Top 10 Companies in the Global Iodine-131 Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Nuclear Medicine and Radiopharmaceutical Innovation

In Business Insights
April 22, 2026

The Global Iodine-131 Market is witnessing consistent and medically significant growth, driven by the rising global burden of thyroid disorders, expanding applications in oncology, and increased adoption of targeted radionuclide therapies. Iodine-131 (I-131), a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 8.02 days, is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, and as a tracer in industrial and research applications. Furthermore, it plays an increasingly critical role in antibody labelling for cancer immunotherapy, making it one of the most strategically important radioisotopes in modern medicine.

As global healthcare systems invest more heavily in nuclear medicine infrastructure and personalized cancer treatment, the demand for high-purity, reliably produced Iodine-131 continues to grow across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Global Iodine-131 Industry—a mix of radiopharmaceutical manufacturers, nuclear research institutions, and specialized isotope producers shaping the future of this critical market.


😰 1. Jubilant DraxImage Inc.

Headquarters: Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
Key Offering: Iodine-131 Sodium Iodide (Solution & Capsule), Radiopharmaceuticals

Jubilant DraxImage is one of the most prominent radiopharmaceutical companies operating globally, and a leading supplier of Iodine-131 products for both diagnostic and therapeutic use. The company manufactures and distributes I-131 in both oral solution and capsule form, primarily targeting thyroid cancer treatment and hyperthyroidism management. Jubilant DraxImage operates under rigorous regulatory frameworks including FDA and Health Canada approvals, ensuring consistent product quality and patient safety.

Key Strengths:

  • Broad distribution network across North America and international markets

  • FDA-approved I-131 formulations in both solution and capsule formats

  • Strong clinical partnerships with nuclear medicine departments at major hospitals

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Iodine-131 Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. NTP Radioisotopes (SOC) Ltd.

Headquarters: Pelindaba, South Africa
Key Offering: Iodine-131 for Medical and Industrial Applications

NTP Radioisotopes is a subsidiary of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and one of the world’s largest producers of medical radioisotopes, including Iodine-131. The company supplies I-131 to customers across more than 60 countries, making it a critical pillar of the global nuclear medicine supply chain. NTP’s production capacity and international reach make it particularly important for emerging market healthcare systems that are scaling their nuclear medicine capabilities.

Key Strengths:

  • One of the highest-volume I-131 producers globally

  • Supplies radioisotopes to over 60 countries across multiple continents

  • Operates in compliance with international nuclear safety and quality standards


8️⃣ 3. IRE (Institut National des Radioéléments) & IRE ELiT

Headquarters: Fleurus, Belgium
Key Offering: Iodine-131, Fission-based Radioisotopes, Targeted Radiotherapy Solutions

IRE is one of Europe’s leading producers of medical radioisotopes, with a long-standing track record in the production of Iodine-131 for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. Its subsidiary, IRE ELiT, focuses on the development of targeted alpha and beta therapies, advancing the clinical applications of I-131 beyond traditional thyroid treatments. IRE works closely with European hospitals, research centers, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure a stable and high-quality isotope supply.

Key Strengths:

  • Decades of expertise in fission-based radioisotope production in Europe

  • IRE ELiT platform advancing next-generation targeted radionuclide therapies

  • Strong regulatory standing with European Medicines Agency (EMA) compliance


7️⃣ 4. Curium Pharma

Headquarters: Saint-Genis-Pouilly, France
Key Offering: I-131 Radiopharmaceuticals, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Products

Curium Pharma is one of the largest global radiopharmaceutical companies, formed through the merger of IBA Molecular and Mallinckrodt Nuclear Medicine. The company has an extensive manufacturing and distribution network across Europe and North America, supplying a comprehensive portfolio of nuclear medicine products including Iodine-131 formulations. Curium’s vertically integrated model—from isotope production to clinical delivery—gives it a distinct competitive advantage in both speed and reliability of supply.

Key Strengths:

  • Extensive manufacturing footprint in Europe and the United States

  • Comprehensive portfolio spanning diagnostics and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals

  • Vertically integrated supply chain ensuring product availability and traceability

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Iodine-131 Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. GE HealthCare (formerly GE Healthcare)

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Radiopharmaceutical Imaging Agents, Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics

GE HealthCare is a globally recognized medical technology leader with a significant presence in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. While the company is best known for its imaging equipment and diagnostics platforms, it also plays an important role in the radiopharmaceutical supply chain, supporting Iodine-131 based diagnostic protocols and infrastructure. GE HealthCare’s imaging systems are widely used in hospitals performing thyroid scintigraphy and post-therapy whole body scans, making it deeply embedded in the I-131 clinical ecosystem.

Key Strengths:

  • World-leading position in nuclear medicine imaging infrastructure

  • Strong integration between imaging platforms and radiopharmaceutical protocols

  • Active investment in advancing molecular imaging and theranostics applications


5️⃣ 6. Lantheus Holdings, Inc.

Headquarters: North Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Medicine Agents

Lantheus Holdings has established itself as a key innovator in the radiopharmaceutical space in North America, with a growing pipeline of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine products. The company’s expertise in radioiodine-based compounds and its deep clinical relationships with oncology centers position it as a significant contributor to the Iodine-131 market, particularly in the U.S. where thyroid cancer incidence continues to rise. Lantheus is also actively investing in next-generation radiotherapeutics that build on radioiodine science.

Key Strengths:

  • Strong U.S. market presence with well-established hospital distribution channels

  • Active pipeline in targeted radionuclide therapy leveraging radioiodine science

  • Committed to expanding access to nuclear medicine across underserved regions


4️⃣ 7. Nordion (a Sotera Health company)

Headquarters: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Key Offering: Medical Isotopes including Iodine-131, Gamma Sterilization Services

Nordion has been a cornerstone of the global medical isotope supply chain for decades. As part of Sotera Health, the company leverages its long-standing expertise in radioisotope production to supply Iodine-131 and other critical isotopes to hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers globally. Nordion’s production infrastructure is designed to meet stringent quality and regulatory requirements, and the company plays an important role in ensuring continuity of supply during periods of isotope shortages—a known challenge in the nuclear medicine sector.

Key Strengths:

  • Decades of isotope production expertise with a robust quality assurance framework

  • Strategic role in supply chain resilience for global nuclear medicine markets

  • Integration with Sotera Health’s broader medical safety and sterilization platform


3️⃣ 8. ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)

Headquarters: Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
Key Offering: Iodine-131, Molybdenum-99, and a Broad Range of Medical Radioisotopes

ANSTO is Australia’s national nuclear science and technology organization and one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most important producers of medical radioisotopes, including Iodine-131. Operating the OPAL multi-purpose reactor, ANSTO supplies I-131 to hospitals and nuclear medicine facilities throughout Australia and exports to international partners. The organization is committed to ensuring reliable domestic and regional supply, particularly as Asia-Pacific nations continue to expand their nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Key Strengths:

  • Operates the OPAL reactor, a key production source for medical radioisotopes in the region

  • Reliable supplier for Australian healthcare and selected international markets

  • Active research programs in advanced radiopharmaceutical development

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Iodine-131 Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals

Headquarters: Staines-upon-Thames, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Iodotope® (Sodium Iodide I-131 Solution), Thyroid Treatment Radiopharmaceuticals

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals has a long history in nuclear medicine and remains a recognized name in the Iodine-131 market through its Iodotope® brand. The company’s I-131 sodium iodide solution is widely used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer in clinical settings across North America. However, Mallinckrodt has faced significant corporate restructuring in recent years, and its long-term market positioning continues to evolve as the radiopharmaceutical landscape consolidates.

Key Strengths:

  • Established Iodotope® brand with strong recognition among nuclear medicine physicians

  • Long-standing expertise in clinical-grade radioiodine formulation and distribution

  • Ongoing commitment to maintaining product availability through restructuring


1️⃣ 10. Eckert & Ziegler AG

Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
Key Offering: Iodine-131 for Therapy and Research, Radioactive Components and Assemblies

Eckert & Ziegler is a diversified nuclear technology company with a strong portfolio spanning medical isotopes, radiation therapy, and industrial applications. The company produces and distributes Iodine-131 for both therapeutic and research use, serving pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, and academic institutions in Europe and beyond. Eckert & Ziegler’s strength lies in its ability to supply precise, calibrated radioactive products at scale, and its growing investments in theranostics and targeted radiotherapy position it well for the next phase of market growth.

Key Strengths:

  • Diversified nuclear product portfolio spanning medical, research, and industrial segments

  • Established European presence with growing global distribution capabilities

  • Active investment in theranostics and next-generation radiopharmaceutical applications

Get Full Report Here:
Global Iodine-131 Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌎 Outlook: The Future of the Iodine-131 Market Is Medically Essential and Technologically Advanced

The global Iodine-131 market is evolving rapidly. While its core application in thyroid disease management remains fundamentally important, the isotope is gaining renewed attention as a platform for targeted cancer immunotherapy, antibody labelling, and next-generation theranostics. Regulatory agencies across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are supporting the expansion of nuclear medicine infrastructure, which is directly accelerating demand for reliably produced I-131 products in both solution and capsule form.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising global incidence of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism driving therapeutic demand

  • Expansion of nuclear medicine departments in Asia-Pacific and Latin American hospitals

  • Growing use of Iodine-131 in antibody labelling for oncology immunotherapy research

  • Supply chain resilience initiatives following documented isotope shortage events

  • Theranostics advancements integrating I-131 diagnostics with precision therapy protocols

Get Full Report Here:
Global Iodine-131 Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying a critical medical isotope—they’re spearheading the next generation of nuclear medicine, where precision, reliability, and therapeutic innovation converge to improve patient outcomes across the globe.