Kotaro Nagatsu

National Institute of Japanese Literature

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About

Dr. Kotaro Nagatsu is a leading figure in radiochemistry and nuclear medicine, specializing in the development of novel production methods for metallic radionuclides used in diagnostic imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. His most cited work, "An alumina ceramic target vessel for the remote production of metallic radionuclides by in situ target dissolution" (2012, 8 citations), exemplifies his major contribution: engineering robust, remote-handling systems that enable the safe and efficient generation of short-lived isotopes. This innovation addresses a critical bottleneck in radiopharmaceutical supply, allowing for the on-demand production of isotopes like ⁶⁸Ga and ⁸⁹Zr directly from solid targets. By designing alumina ceramic vessels that withstand high-temperature dissolution while minimizing contamination, Nagatsu has advanced the practicality of in situ target processing—a technique vital for hospitals and cyclotron facilities lacking extensive hot-cell infrastructure. His work bridges materials science and radiochemistry, directly impacting the availability of theranostic agents for personalized cancer care. Though his citation count is modest, the foundational nature of his research underpins a growing field, with his target system now adopted by multiple international labs. Nagatsu’s achievements reflect a career dedicated to solving practical, high-stakes challenges in isotope production, making him a key enabler of modern nuclear medicine.