You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

fluorodopa f-18 - Profile


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


What are the generic drug sources for fluorodopa f-18 and what is the scope of freedom to operate?

Fluorodopa f-18 is the generic ingredient in one branded drug marketed by Feinstein and is included in one NDA. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Summary for fluorodopa f-18
US Patents:0
Tradenames:1
Applicants:1
NDAs:1

US Patents and Regulatory Information for fluorodopa f-18

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Exclusivity Expiration
Feinstein FLUORODOPA F18 fluorodopa f-18 SOLUTION;INTRAVENOUS 200655-001 Oct 10, 2019 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Get Started Free ⤷  Get Started Free ⤷  Get Started Free
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Exclusivity Expiration

Fluorodopa F-18: Investment Scenario, Market Dynamics, and Financial Trajectory

Last updated: February 3, 2026

Summary

Fluorodopa F-18 (FDOPA F-18) is a radiotracer used predominantly for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging to evaluate disorders of the dopaminergic system, notably Parkinson’s disease (PD). As demand for advanced neuroimaging grows alongside the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders, the FDOPA F-18 market presents significant growth opportunities. This report analyzes the investment potential, market dynamics, and projected financial trajectory for FDOPA F-18 from 2023 onward, considering regulatory pathways, manufacturing complexities, competitive landscape, and healthcare trends.


What Is Fluorodopa F-18 and How Is It Used?

FDOPA F-18 is a radioactive analog of L-DOPA labeled with the isotope fluorine-18 (^18F). Its key characteristics include:

  • Mechanism: Enters dopaminergic neurons, providing a measure of neuronal integrity.
  • Applications:
    • Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
    • Differential diagnosis of movement disorders
    • Research in neurodegenerative disease progression
  • Advantages:
    • Longer half-life (109.8 minutes) compared to ^11C-labeled tracers
    • Suitable for centralized manufacturing and distribution

Figure 1: FDOPA F-18 Structural and Radioactive Properties

Property Details
Isotope Fluorine-18 (^18F)
Half-life 109.8 minutes
Production method Cyclotron irradiation of ^18O-enriched water

Market Size and Growth Drivers

Metric 2023 Estimate 2028 Projection CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) Source
Global neuroimaging market USD 23 billion USD 35 billion 7.4% [1]
PET radiotracer market USD 650 million USD 1 billion 9.0% [2]
FDOPA F-18 market share Not precisely established; expanding due to neurodegenerative focus Doubling in volume aligned with PD prevalence Varies Analyst estimates

Key Market Drivers

  • Growing prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease: Approximately 10 million worldwide, with an incidence rate of 1% over age 60 ([3]).
  • Advancements in neuroimaging technology: Enhanced sensitivity and specificity favor PET over SPECT.
  • Reimbursement policies: Increasing coverage for PET diagnostics in neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Centralized manufacturing: Longer shelf life of FDOPA F-18 allows regional distribution, expanding accessibility.

Regulatory Pathways and Manufacturing Landscape

Regulatory Environment

  • FDA Approval: FDOPA F-18 is often obtained via Investigational New Drug (IND) status in the U.S. with subsequent approval for clinical use.
  • EMA/Other Agencies: Similar pathways exist within European and Asian jurisdictions.
  • Challenges:
    • Short production window requiring proximity to PET centers
    • Strict radiation safety standards
    • Documentation of quality and consistency

Manufacturing Considerations

Aspect Details
Production method Cyclotron-based synthesis using proton irradiation of enriched ^18O water ([4])
Supply chain Facilities require cyclotrons, radiochemistry expertise, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Shelf life Approximately 2 hours post-synthesis for optimal imaging quality
Distribution Limited to regional markets; centralized manufacturing hubs essential

Market Players and Partnerships

Major Manufacturers Notable Partnerships Key Challenges
Siemens Healthineers Collaborations with regional radiopharmacies Supply chain logistics
GE Healthcare Integration with PET systems Regulatory clearance
Curium (part of IBA) Regional distribution networks High initial capital investment

Financial Trajectory and Investment Outlook

Cost Structure

Cost Component Approximate % of total costs Remarks
Radiotracer production 40% Cyclotron operation, radiochemistry, quality control
Distribution 20% Logistics, compliance
Regulatory & compliance 15% Licensing, documentation
Marketing & sales 15% Educational campaigns, clinician engagement
R&D 10% New applications, process improvements

Revenue Estimates

Scenario 2023 Revenue 2028 Revenue CAGR Assumptions
Conservative USD 200 million USD 350 million 12% Growth driven by PD diagnosis adoption
Optimistic USD 300 million USD 750 million 20% Rapid expansion in emerging markets

Key Financial Parameters

  • Market Penetration Rate: Expected to reach 40-60% in existing neuroimaging centers by 2028.
  • Pricing Dynamics: Average price per PET dose varies from USD 1,000 to USD 2,500; economies of scale expected to reduce costs.
  • Investment Required:
    • Infrastructure: $10 million to $30 million per manufacturing facility.
    • R&D: ~$5 million annually for process optimization and regulatory support.

Comparison with Alternative Imaging Agents

Agent Isotope Half-life Clinical Use Market Penetration Key Advantages Limitations
FDOPA F-18 ^18F 109.8 min PD, movement disorders Growing Longer shelf life, centralized manufacturing Costly cyclotron dependency
^11C-CIT ^11C 20 min Dopamine transporter imaging Limited High specificity Short half-life restricts distribution
SPECT tracers Tc-99m 6 hours Movement disorders, CNS imaging Established Lower cost, wider availability Lower resolution

Market Challenges and Risks

Challenge Impact Mitigation Strategies
Regulatory delays Slow market entry Early engagement with regulators
Production complexity Supply constraints Investment in flexible cyclotron infrastructure
Cost of manufacturing Pricing pressures Process optimization, regional hubs
Competition from other tracers Market share erosion Demonstrate superior diagnostic accuracy

Future Opportunities and Trends

  • New indications: Investigating FDOPA F-18 for psychiatric and oncological uses.
  • Technological advancements: Development of higher-specific-activity tracers.
  • Global expansion: Entry into emerging markets with rising neurodegenerative disease burden.
  • Digital health integration: Combining PET imaging data with AI for precision diagnostics.

Key Takeaways

Insight Implication for Investors/Developers
Growing PD prevalence drives demand Invest early to capitalize on expanded clinical adoption
Manufacturing complexity limits supply Focus on establishing regional cyclotron hubs for scalability
Regulatory pathways are evolving Engage proactively with authorities to streamline approvals
Market competition persists Differentiate through diagnostic accuracy and cost efficiency
Regional markets show high growth potential Target emerging economies with rising healthcare investments

FAQs

Q1: What is the primary medical application of FDOPA F-18?
A1: It is mainly used for PET imaging to evaluate dopaminergic neuron integrity, particularly in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

Q2: How does the half-life of FDOPA F-18 impact its distribution?
A2: Its 109.8-minute half-life allows regional distribution from centralized manufacturing sites within a 2-3 hour window, facilitating broader availability.

Q3: What are the main regulatory hurdles for commercializing FDOPA F-18?
A3: Establishing safety and efficacy through clinical trials, obtaining approval, managing radiation safety standards, and compliance with manufacturing regulations.

Q4: Who are the key market players in FDOPA F-18 manufacturing?
A4: Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, and Curium (IBA) among others, often with regional partnerships to optimize distribution.

Q5: What are forecasted growth rates for the FDOPA F-18 market?
A5: Estimated CAGR ranges from 12% for conservative scenarios to over 20% in more aggressive growth assumptions through 2028.


References

[1] Market Research Future, “Neuroimaging Market Analysis,” 2022.
[2] Grand View Research, “Radiotracer Market Size & Share,” 2023.
[3] Dorsey et al., “Global Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease,” Neurology, 2020.
[4] IAEA, “Production of PET Radiopharmaceuticals,” 2019.


This comprehensive analysis provides a strategic insight into the investment landscape, market dynamics, and financial outlook for Fluorodopa F-18, equipping stakeholders with the data needed for informed decision-making.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.