Singapore has expanded its national capabilities in molecular imaging and translational research with the establishment of the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Centre, a joint initiative by the National University Hospital (NUH) and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine). It is expected to strengthen Singapore’s leadership in molecular imaging and precision medicine across Asia, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

A key feature of the facility is the introduction of Singapore’s first total-body PET/CT system, developed in collaboration with Siemens Healthineers. The scanner enables full-body acquisition in a single bed position, offering substantially higher detection sensitivity, shorter scan times, and reduced radiation dose compared to conventional systems. These parameters allow clinicians to examine distribution patterns of tracers more comprehensively and monitor disease processes with greater consistency over time.

Nidhi Bharti, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Total-body PET/CT provides simultaneous coverage of all major organ systems, enabling clinicians to observe multi-organ involvement and assess treatment response with improved consistency. This can be particularly relevant in oncology and chronic inflammatory conditions, where disease pathways extend beyond a single anatomical site.”

The facility’s integrated structure, combining clinical services with research functions, also broadens opportunities for studying tracer kinetics, evaluating novel radiopharmaceuticals, and supporting clinical investigations linked to metabolic and cancer pathways. This environment allows researchers to analyze imaging data under routine clinical conditions, providing a more accurate understanding of real-world performance.

Bharti adds: “Having access to longitudinal imaging data from whole-body scans allows researchers to detect subtle physiological variations and build stronger evidence for diagnostic or therapeutic decision-making. Such data is essential for refining theranostic approaches that depend on precise target identification and dose evaluation.”

The development aligns with Singapore’s broader precision medicine strategy, complementing national initiatives such as the National Precision Medicine Programme.

Bharti concludes: “By enabling clinicians and researchers to work within a shared imaging infrastructure, Singapore can generate more robust datasets, support regional studies, and contribute to the development of standardized imaging methodologies across Asia.”