of between MeV, alpha particles are monoenergetic and produce a matching particle ring. Alpha particles, which are categorised as having a high LET, are efficient ionising agents.
Target uptake, dosimetry, and therapy response are frequently measured using the photons, distinctive X-rays, or bremsstrahlung radiation that follows the parent radionuclide's decay because -particles cannot be directly observed in vivo.
There have also been reported indirect radiation effects in addition to direct ones. The impact of -radiation is also influenced by the radiation-induced bystander effect, which is when DNA damage develops in cells that are near irradiated cells but are not directly exposed to radiation.
The global alpha emitter market is projected to reach USD 3,833.3 million by 2030, from USD 569.6 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 16.4%.
The global alpha emitter market is witnessing significant technological advancements that are enhancing the efficacy, safety, and applicability of alpha emitter therapy. These advancements hold immense promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment and potentially extending the reach of alpha-emitter therapy to other diseases.
Development of Novel Alpha Emitters with Enhanced PropertiesResearchers are continuously developing new alpha emitters with enhanced properties, such as longer half-lives, improved targeting capabilities, and reduced systemic toxicity. These advancements are addressing key limitations of existing alpha emitters, such as short half-lives that necessitate frequent administration and limited targeting specificity that can cause unwanted side effects.
Example: Actinium-225 (Ac-225) is a promising alpha emitter with a longer half-life than radium-223, a commonly used alpha emitter. This longer half-life allows for less frequent administration of Ac-225, reducing the patient's exposure to radiation and potentially improving treatment compliance.
Targeted alpha therapy utilizes molecules to deliver alpha particles directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This approach significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy and reduces side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy, where the radiation dose is distributed more widely.
Example: Targeted alpha therapy using antibodies conjugated to alpha emitters is a promising approach. The antibodies bind specifically to cancer cells, delivering the alpha particles directly to the tumor site with minimal impact on healthy tissues.
Researchers are developing innovative delivery systems for alpha emitters, such as nanoparticles or targeted carriers. These delivery systems aim to overcome the challenges of conventional alpha emitter administration, such as limited stability and poor targeting specificity.
Example: Nanoparticles coated with tumor-targeting molecules can encapsulate alpha emitters and deliver them directly to cancer cells, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure to radiation.
Companion Diagnostics for Patient Selection
Companion diagnostics are being developed to identify patients most likely to benefit from alpha emitter therapy. These diagnostics can help select patients with the optimal molecular characteristics to ensure that the therapy is used effectively and efficiently.
Example: Biomarker-based companion diagnostics can identify patients with specific genetic mutations or protein expression patterns that are associated with improved response to alpha emitter therapy.
Research is exploring the potential of alpha emitter therapy for treating non-cancerous diseases, such as arthritis and neurodegenerative disorders. The unique properties of alpha emitters, such as their ability to target specific cells and destroy them without causing significant damage to surrounding tissues, hold promise for treating these diseases.
Example: Alpha emitter therapy is being investigated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, where alpha particles could target and destroy inflammatory cells responsible for joint damage. These technological advancements are paving the way for a new era in alpha emitter therapy, offering hope for more effective and targeted cancer treatment and expanding the potential applications of this innovative approach to medicine.
Several global alpha emitter market leaders have made significant technological advancements in recent years, with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and expand the reach of alpha emitter therapy to other diseases. These advancements include:
These technological advancements have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy and safety of alpha emitter therapy, making it a more viable treatment option for a wider range of cancers and other diseases.
Leading companies in the global alpha emitter market are exploring several new trends to enhance the efficacy and applicability of targeted alpha-therapy (TAT) for various cancers. Here are some of the key trends:
S.No. | Overview of Development | Development Detailing | Region of Development | Possible Future Outcomes |
1 | Novel Isotopes and Formulations | - Development of novel alpha-emitter isotopes, such as Bismuth-213 (Bi-213) and Actinium-225 (Ac-225), offering improved tumor specificity and reduced off-target effects. | - North America | - Wider range of cancers targeted and enhanced efficacy. |
2 | Expanding Cancer Target Range | - Expanding the focus of TAT to other cancer types, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), pancreatic cancer, and lymphomas. | - North America, Europe, Asia | - Improved treatment options for a wider spectrum of cancers. |
3 | Personalized TAT | - Tailoring TAT to the specific molecular characteristics of each patient's tumor. | - North America, Europe, Asia | - Personalized treatment plans with maximized efficacy and minimized side effects. |
4 | Manufacturing Challenges | - Collaborating with nuclear reactor operators and isotope producers to establish robust supply chains. | - Global | - Steady supply of alpha-emitters for TAT development and clinical application. |
5 | TAT Combination Therapy | - Exploring synergistic combinations of TAT with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. | - North America, Europe, Asia | - Enhanced therapeutic efficacy and improved patient outcomes. |
6 | Patient Education and Awareness | - Raising public awareness about TAT and its potential benefits for cancer patients. | - Global | - Increased patient access to TAT and a broader understanding of its potential. |
7 | Regulatory Pathway Enhancements | - Working with regulatory bodies to establish clear guidelines and expedite the approval process for innovative TAT products. | - Global | - Streamlined regulatory approval process and faster patient access to new TAT therapies. |
S.No | Timeline | Company | Developments |
1 | 2013 | Bayer AG | Introduces Xofigo, the first targeted alpha-emitter therapy approved for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) |
2 | 2017 | Actinium Pharmaceutical Inc. | Announces the development of Iomab-B, a targeted alpha-emitter therapy for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) |
3 | 2018 | Novartis Ag (Endocyte Inc.) | Announces the development of Lu-PSMA-IOTA, a targeted alpha-emitter therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer |
4 | 2020 | Fusion Pharmaceuticals | Announces the development of F98.13ypy-211Lu-PSMA, a targeted alpha-emitter therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer |
5 | 2023 | Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. | Announces the development of Alpha DaRT, a targeted alpha-emitter therapy for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) |
6 | 2023 | Bayer AG | Obtains approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Xofigo for the treatment of patients with CRPC who have received prior docetaxel (Taxotere) chemotherapy |
7 | 2023 | Actinium Pharmaceutical Inc. | Announces positive results from Phase 1/2 clinical trial of Iomab-B for the treatment of AML |
8 | 2024 | Novartis Ag (Endocyte Inc.) | Submits Lu-PSMA-IOTA for regulatory approval in the United States and Europe |
9 | 2024 | Fusion Pharmaceuticals | Announces positive preliminary results from Phase 1 clinical trial of F98.13ypy-211Lu-PSMA for the treatment of prostate cancer |
10 | 2024 | Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. | Announces positive results from Phase 2 clinical trial of Alpha DaRT for the treatment of GBM |
Company | Announcement Date | Launch Date | Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities | Threats |
Actinium Pharmaceutical Inc. | February 2019 | Expected in 2024 | Extensive experience in developing and producing targeted alpha-emitter therapies | Limited financial resources compared to larger competitors | Growing demand for targeted alpha-emitter therapies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies | Regulatory hurdles and competition from other companies developing similar therapies |
Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. | December 2017 | Expected in 2024 | Unique nanoparticle platform for delivering targeted alpha-emitter therapies | Early-stage clinical development pipeline | Increasing awareness of the potential of targeted alpha-emitter therapies for the treatment of solid tumors | Competition from larger companies with more resources and experience |
Bayer AG | January 2013 | 2013 | Established pharmaceutical company with strong marketing and distribution channels | Reliance on a single product, Xofigo | Expanding market for targeted alpha-emitter therapies for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) | Potential for competition from generic forms of Xofigo |
Fusion Pharmaceuticals | August 2020 | Expected in 2023 | Promising clinical data for its lead product candidate, F98.13ypy-211Lu-PSMA | Small and inexperienced company | Growing market for targeted alpha-emitter therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer | Competition from larger companies with more resources |
Novartis Ag (Endocyte Inc.) | April 2018 | Expected in 2023 | Extensive experience in developing and commercializing oncology drugs | Reliance on a single product, Lu-PSMA-IOTA | Expanding market for targeted alpha-emitter therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer | Competition from other companies developing similar therapies |
Sl no | Topic |
1 | Market Segmentation |
2 | Scope of the report |
3 | Research Methodology |
4 | Executive Summary |
5 | Average B2B by price |
6 | Introduction |
7 | Insights from Industry stakeholders |
8 | Cost breakdown of Product by sub-components and average profit margin |
9 | Disruptive innovation in the Industry |
10 | Overview of targeted alpha-emitter therapy |
11 | Production and purification of alpha-emitter isotopes |
12 | Regulatory approval pathway for TAT products |
13 | Technology trends in the Industry |
14 | Consumer trends in the industry |
15 | Recent Production Milestones |
16 | Competition from substitute products |
17 | Market Size, Dynamics and Forecast by Type of Radionuclide, 2024-2030 |
18 | Market Size, Dynamics and Forecast by Application, 2024-2030 |
19 | Market Size, Dynamics and Forecast by End-User, 2024-2030 |
20 | Market Size, Dynamics and Forecast by Region, 2024-2030 |
21 | Competitive landscape |
22 | Gross margin and average profitability of suppliers |
23 | New product development in past 12 months |
24 | M&A in past 12 months |
25 | Growth strategy of leading players |
26 | Market share of vendors, 2023 |
27 | Company Profiles |
28 | Unmet needs and opportunity for new suppliers |
29 | Conclusion |