Medical radioisotope is a small quantity of radioactive substance used in safe, cost effective, for the
purpose of diagnostic and therapy of various diseases. In Malaysia, the emerging of new nuclear
medicine centers or institutions in both government and private sectors rose abruptly for the past few
years. Currently, there are no data available on the usage and demand of medial radioisotope or
radiopharmaceuticals. Understanding the usage trending and demand of radiopharmaceuticals and
medical radioisotope is essential when related to technology changes in order to meet the market size
of these radiopharmaceuticals. Survey result found out that the highest demand and the highest usage
among all radioisotopes are Technetium-99m and Radioiodine isotopes such as the Iodine-131, Iodine-
131 MIBG, Iodine-123 and Iodine-123 MIBG. Currently, most of the medical isotopes and
radiopharmaceuticals are currently imported. Technetium-99m is the backbone of nuclear medicine
whereby more than 80% of Nuclear Medicine services utilize this radioisotope. Technetium-99m supply
chain is unstable globally and in coming future, two main reactors (Canada & Holland) that produces
60% of world Molybdenum-99 will shut down the operation and supply of Molybdenum-99 will be
disrupted. As for radioiodine services, currently, Iodine-123 can't be obtained in Malaysia and
neighboring countries due to its short half-life. Iodine-123 is useful in diagnostic of thyroid related
diseases. As for PET services, the highest demands are F-18 FDG and Gallium-68 Generator for the
moment. However the survey data still did not, include most of the PET centers in the Klang Valley,
northern area (Penang) and the new upcoming PET center in Southern Region (Malacca and Johor).
It is important for Malaysia to self-produced medical radioisotope and radiopharmaceuticals to meet
the market and local demand of these medical isotopes.