Ionetix Leads Advanced Nuclear Medicine with Therapeutic and Diagnostic Isotopes
One of the few companies in the U.S. producing therapeutic and diagnostic isotopes like Ac-225 and N-13 is headquartered right here in Lansing, and is helping to drive the innovation behind Michigan’s Health Core.
A leader in advanced nuclear medicine, Ionetix’s innovations improve access to critical medical isotopes, enabling more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment options for patients. The company pioneers advanced radiopharmaceutical and medical isotope technologies that are helping transform patient care in both diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies.
By combining cutting-edge science with scalable manufacturing, Ionetix is driving progress in medical technology, creating high-tech jobs, and contributing to a strong healthcare ecosystem in Michigan and nationwide.
Unlike many in the industry, Ionetix manufactures its own cyclotron for N-13 and has fully integrated production, allowing precise control over quality, supply, and innovation.
Scaling Up in Michigan’s Growth-Accelerating Ecosystem
Established in 2009, this global MedTech company now spans 11 locations across the country, with its headquarters, lab, manufacturing, warehousing, and R&D taking place across two locations in Lansing.
“Our decision to relocate our headquarters and further invest in Michigan with our business expansion was driven by the advantages of the strong talent in our existing workforce, strong research institutions in close proximity to us in Lansing, and a collaborative environment that aligned well with our mission to advance medical isotope production and radiotherapeutic technologies,” explains Dominica Palacio, Vice President of Administration.
The Ionetix facility is in the process of transitioning from R&D to full operational capability, demonstrating the company’s ability to scale complex medical isotope production safely and efficiently.
The Game-Changing Talent Driving Innovation
“We attract top-tier talent in a highly specialized field,” says Palacio.
Ionetix employs 68 full-time and two part-time employees, and team members have relocated from out-of-state to stay with the prestigious business.
“We take a focused and relationship-driven approach to recruitment and retention,” she adds. “We directly market and advertise to professionals within the radiopharmaceutical and medical isotope fields, targeting individuals who bring both the technical expertise and the commitment to innovation that align with our mission. For candidates considering relocation, we recognize that the decision involves more than a job change. It’s a life transition. Our team takes time to understand what is important to each individual and their family, providing guidance and local resources to help them feel supported as they consider settling into the area. Our emphasis on connection, purpose, and long-term growth opportunities has helped us attract and retain top talent. Employees who have relocated for roles within our organization have remained with the company since their move and have shared positive feedback about both their professional experience and the community they’ve joined. This approach of focusing on both career fulfillment and personal well-being has been key to maintaining a stable, engaged, and mission-driven organization.”
Staff Spotlight
Shannon Phillips, Director of Quality Assurance and Quality Control at Ionetix, has been a pioneering leader as the first QA Director for the therapeutics business, guiding the Ionetix team through critical development and compliance processes. Demonstrating both professional dedication and personal commitment, Shannon relocated from Texas to Michigan with her family to support Ionetix’s growth. Her expertise, leadership, and hands-on approach have been instrumental in preparing the facility and team for this next phase.
Industry-Advancing Involvement in Michigan’s Health Core
Ionetix joined Michigan’s Health Core because its work directly supports the state’s growing life sciences and healthcare innovation ecosystem. Ionetix’s mission to advance the production and delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals aligns with the state’s commitment to improving health outcomes through cutting-edge science, technology, and manufacturing. Being part of Michigan’s Health Core reflects the company’s shared vision to position Michigan as a national leader in medical innovation, advanced manufacturing, and radiotherapeutic technology that ultimately saves lives.
“Engagement with Michigan’s Health Core provides us access to a collaborative network of innovative healthcare, life science, and technology organizations that share our mission to advance patient care through science,” Palacio says. “This affiliation has afforded us opportunities to develop and strengthen connections with local universities, research institutions, and industry partners, as well as create access and resources for talent development. Our experience with Michigan’s Health Core has been incredibly rewarding. The initiative has created meaningful connections across the health and life science sectors, fostering collaboration and learning of available resources. We look forward to continuing to grow alongside other organizations committed to improving health outcomes.”
“Our vision is that Michigan’s Health Core will help to attract and retain top talent, support high-tech job creations, and position the Lansing region as a premier destination for science-driven businesses. We also hope to strengthen partnerships with Michigan-based healthcare systems, to offer our innovative radiopharmaceutical products in order to serve patients across the state,” reflects Palacio.
Category: Talent and Workforce