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Holmium 166 Chloride Market

The market for Holmium 166 Chloride was estimated at $203 million in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $349 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $599 million by 2035.

Report ID:DS1802017
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
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Life Science
Pharmaceutical
Holmium 166 Chloride
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Report Summary
Market Data
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Table of Contents

Global Holmium 166 Chloride Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$203M

Forecast, 2035

$598M

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

11.4%

The Holmium 166 Chloride industry revenue is expected to be around $203.4 million in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 11.4% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Holmium 166 chloride is an important radiopharmaceutical that benefits from the nuclear medicine supply chain because of an increase in the prevalence of cancer, increased use of radionuclide therapy and the new cancer treatment facilities. The pharmaceutical and research sectors combined comprised 82.1% of the markets demand last year. This is because there were a lot of new drugs in the process of being developed and several clinical trials are being converted into commercially available treatments. In 2025 Holmium 166 Chloride generated $166.4 million in sales.

This is a result of the importance of this chemical for the supply of high purity radioisotopes used in cancer treatment and also for use in hospital radiation departments. Because of its beta emitting properties, favourable imaging properties and high specific activity, holmium 166 chloride has application in the treatment of liver cancer. It has a very short half life and so is suitable for a range of treatments. These treatments include brachytherapy, intra arterial radioembolisation and minimally invasive treatments. Applications include the production of targeted radio pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, integration into combination therapy protocols and radioisotope production research aimed at improving dosimetry, nuclear medicine safety and the scale of production, with a trend towards more personalized treatment, its use in cancers stem cell, which have not only responded to other treatments and the alignment of pharmaceutical standards with nuclear medicine.

Holmium 166 Chloride market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Holmium 166 Chloride Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Holmium 166 Chloride market is projected to grow from $203.4 million in 2025 to $599 million in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 11.4%, reflecting rising demand across Radiation Therapy, Arthritic Treatment, and Medical Imaging.

  • The market for brachytherapy is highly concentrated with only two major corporations operating in it, and the market leader is Quirem Medical B.V.

  • The US and Germany are to be the leading regions in the Holmium 166 Chloride market. The regions are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% to 12.0% between 2025 and 2030.

  • The fastest growth rates are expected to be experienced by the emerging markets of Iran, Canada and Brazil, with a compound annual growth rate of between 7.5 and 9%.

  • The market for Holmium 166 Chloride is becoming increasingly attractive for investors, primarily because of the trend towards theranostics. These alterations will generate a positive cycle which in turn is expected to boost growth, adding $19 million in value by 2030.

  • Between 2025 and 2035, the projected value of the Holmium 166 Chloride industry is $395 million. Key drivers in this sector include the Dosimetry Use Application, Research & Development and Clinical Trials. Manufacturers are likely to be focused on the Dosimetry Use Application, Research & Development and Clinical Trials to gain a larger share of the market.

  • The demand for holmium 166 chloride in radiotherapy treatments is likely to rise in the near future due to the significant progress being observed in medical imaging technology. It is predicted that the holmium 166 chloride market could grow by approximately 194% between the years 2025 and 2035.

holmium 166 chloride market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Holmium 166 Chloride - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Holmium 166 Chloride

In the Asia Pacific region oncology systems are focusing on the management of liver cancer, which will lead to a greater need for Holmium 166 Chloride radiotherapy. By the year 2025, holmium 166 radiopharmaceuticals of pharmaceutical grade are likely to achieve sales worth $166.4 million. It is also predicted that the figure will rise to $288.05 million by the year 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.6 %. Several lesser known towns with new nuclear medicine facilities are underserved concerning beta emitting radioisotopes. Pharmaceutical grade solutions for the targeted therapy of liver cancer will increase as neutron activation analysis technology becomes more widespread.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe

In North America the radionuclide theranostic trials & dosimetry applications of Holmium 166 Chloride are likely to have the greatest significance, the significance is likely due to North America's dense network of nuclear medicine clinics & academic medical centres plus those organisations that do research into theranostics. Key region's of focus include forming collaborations with leading cancer research institutions to integrate Holmium 166 Chloride into interventional oncology techniques for liver and metastatic tumours, implementing early access and compassionate use programs and developing a standardised dosimetry software package along with imaging protocols to allow for radioembolisation tailored to the needs of the patient. The regional providers of Good Manufacturing Practice radiopharmaceuticals and isotope distributors that are able to provide reliable reactors or cyclotrons are finding it increasingly difficult to compete in the market. Those with the capacity to optimize the supply chain for products of short half life are similarly placed. In addition to providing reactors and optimised logistics, such companies are also able to offer added services. These include assistance with regulatory requirements and tailoring protocols to customer needs. Oncology R&D is driven by the large investment in development of drugs, by the speed at which clinics are adopting image guided treatments and by the existing reimbursement of nuclear medicine treatments. Additionally the familiarity of these clinics with radioactive substances aids the use of Holmium 166 Chloride in future studies.
In Europe the final drug manufacturing for Holmium 166 Chloride will be dominated by established radiopharmaceutical production facilities, harmonised quality standards and the hospital based manufacturing units which specialise in Holmium 166 radiopharmaceuticals for routine therapy. There are opportunities for the company to develop a manufacturing model that can be used on a large scale for Holmium 166 Chloride. It is also hoped that the product can be incorporated into standard treatment protocols for liver cancer. A number of factors including state backed isotope producers, specialized radiopharmaceutical manufacturers and university hospitals influence competition within the industry. These entities compete with one another in relation to the production capacity, the ability to offer comprehensive service and training packages to radiology teams and adherence to the latest standards for good manufacturing practise and pharmacopoeia. The region is driven by high diagnostic imaging, supportive government policies, an increasing need for minimally invasive liver cancer treatments and cross border treatment networks that make new technologies available faster.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Targeted Radiotherapy Adoption and Expanding Reactor Based Medical Isotope Production

One key driver for the Holmium 166 Chloride market is also the growing adoption of targeted radiotherapy techniques combined with expanding medical isotope production capacity. Precision oncology and minimally invasive nuclear therapies increasingly favor beta emitting isotopes that offer localized tumor control with limited systemic exposure. Holmium 166 fits well within this niche due to its suitable half life and imaging compatibility. At the same time, investments in research reactors and irradiation services are also improving isotope availability and consistency. Countries are also modernizing aging reactors and adding dedicated medical isotope production cycles, reducing supply volatility. This combination supports clinical adoption, encourages hospital investment in nuclear medicine infrastructure, and expands the pipeline of Holmium based therapeutic products under development.
Another major driver is also the increasing clinical use of radiosynovectomy for managing chronic inflammatory joint diseases. Aging populations and rising prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis are also pushing demand for non surgical, cost effective interventions. Holmium 166 Chloride offers targeted synovial ablation with shorter recovery times and lower procedural complexity compared to surgery. also advances in imaging guided injection techniques further enhance treatment precision. This niche but expanding application sustains steady demand from specialized nuclear medicine centers.
02

Restraint: Stringent Regulatory Approval and Radioisotope Handling Compliance Requirements

Strict regulatory frameworks governing radioisotope production, transport, and clinical use significantly restrain market growth. Compliance with radiation safety standards increases operational costs and lengthens approval timelines for Holmium 166 Chloride based products. Smaller manufacturers often face delays entering new markets, limiting supply diversity. These constraints can slow hospital adoption and restrict revenue growth despite rising clinical interest.
03

Opportunity: Rising European demand for theranostic Holmium 166 Chloride in nuclear medicine imaging centers and Growing research-grade Holmium 166 Chloride adoption in North American radiopharmacy and biotech collaborations

European hospitals are increasingly implementing the diagnostic treatment approach of theranostics in cancer care. This approach links radiation with imaging techniques. Holmium 166 Chloride is a radioactive agent which is used in such a method. The demand is increasing for workers with skills in nuclear medicine and interventional radiology who are trained in the use of brachytherapy equipment and intra arterial treatments. Relationships between pharmaceutical companies producing radiopharmaceuticals and research hospitals are promoting standardisation of procedures for both primary tumours and metastases in the liver. In Europe there will be growth in the pharmaceutical grade Holmium 166 chloride for diagnosis and treatment purposes. This will be facilitated by regulatory incentives for innovative radiotherapeutic agents and by reimbursement frameworks for radionuclide therapy.
Scientists in North America are conducting numerous pre clinical trials along with early phase clinical trials on research grade holmium 166 chloride complexes. There is growing laboratory interest in scintigraphic indications other than the detection of liver cancer, with joint synovectomy and oncology representing region's of expanding demand. More and more radiopharmacies are linking up with biotech start ups and contract manufacturers for the expansion of production. Currently a market worth 37.02 million USD, research grade Holmium 166 is expected to increase in size to 60.95 million by 2030 at a growth rate of 10.48% per year. This rise is anticipated to be driven by research into optimal dosages and applications.
04

Challenge: Limited Reactor Availability and Complex Supply Chain Logistics

Dependence on nuclear reactors for Holmium 166 production creates supply chain vulnerabilities. Reactor maintenance shutdowns or geopolitical disruptions can reduce isotope availability and impact treatment scheduling. Short half life also requires rapid processing and distribution, increasing logistics costs. These challenges affect pricing stability and can discourage smaller clinics from offering Holmium based therapies, influencing overall demand patterns.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Rare earth mining

China Northern Rare Earth GroupLynas Rare Earths
2

Therapeutic isotope production

Eckert & Ziegler Isotope ProductsNRG Petten
3

Holmium 166 Chloride

Quirem Medical B.V.ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE
4

Clinical applications

Interventional oncologyLiver cancer therapyNuclear medicine radiopharmaceuticals
Holmium 166 Chloride - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Holmium 166 Chloride in Radiation Therapy & Arthritic Treatment

Radiation Therapy : Holmium 166 Chloride is primarily used in high purity radiopharmaceutical grade form for targeted radiation therapy, especially in microsphere based internal radiotherapy. It is administered by nuclear medicine specialists to deliver localized beta radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Its short half life and combined beta and gamma emission offer precise dose control and real time imaging capability. Key suppliers such as Curium and ITM Isotope Technologies benefit from strong reactor access, regulatory expertise, and integrated radiopharma manufacturing capabilities.
Arthritic Treatment : In arthritic treatment, Holmium 166 Chloride is mainly utilized in injectable radiopharmaceutical formulations for radiosynovectomy procedures. Rheumatology and nuclear medicine departments use it to ablate inflamed synovial tissue in chronic joint disorders, reducing pain and inflammation without surgery. Its favorable particle range allows localized treatment within the joint cavity. Companies like NRG Nuclear Medicine and Curium maintain strong positions through reliable isotope supply, clinical validation, and established hospital distribution networks supporting niche digital therapeutic use.
Medical Imaging : Holmium 166 Chloride is used in traceable diagnostic grade formulations for medical imaging and therapy monitoring, primarily by nuclear imaging centers. Its gamma emission enables post treatment imaging and dose verification in theranostic workflows. This dual functionality supports precise treatment planning and outcome assessment. Leading players such as ITM Isotope Technologies and POLATOM leverage advanced isotope production infrastructure and strong collaborations with imaging system providers, positioning themselves as trusted suppliers for integrated diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine applications.

Recent Developments

Recent Holmium 166 Chloride developments show growing clinical adoption in targeted radioembolization and precision radiopharmaceutical applications, especially for unresectable liver cancer, with real-world safety and efficacy data reinforcing its therapeutic role. Key market trend reflects increasing integration of theranostic workflows that combine diagnostic imaging with treatment, enhancing personalized medicine approaches and driving partnerships between isotope producers and healthcare providers. This momentum aligns with broader expansion in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy technologies worldwide.

June 2025 : Terumo Corporation initiated liquidation proceedings for Quirem Medical B.V., its wholly-owned subsidiary responsible for the Holmium-166 microsphere platform, including QuiremSpheres used in selective internal radiation therapy. This decision follows continued challenges in expanding global market penetration and regulatory differences, leading to cessation of sales and an expected exit from the radiation-emitting beads business by June 2025
November 2024 : Eckert & Ziegler SE reported strong financial performance with continued growth in its isotope business, including robust isotope product sales that underpin ongoing radiopharmaceutical supply capabilities. While not specific to Holmium-166, this reflects strengthened isotope production and broader market demand benefiting suppliers in beta emitters and radiotherapy isotopes. 
April 2023 : Eckert & Ziegler Radiopharma GmbH received manufacturing authorization for GMP-grade Lutetium-177, reinforcing its position as a licensed producer of critical therapeutic isotopes and expanding its capacity to support radiopharmaceutical manufacture. Although this relates directly to Lu-177, it demonstrates regulatory momentum for isotope suppliers like Eckert & Ziegler who also provide medical isotope solutions relevant to Holmium-166 workflows. 

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Holmium 166 Chloride Market

As a core segment of the Pharmaceutical industry, the Holmium 166 Chloride market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Move towards Theranostics and Decentralization of Isotope Production Models have redefined priorities across the Pharmaceutical sector, influencing how the Holmium 166 Chloride market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Move towards Theranostics

This position of Holmium 166 Chloride at the forefront of oncology research is a result of the potential for theranostic techniques to improve cancer treatment. Theranostics enables the use of targeted, image guided treatments that meet the specific needs of each patient, along with a reduction in clinical time and costs. Theranostics in oncology, a field that uses both diagnostic and therapeutic treatments, benefits from Holmium 166 Chloride. This is because this radiopharmaceutical has the ability to serve as both a treatment and diagnostic tool. A catalyst is bringing about a more integrated innovation ready ecosystem. Here, theranostics solutions that are scalable, and regulatory pathways that are streamlined, reinforce each other. This leads to a potential incremental value of $19 million between 2026 and 2030, thereby greatly increasing its attractiveness as a sector in which to invest and expand.
02

Decentralization of Isotope Production Models

Another significant transition is the gradual decentralization of medical isotope production. Instead of relying solely on a few large reactors, the industry is exploring regional irradiation facilities and alternative production routes. This shift improves supply resilience for isotopes like Holmium 166 Chloride and reduces cross border transport risks. It also stimulates partnerships between reactor operators, radiopharmaceutical firms, and hospitals. The transition reshapes competitive dynamics by lowering entry barriers for regional suppliers while improving service reliability for end users.