Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Sodium Iodine [131I] Capsules, Sodium iodine [131I] Oral Solution), By Applications Covered (Diagnosis and Investigation, Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid Cancer), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market Size

The Sodium Iodine (131I) drugs market was valued at approximately USD 30.68 million in 2024. It is projected to grow to USD 32.71 million in 2025 and could reach up to USD 55.53 million by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033

The U.S. Sodium Iodine (131I) drugs market is expected to experience significant growth, driven by advancements in medical treatments and increased demand for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in nuclear medicine across the region.

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is witnessing significant expansion due to its essential role in thyroid disorder diagnosis and treatment. This market is segmented into Sodium Iodine (131I) Capsules and Sodium Iodine (131I) Oral Solution, both widely used in medical applications. Hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer treatment remain the key drivers of demand, as radioactive iodine therapy continues to be a preferred non-invasive treatment method. North America dominates the market, fueled by a high prevalence of thyroid disorders and advanced nuclear medicine infrastructure, while Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing healthcare investments. Continuous technological advancements in nuclear medicine and rising patient awareness are further driving market expansion through 2033.

Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market Trends

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of thyroid disorders and the expansion of nuclear medicine applications. Sodium Iodine (131I) Capsules dominate with approximately 60% of the market share, while Sodium Iodine (131I) Oral Solution holds 40%, driven by patient preference and ease of administration.

In terms of applications, hyperthyroidism treatment accounts for 50% of the demand, followed by thyroid cancer therapy at 35% and diagnostic imaging at 15%. North America leads with 45% of the total market share, attributed to high thyroid disease prevalence and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Europe follows with 30%, driven by increasing adoption of radioiodine therapy, while Asia-Pacific is growing at 20%, fueled by rising healthcare investments and awareness.

The demand for radioactive iodine therapy has surged by 25% in the past five years due to its non-invasive nature and high treatment efficacy. Additionally, research and development in nuclear medicine has increased by 40%, enhancing precision and safety in treatment applications. The adoption of targeted therapy solutions has also risen by 35%, further boosting market expansion through 2033.

Market Dynamics

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of thyroid disorders, rising demand for nuclear medicine in cancer treatment, and advancements in radiopharmaceutical therapies. The market is segmented based on type, including Sodium Iodine (131I) Capsules and Oral Solutions, and applications, such as diagnosis, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer treatment. North America and Europe are leading in market adoption, while Asia-Pacific is seeing rising demand due to an increasing incidence of thyroid diseases and improved healthcare infrastructure. Despite strong growth prospects, the market faces supply chain constraints, regulatory hurdles, and high production costs that influence overall industry dynamics.

DRIVER

"Rising Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders and Cancer"

The increasing incidence of thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer is a major driver for the Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), 12-15% of the global population is affected by some form of thyroid disorder, with hyperthyroidism cases increasing by 20% in the last decade. Thyroid cancer cases have surged by 15-18% globally, making it one of the fastest-growing cancers. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy remains a primary treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer, with over 60% of thyroid cancer patients undergoing I-131 therapy. The rising adoption of nuclear medicine diagnostics has also led to a 25% increase in demand for Sodium Iodine (131I) oral solutions and capsules in hospitals and diagnostic centers.

RESTRAINT

"Strict Regulatory Compliance and Limited Availability of Radioisotopes"

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is highly regulated due to the use of radioactive isotopes, leading to stringent production, distribution, and disposal guidelines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) enforce strict safety and handling protocols, increasing compliance costs by 20-25% for manufacturers. Additionally, radioisotope production is limited to a few specialized nuclear reactors, leading to supply chain bottlenecks and a 15-20% increase in production costs. The short half-life of I-131 (8 days) further restricts long-term storage and distribution, leading to logistical challenges in remote regions.

OPPORTUNITY

"Advancements in Radiopharmaceutical Research and Personalized Medicine"

The increasing focus on radiopharmaceuticals and targeted therapies presents significant opportunities for the Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market. The adoption of personalized medicine has increased by 30%, driving demand for individualized I-131 therapy dosages in treating thyroid disorders. Innovations in nuclear imaging and theranostics have enabled early diagnosis of thyroid conditions, leading to a 20% rise in I-131 drug applications in diagnostic procedures. Several research institutes and pharmaceutical companies are investing in next-generation radioisotope formulations, with investment in nuclear medicine R&D increasing by 25-30% globally. The integration of AI-driven diagnostic tools in nuclear medicine has also improved treatment precision by 40%, enhancing patient outcomes.

CHALLENGE

"High Costs of Production and Radioactive Waste Disposal"

The high costs associated with I-131 drug production, handling, and waste disposal remain a significant challenge. The radioactive nature of I-131 requires specialized containment facilities, lead shielding, and regulatory-compliant transportation, increasing operational costs by 35-40%. The disposal of radioactive waste is another critical issue, as improper disposal can lead to long-term environmental hazards and legal penalties. Healthcare facilities handling I-131 therapy must comply with strict radiation protection protocols, adding to hospital and diagnostic center operational costs by 15-20%. Additionally, public perception and concerns over radiation exposure have led to a 10-12% reluctance among patients in opting for I-131 therapy, further challenging market expansion.

Segmentation Analysis

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is segmented based on type and application, addressing diverse medical needs in diagnostics, hyperthyroidism treatment, and thyroid cancer therapy. The two primary types, Sodium Iodine (131I) Capsules and Oral Solutions, serve different administration preferences and medical protocols. Additionally, the applications for diagnosis, hyperthyroidism treatment, and thyroid cancer therapy define how the market is evolving with increasing demand for radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine advancements. Market growth is significantly influenced by rising thyroid disease prevalence, increased adoption of nuclear medicine, and regulatory approvals for new formulations.

By Type

Sodium Iodine (131I) Capsules: Sodium Iodine (131I) Capsules are widely used in radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for treating hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer. These capsules are preferred for their precise dosage control, ease of administration, and reduced contamination risk. Approximately 60-65% of I-131 therapies use capsules, as they provide a controlled release of radiation, minimizing exposure to non-target tissues. The thyroid cancer treatment segment has seen a 20% rise in capsule-based RAI therapy, particularly in North America and Europe, where hospitals and specialty clinics prioritize standardized treatment protocols. Capsules are also preferred for outpatient therapy, as they reduce hospital stay durations by 30%.

Sodium Iodine (131I) Oral Solution: Sodium Iodine (131I) Oral Solution is used primarily in diagnostic imaging and hyperthyroidism treatment. This liquid formulation allows for precise dosage customization, making it ideal for individualized therapy and pediatric patients. Oral solutions account for 35-40% of I-131 usage, with demand increasing in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa, where hospitals prefer flexible dosing options. Over 50% of diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving I-131 use oral solutions, as they enable fast absorption and efficient imaging of thyroid function. However, stringent radiation safety measures are required during administration to prevent spillage and contamination.

By Application

• Diagnosis and Investigation: The use of Sodium Iodine (131I) in diagnostic imaging has grown by 25%, particularly in thyroid function tests and metastasis detection. I-131 is commonly used in whole-body scans to identify residual thyroid tissue after surgery, playing a critical role in post-thyroidectomy surveillance. Diagnostic applications account for 30-35% of I-131 usage, with hospitals investing in advanced gamma cameras and PET-CT scanners to improve detection accuracy. The demand for nuclear imaging in thyroid disorders has increased in North America and Europe, where hospitals prioritize early-stage detection and personalized treatment plans.

• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism treatment using I-131 has increased by 20-25%, as radioactive iodine is the most effective non-surgical intervention for Graves’ disease and toxic nodular goiter. Over 50% of hyperthyroidism patients opt for I-131 therapy, as it provides a permanent solution compared to anti-thyroid drugs, reducing recurrence rates. In North America, nearly 80% of endocrinologists prefer I-131 treatment for patients with relapsing hyperthyroidism. The cost-effectiveness and outpatient feasibility of this therapy make it an attractive choice in developed healthcare markets.

• Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer cases have increased by 15-18% globally, making radioactive iodine therapy the primary treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer. More than 60% of thyroid cancer patients undergo I-131 therapy, as it effectively eliminates residual thyroid cells and prevents recurrence. North America and Europe lead in thyroid cancer treatment, with Asia-Pacific showing a 20% rise in demand due to increasing awareness and improved access to nuclear medicine. Hospitals are investing in high-dose I-131 therapy protocols, improving long-term survival rates for thyroid cancer patients by 30%.

Regional Outlook

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is growing across key regions, driven by rising thyroid disease cases, advancements in nuclear medicine, and increased adoption of radiopharmaceutical therapies. North America and Europe lead in market adoption due to high healthcare spending and advanced nuclear medicine facilities, while Asia-Pacific is witnessing increasing demand due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and a rising thyroid disease burden. The Middle East & Africa market is emerging with growing investments in oncology and nuclear medicine centers.

North America

North America accounts for 35-40% of the global Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market, driven by high thyroid cancer prevalence, well-established nuclear medicine facilities, and favorable reimbursement policies. The U.S. leads the region, with thyroid cancer cases increasing by 18% over the past decade. Over 70% of thyroid cancer patients in the U.S. receive I-131 therapy, boosting market demand. Canada is also investing in nuclear medicine infrastructure, with a 20% increase in I-131 drug procurement for hyperthyroidism and diagnostic applications. The presence of key pharmaceutical manufacturers and research institutes further strengthens the region’s dominance.

Europe

Europe contributes 25-30% of the market share, driven by rising cases of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, along with increasing government support for nuclear medicine research. Germany, France, and the UK are the major contributors, with hospitals expanding their radiopharmaceutical treatment programs. Germany has seen a 20% rise in I-131 therapy adoption, with healthcare facilities integrating AI-driven imaging techniques for thyroid scans. The European Thyroid Association (ETA) has emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, leading to a 15% increase in demand for diagnostic I-131 solutions.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid market growth, accounting for 20-25% of global demand, with increasing healthcare investments, rising thyroid disorder cases, and improving nuclear medicine access. China, India, and Japan are leading the market, with thyroid cancer cases increasing by 20% in recent years. China has expanded its nuclear medicine facilities by 25%, increasing the availability of radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. India is also seeing a 15% rise in I-131 drug demand, as hospitals improve radiopharmaceutical accessibility in urban and rural areas. The adoption of PET-CT imaging for thyroid diagnostics has increased by 30% in Japan, enhancing early detection rates.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region holds a 10-12% market share, with increasing investments in oncology and nuclear medicine centers. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa are key contributors, as governments invest in advanced radiopharmaceutical treatments. The demand for I-131 therapy has increased by 20% in the region, with hospitals adopting high-dose radioactive iodine treatments for thyroid cancer. Saudi Arabia has expanded nuclear medicine research by 15%, leading to improved radioactive isotope production and availability. However, limited access to radiopharmaceuticals in some African nations poses challenges to market growth.

List of Key Companies in the Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market

• Jubilant Radiopharma

• AnazaoHealth

• International Isotopes

• Bracco

• Mallinckrodt

• Hta Co., Ltd

• Yantai Dongcheng Biochemicals Co., Ltd.

• Chengdu Gaotong Isotope Co., Ltd.

• BWXT Medical Ltd

Top 2 Companies with the Highest Market Share

• Jubilant Radiopharma: Holds approximately 20-22% of the global market share, leading in radiopharmaceutical production and distribution, with a strong presence in North America and Europe.

• Mallinckrodt: Accounts for nearly 18-20% of the market share, recognized for its extensive portfolio of nuclear medicine products and I-131-based therapies, catering to hospitals and diagnostic centers worldwide.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is witnessing substantial investments driven by the rising prevalence of thyroid cancer, advancements in nuclear medicine, and increased funding in radiopharmaceutical research. The growing demand for I-131-based therapies has led to a 15-20% rise in capital investment by pharmaceutical companies and research institutions focusing on next-generation radiopharmaceuticals.

Governments in North America and Europe have increased funding for nuclear medicine infrastructure, with the U.S. Department of Energy investing over $100 million in expanding radioisotope production facilities. Additionally, China and India have allocated 20-25% more funding for nuclear medicine research, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign radioisotope suppliers.

Companies are also investing in AI-driven diagnostic tools and personalized medicine applications, enhancing precision in I-131 therapy administration. Hospitals and diagnostic centers have increased spending by 15% to upgrade PET-CT scanners and gamma cameras, improving thyroid imaging and boosting early detection rates by 30%. Furthermore, partnerships between radiopharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers have surged, with companies like Jubilant Radiopharma collaborating with global healthcare chains to expand I-131 drug distribution in emerging markets.

Future opportunities lie in expanding radiopharmaceutical access in developing countries, where thyroid disease cases are rising by 20% annually. Research into alternative I-131 formulations with enhanced absorption efficiency and reduced side effects is expected to drive further market growth and innovation.

New Product Development

The Sodium Iodine (131I) Drugs Market is experiencing rapid advancements in drug formulations, precision dosing, and AI-powered diagnostic applications. Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are actively developing next-generation I-131 therapies, improving bioavailability, patient safety, and treatment outcomes.

In March 2023, Jubilant Radiopharma launched a new high-purity I-131 oral solution, offering 25% faster absorption for hyperthyroidism treatment. This innovation has been adopted in leading hospitals across North America and Europe, reducing treatment time and minimizing side effects. Similarly, Mallinckrodt introduced a micro-dosed I-131 capsule in July 2023, designed for pediatric thyroid disorder treatment, enabling precise dose adjustments and reducing radiation exposure by 20%.

Companies are also focusing on nanoparticle-based I-131 formulations, with Yantai Dongcheng Biochemicals developing a controlled-release I-131 therapy, improving thyroid tissue targeting by 30%. AI-driven dose optimization tools have also emerged, with Bracco introducing a cloud-based precision dosing system, enhancing I-131 therapy accuracy by 40%.

The development of combination therapies, integrating I-131 with targeted cancer drugs, is gaining momentum, with clinical trials showing a 35% improvement in thyroid cancer remission rates. As demand for advanced radiopharmaceuticals rises, pharmaceutical companies are increasing R&D investments by 20-25%, ensuring continued innovation in nuclear medicine and personalized thyroid treatments.