Report predicts continued boom in molecular imaging

Molecular imaging has been in a growth phase since 2010, spurred by emerging markets and demand for hybrid and other cutting edge scanner and biomarker technologies, according to a market report profiling the most recent developments in molecular imaging published in April by UK-based Espicom Business Intelligence.

The industry is seeing an uptick in sales for hybrid PET/CT and a greater focus on PET for medical applications where SPECT used to reign, wrote Joanne Maddox, author of the industry report.

Another major development is the emergence of scalable cyclotrons. Once of mammoth size, they are now being designed smaller and at lower cost. Other new technologies of interest include near infrared, or optical, imaging and advancements in MR/PET, SPECT/MRI and ultrasound.

Dementia-related imaging was highlighted, especially the FDA approval of Amyvid, a biomarker produced by Avid Radiopharmaceuticals that targets amyloid burden in the brain. Amyvid and similar biomarkers have the potential to significantly alter the landscape of brain imaging for patients with cognitive impairment. The newest research falls in the realm of tau proteins, which are also implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Major pharmaceutical companies GE, Navidea and Piramel all have radiotracers in the research and development stage.

The report provides detailed information about estimated market growth, including a 5-year value forecast, as well as challenges faced by the industry, such as regulatory snags. Whether smaller companies can hook the right financing for their budgets, especially European businesses, will determine the viability of molecular imaging in the short term. Other concerns surrounding the continued supply of Molybdenum-99 and the U.S. medical excise tax were noted in the report.

Medical specialties showing significant opportunities for growth include oncology, cardiology and neurology. The major players continue to be as Philips, Siemens, GE, Bracco, Covidien, IBA Molecular and Lantheus Medical Imaging, Cardinal Health, and Triad Isotopes and others in areas of preclinical research. Bayer and BMS were indicated as those leaving the molecular imaging market, with others showing interest in filling those empty seats.

Mergers and acquisitions include Piramal Group’s new ownership of rights for florbetaben, once Bayer’s primary radiotracer in line for Alzheimer’s imaging. Piramal will be completing development of imaging agents for both cardiology and oncology, in part due to the acquisition of Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals. Samsung bought NeuroLogica, makers of portable CT and SPECT scanners. Another major acquisition was PerkinElmer’s buyout of VisEn Medical and Caliper Lifesciences, involved in preclinical in vivo and in vitro diagnostics.

To learn more about the report click here.