The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has issued its position statement on the potential impact of tariffs on the radiopharmaceutical supply chain.
Citing the high demand for molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) to produce diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, the society said that the specialty relies on sources from other countries to produce key medical isotopes.
The SNMMI further elaborated that the radiopharmaceutical supply chain is "especially fragile" due to the short shelf life of isotopes and limited suppliers. And domestic radiopharmaceutical suppliers would be impacted by price changes and uncertainty tied to tariffs.
While the society said it welcomes domestic production of medical isotopes, building these facilities could take 10 to 15 years, along with large investments.
"Given the delicate nature of the current radiopharmaceutical supply chain, SNMMI believes that imposing tariffs on medical isotopes would increase costs for patients and reduce access to nuclear medicine procedures," the society stated.
The full position statement can be read here.
