Challenge: The field of radiopharmaceuticals is under development and rapidly advancing. There are plans to build a new reactor in the Netherlands for the production of medical isotopes, a wide range of tracers are being developed for a variety of different diseases, and numerous clinical studies are underway to confirm their effectiveness. Additionally, significant growth is expected in the use of medical isotopes for the treatment of oncological diseases.

To facilitate the development and implementation of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic products and make them more quickly accessible to patients, the Minister of Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS) has appointed a special envoy to connect stakeholders and collaborate with the sector to create a roadmap. In the letter to Parliament, in which the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport informs about the progress of the FAST expertise centre, FAST is asked to support the pioneer in drafting a roadmap with researchers and entrepreneurs in the nuclear medicine sector.

Project goal(s): Supporting the special envoy (Wim Oyen) appointed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport in carrying out his task to develop a roadmap with and for the sector. The goal of the roadmap is to promote cohesion and collaboration among all stakeholders in the field (including researchers, nuclear medicine specialists, other relevant medical professionals, companies, and government bodies) in the development and application of nuclear medicines (radiopharmaceuticals). The aim is to make radiopharmaceuticals more quickly available for routine patient care for an acceptable price, thereby optimizing the potential and infrastructure of nuclear medicine in the Netherlands for the benefit of patients.

Project status: Completed in November 2024.

Contribution of FAST: FAST has supported Wim Oyen throughout the process both procedurally and substantively, including organizing roundtables and events, leading various key areas, and contributing to the development of the roadmap and next steps.