Singapore's Precision Medicine Leap: NUS CIRC Partners with Cyclotek

Singapore is positioning itself as a hub for advanced medical research, particularly in precision medicine where targeted diagnostics and therapies converge. The recent strategic collaboration between the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Clinical Imaging Research Centre (CIRC) and Australian radiopharmaceutical leader Cyclotek marks a pivotal step in elevating the nation's capabilities in radiopharmaceutical development and clinical trials. Announced on March 4, 2026, this partnership leverages NUS CIRC's cutting-edge imaging infrastructure and Cyclotek's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant production expertise to accelerate the translation of research into patient care across Singapore and the ASEAN region.

Radiopharmaceuticals, which are radioactive compounds used for medical imaging and targeted therapy, play a crucial role in theranostics—a combined approach of diagnostics ("thera") and therapeutics ("gnostics"). This union promises to enhance early detection and treatment of cancers, neurological disorders, and other serious conditions, aligning with Singapore's National Precision Medicine initiative.

Understanding the Partners: NUS CIRC and Cyclotek

The Clinical Imaging Research Centre (CIRC) at NUS, part of the National University Health System (NUHS), is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cyclotrons for producing isotopes like Gallium-68 (Ga-68), advanced PET/CT scanners, and clinical trial suites. CIRC excels in translational research, biomarker discovery, and multi-modal imaging, recently installing a second iPHASE MultiSyn module to boost Ga-68 production for PET tracers. It supports investigator-initiated trials and industry-sponsored studies, fostering innovation from bench to bedside.

Cyclotek, with over 25 years in the field, operates a robust GMP manufacturing network across Australia and New Zealand, supplying over 150,000 patient doses annually. Specializing in positron emission tomography (PET) tracers and radionuclide therapies, Cyclotek brings proprietary investigational agents and expertise in first-in-human trials, technology transfer, and supply chain resilience. Their collaboration extends Cyclotek's Asia-Pacific footprint, complementing facilities like those in Melbourne.

Core Objectives and Strategic Synergies

The partnership focuses on several key pillars:

• Development and GMP production of investigational medicinal products (IMPs) for clinical trials.
• Enhanced access to PET radiopharmaceuticals and therapies for cancer and neurology research.
• Support for cross-border trials in ASEAN, improving regional supply chains.
• Translation of research prototypes into clinical-grade agents, accelerating theranostics adoption.
• Talent development through training in radiopharma science and imaging.

Prof. Edmond J. Yun, CIRC Director, highlighted the synergy: CIRC's research prowess meets Cyclotek's manufacturing scale, enabling faster innovation cycles. Cyclotek CEO Jon Evans emphasized, "This joint effort aims to increase utility and availability... supporting next-generation molecular imaging and therapy."

This aligns with recent advancements, like CIRC's Ga-68 platform strengthening cyclotron-based production, vital for tracers like PSMA for prostate cancer imaging.

Singapore's Radiopharmaceutical Ecosystem: A Growing Powerhouse

Singapore's investments in nuclear medicine are bearing fruit. The NUH-NUS Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Centre, launched in October 2025, features Singapore's first total-body PET/CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers, enabling ultra-fast, low-dose scans for better diagnostics. A*STAR and government strategies under RIE2030 bolster this, with the radiopharmaceuticals market projected to grow from USD 175 million in 2024 to USD 258 million by 2032 at a 7.14% CAGR.

Clinical trials in radiopharma are surging globally, with over 80 active therapeutic studies by late 2025, and Asia-Pacific leading at 10.3% CAGR. Singapore's regulatory efficiency via the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) attracts trials, positioning NUS as a key player.

Advancing Theranostics: From Diagnosis to Treatment

Theranostics pairs diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy using the same radiotracer. For instance, Ga-68 PSMA PET detects prostate cancer, followed by Lu-177 PSMA therapy. CIRC's infrastructure supports this end-to-end, from synthesis to patient scanning.

The partnership will evaluate emerging agents, like novel PET ligands for neurology (e.g., amyloid imaging for Alzheimer's). Step-by-step process:

1. Research synthesis at CIRC's hot labs.
2. GMP scaling via Cyclotek.
3. Phase I/II trials with imaging readouts.
4. ASEAN expansion for larger cohorts.

This could cut trial timelines by 20-30%, per industry benchmarks, benefiting patients with faster access.

Regional Impact: Elevating ASEAN Healthcare

ASEAN faces rising cancer burdens—projected 1.5 million new cases yearly by 2030. The collaboration addresses supply gaps, where 90% of radiopharmas are imported. By building local production, it ensures resilience against global shortages, as seen in Mo-99 crises.

Cross-border trials will leverage Singapore's hub status, linking with partners in Thailand, Indonesia. Long-term, it supports radioligand therapies like Pluvicto, reducing economic costs estimated at billions regionally.

Career Opportunities in Radiopharmaceutical Research at NUS

This partnership opens doors for researchers, chemists, and clinicians. NUS seeks experts in nuclear medicine, imaging physicists, and trial coordinators. Roles span postdocs to faculty, with demand surging 15% yearly in Asia-Pacific.

• Explore research assistant jobs in clinical trials.
• Clinical research positions at NUS/NUHS.
• Career advice for academia.

For aspiring professionals, NUS offers training in GMP handling and theranostics, bridging university research to industry.

Challenges and Solutions in Radiopharma Development

Challenges include short isotope half-lives (e.g., Ga-68: 68 minutes), requiring on-site cyclotrons, and high costs (USD 10k+ per dose). Solutions:

• Cyclotek's tech transfer for efficient scaling.
• CIRC's integrated production-imaging workflow.
• Government subsidies via NMRC grants.

Stakeholder views: Clinicians praise faster trials; regulators note HSA's streamlined approvals.

Photo by Emily Rusch on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A Theranostics Hub in Asia

By 2030, experts predict Singapore handling 20% of ASEAN radiopharma trials. This partnership could spawn spin-offs, like novel tracers from NUS labs. For students, it's a gateway to postdoc opportunities in booming fields.

Explore professor reviews at NUS or higher ed jobs to join this revolution. AcademicJobs.com connects you to these roles, positioning you at the forefront of precision medicine.