Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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Dementia cases are about to skyrocket—how will this affect imaging demand?

Recent projections could create an environment of unprecedented demand for nuclear imaging.

Lantheus

Lantheus to acquire PET agent developer Life Molecular Imaging for up to $750M

LMI is the maker of Neuraceq, a globally approved F-18 PET imaging agent used to detect beta-amyloid plaques in patients evaluated for Alzheimer’s

Telix Pharmaceuticals

Telix Pharmaceuticals to acquire portfolio of imaging-related assets for up to $185M

Inglewood, California-based biotechnology company ImaginAb is the seller, unloading a pipeline of drug candidates, technology platform and research facility. 

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining advocacy efforts for nuclear imaging. #SNMMI

Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging

SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, explains some of the key policy initiatives the society is pursuing to help support the field of nuclear medicine. 

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining the efforts to get U.S. production started for Mo-99 for a domestic supply of nuclear imaging isotopes. #RSNA #SNMMI #RSNA24 #RSNA2024 #isotopeshortage

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.

Novartis

Siemens Healthineers finalizes $223M purchase of Novartis’ imaging unit

The Erlangen, Germany-based manufacturer believes the addition will complement its network of 47 PET radiopharmacies concentrated in the U.S., adding over a dozen new sites. 
 

mergers and acquisitions M&A puzzle

GE HealthCare acquires full stake in radiopharma firm that generated $183M last year

Tokyo-based Nihon Medi-Physics' portfolio includes nuclear imaging agents delivered across oncology, neurology and cardiology. 

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Radiologists say hidden fat can predict Alzheimer’s 20 years before symptoms arise

Higher levels of visceral fat were linked to increased amyloid, according to new research being presented this week at RSNA 2024 in Chicago. 

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Around the web

Health Imaging
Nearly $800,000 settlement offered to family of man who died during MRI exam

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.