Number of pages: 100 | Report Format: PDF | Published date: January 28, 2022
Historical Years – 2021 | Base Year – 2022 | Forecasted Years – 2023 to 2031
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market Size Value in 2022 |
US$ 3.47 billion |
Revenue Forecast in 2031 |
US$ 4.94 billion |
CAGR |
3.6% |
Forecast Period |
2023 to 2031 |
Historical Year |
2021 |
Segments Covered |
Type and Region |
Regional Scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa |
According to the deep-dive market assessment study by Growth Plus Reports, the global preclinical imaging market was valued at US$ 3.47 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 3.6% to reach US$ 4.94 billion by 2031.
Preclinical Imaging Market Fundamentals
Preclinical imaging refers to applying various imaging techniques in animal models during the early stages of biomedical research and drug development. It involves the use of imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical imaging, and ultrasound to visualize and study biological processes, structures, and functions in preclinical animal models. Preclinical imaging plays a critical role in understanding disease mechanisms, assessing treatment efficacy, and evaluating the safety of potential therapeutic interventions before they are translated to clinical applications in humans.
Preclinical Imaging Market Dynamics
The continuous advancement in biomedical research and the need for effective drug development and validation drive the demand for preclinical imaging technologies. Pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research organizations invest heavily in preclinical imaging to gain insights into disease models, evaluate drug candidates, and assess treatment outcomes. The global burden of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions continues to increase. Preclinical imaging enables researchers to study disease progression, develop new therapies, and evaluate the efficacy of potential treatments. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 report, around 19 million new cancer cases were detected, and approximately 10 million deaths were cases by cancer. Advancements in imaging technologies, such as higher spatial resolution, improved sensitivity, and multimodal imaging capabilities, have expanded preclinical imaging applications. These advancements allow researchers to visualize and study molecular processes, cellular interactions, and functional changes with greater precision, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of preclinical studies and boosting the preclinical imaging market demand.
Collaboration between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and imaging technology manufacturers has increased significantly. This preclinical imaging industry trend has facilitated the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise, leading to the development of innovative imaging techniques and driving the growth of the preclinical imaging market. Moreover, the preclinical imaging market outlook is positive, with the rising integration of AI and machine learning algorithms in preclinical imaging analysis becoming increasingly prevalent. These technologies assist in automating image processing, segmentation, and quantification tasks, thereby improving efficiency, reproducibility, and accuracy. For instance, in February 2023, BenchSci launched a new AI software that aims to expedite preclinical phase drug development pipelines by extracting biological insights underlying disease. The end-to-end SaaS (software as a service) platform, ASCEND, enables the discovery of biological connections, reduces unnecessary experiments, and uncovers risks at early stages. Regulatory authorities require extensive preclinical data before new drugs or therapies can progress to clinical trials. Preclinical imaging provides non-invasive and quantitative data, helping researchers demonstrate potential treatments' safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics, thereby meeting regulatory requirements and facilitating the drug development process, which is also expected to fuel the preclinical imaging market growth.
However, preclinical imaging technologies involve substantial initial equipment, maintenance, and infrastructure investments. The cost of purchasing, operating, and upgrading imaging systems can be significant, particularly for small research organizations or academic institutions with limited resources. This high cost of implementation is restricting the preclinical imaging market growth. Preclinical imaging studies often involve the use of animal models, which raises ethical concerns and considerations for animal welfare. These ethical considerations and regulatory requirements may impose limitations on the use of animals in preclinical studies, affecting the scope and scale of preclinical imaging research and thus hindering the preclinical imaging market growth.
Preclinical Imaging Market Ecosystem
The global preclinical imaging market is analyzed from four perspectives: type and region.
Preclinical Imaging Market by Type
Based on the type, the global preclinical imaging market is segmented into modality, reagents, software, and services.
The modality segment accounted for the largest preclinical imaging market share in 2022. The modality segment is further sub-segmented into optical imaging systems, MRI, PET/SPECT, CT, ultrasound, and others. Each imaging modality offers unique capabilities and advantages, allowing researchers to visualize different aspects of biological processes and structures. The availability of multiple imaging modalities caters to the diverse needs of researchers and facilitates comprehensive preclinical imaging studies. Researchers can choose the modality that best suits their specific research objectives, leading to wide adoption of different modalities. Different imaging modalities provide complementary information about biological processes, allowing researchers to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the studied phenomena. Modalities such as MRI, PET, and CT have experienced significant technological advancements over the years, leading to improved image quality, spatial resolution, and sensitivity. These advancements have enhanced the diagnostic capabilities of the respective modalities and expanded their applications in preclinical research.
Some imaging modalities, such as MRI and CT, have well-established infrastructure and expertise in clinical and preclinical settings. Many research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and imaging centers already possess the necessary equipment, facilities, and skilled personnel for these modalities. Certain imaging modalities, such as MRI, PET, and CT, have been extensively validated and accepted by regulatory authorities for clinical imaging applications. This validation and acceptance provide a level of confidence and familiarity to researchers and industry professionals, making these modalities a preferred choice in preclinical imaging as well.
The reagents accounted for a considerable revenue share of the preclinical imaging market in 2022. Reagents are essential in preclinical imaging procedures as they enable specific molecular and cellular processes to detect, label, and target. These reagents include contrast agents, radiotracers, fluorescent probes, biomarkers, and specific antibodies. Molecular imaging techniques, which rely heavily on the use of specific reagents, are gaining significant traction in preclinical research. Molecular imaging allows researchers to visualize and track specific molecular processes, gene expression, protein interactions, and cellular activities. The demand for molecular imaging reagents is driven by the growing need to study and monitor molecular events at a cellular and subcellular level, leading to increased revenue in the reagents segment. The preclinical stage of drug development requires rigorous evaluation of drug candidates, including their biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and target engagement. Reagents are crucial in preclinical drug development studies, enabling researchers to assess drug distribution, receptor occupancy, and target-specific interactions, which boosts segmental growth.
Preclinical Imaging Market by Region
Geographically, the global preclinical imaging market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
The North America region has the largest preclinical imaging market size in terms of revenue generation accounting for around 37.2% share of the market. North America, particularly the U.S. has a well-established research infrastructure and a strong scientific ecosystem. The region is home to renowned academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research organizations that invest significantly in preclinical research and imaging technologies. The presence of state-of-the-art facilities, advanced imaging centers, and collaborations between academia and industry drives the demand for preclinical imaging in North America. North America benefits from significant research and development funding, which includes substantial support for preclinical imaging studies. Government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), provide substantial grants and funding opportunities to support preclinical imaging research. This funding enables researchers and institutions in North America to conduct cutting-edge studies, leading to increased adoption and utilization of preclinical imaging technologies. The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, is on the rise in North America. Preclinical imaging is crucial in understanding disease mechanisms, evaluating treatment outcomes, and developing targeted therapies. According to CDC, in the U.S., 1 person dies every 33 seconds due to CVD. In 2021, around 695,000 deaths were caused due to CVD, which is 1 in 5 deaths. North America has a well-established regulatory framework that promotes and supports preclinical research and the development of imaging technologies. Regulatory authorities provide clear guidelines and standards for preclinical studies, ensuring safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The favorable regulatory environment encourages researchers and industry players to invest in preclinical imaging technologies in North America.
Preclinical Imaging Market Competitive Landscape
The prominent players operating in the global preclinical imaging market are:
Preclinical Imaging Market Strategic Developments
Preclinical imaging refers to applying various imaging techniques in animal models during the early stages of biomedical research and drug development. It involves the use of imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical imaging, and ultrasound to visualize and study biological processes, structures, and functions in preclinical animal models.
The modality segment dominated the preclinical imaging market.
The prominent global preclinical imaging market key players are PerkinElmer Inc., Bruker, FUJIFILM Visualsonics, Inc. (FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.), Mediso Ltd., and MILabs B.V.
The global preclinical imaging market growth is estimated to grow at a revenue CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2031.
The estimated size of the global preclinical imaging market in 2031 is US$ 4.94 billion.
*Insights on financial performance are subject to the availability of information in the public domain