Cell Culture Media Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Serum-free Media, Classical Media), By Type (Liquid Media, Semi-solid And Solid Media), By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Cell Culture Media Market Size & Trends

The global cell culture media market size was valued at USD 4.31 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.17% from 2025 to 2030. Cell culture media is generally a gel or liquid including compounds required to regulate and support the growth of cells or microorganisms used in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. Culture media is a critical ingredient in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, aiding the growth of cells, and is the fastest-growing segment within this market. Fast growth is mainly driven by growing demand for biopharmaceuticals, favorable governmental policies, and increasing investment in R&D.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has improved demand for well-established cell-based vaccine production technologies. Moreover, it has given rise to a few scientific innovations, particularly in the production and testing of vaccine technology. For instance, the Vero cell line originated from the African green monkey kidney and has been extensively used for viral vaccine manufacturing. It has also been used for the development of various SARS-CoV variants. ProVeroTM1 Serum-free Medium manufactured by Lonza Bioscience is a protein-free medium of non-animal origin designed to support the growth of Vero cells and MDCK.

Furthermore, cell culture produced AAV vectors have also gained thrust as one of the most effective protein and gene delivery tools in vaccine manufacturing as well as gene therapy. Additionally, key market players are expanding their production capabilities. For instance, in 2021, Sartorius increased its production in all regions due to elevated demand in its core business and to additional customer needs related to COVID-19 therapeutics and COVID-19 vaccines.

The biosimilar market is on the cusp of momentous growth. This growth is, in large part, due to several mAb biosimilars that are anticipated to be launched in a few years as patents on significant drugs, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin from Roche), infliximab (Remicade from J&J), and Adalimumab (Humira from Abbott), are going to expire.

Additionally, the FDA’s approval of cell-based candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) for use in cell-based influenza vaccines could advance the efficiency of cell-based flu vaccines. Cell culture technology has been used to develop other U.S.-licensed vaccines, comprising vaccines for smallpox, rotavirus, rubella, hepatitis chickenpox, and polio. Furthermore, for the 2021-2022 influenza season, all four flu viruses used in the cell-based vaccine are cell-derived. For instance, in October 2021, Seqirus received U.S. FDA approval for FLUCELVAX QUADRIVALENT, the first and only cell-based influenza vaccine in the U.S.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The cell culture media industry is in a high-growth stage, with its pace accelerating due to rising demand from biopharma, diagnostics, and research sectors. The market is characterized by rapid advancements in media formulations, increased investments in biotechnological research, and expanding applications in drug development, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapies. Competitive dynamics and innovation are also driving new product launches and collaborations among key players.

The industry is experiencing a high level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, driven by the need for market consolidation and the expansion of product portfolios. Key players are acquiring smaller companies to enhance their capabilities, gain access to advanced technologies, and expand their global reach. These strategic moves are also helping companies address increasing demand from the biopharma, diagnostics, and research sectors while staying competitive in a rapidly growing market.

Regulations significantly impact the cell culture media industry, influencing product development, manufacturing processes, and market approvals. Strict guidelines ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of cell culture media used in biopharma, diagnostics, and research applications. Compliance with these regulations, such as GMP and ISO standards, is critical for market players. Additionally, regulatory updates and regional differences can affect product timelines and market entry strategies, making adherence essential for sustained growth.

The cell culture media industry has experienced exponential growth, driven by the rising demand for more effective treatments. This growth is attributed to advancements in biologics, increasing adoption of cell-based therapies, and growing research in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. The need for high-quality media to support cell viability and functionality, along with expanding biopharma and healthcare applications, further accelerates market expansion.

The cell culture media industry is experiencing significant regional expansion as service providers strategically establish their presence in new geographic areas. This growth is attributed to increasing demand for cell culture products in emerging markets, growing biopharma activities, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. Companies are targeting regions with rising research investments and favorable regulatory environments to tap into new opportunities and enhance their global footprint.

Product Insights

The serum-free media segment held the highest share of 36.06% of the market in 2024. The use of SFM signifies a significant tool, which allows the researchers to perform specific applications or grow a specific cell type without using serum. Advantages of using SFM include increased growth and/or productivity, more consistent performance, better control over physiological sensitivity, and diminishing the risk of infection by serum-borne adventitious agents in the culture. In addition, serum-free alternatives better serve animal welfare which is the major factor driving the adoption of SFM. In addition, the field of gene and cell therapy is rapidly growing, and the Food and Drug Administration regulatory guidelines are demanding more control of raw materials to sustain the reliable and safe manufacturing of drug products. The use of SFM offers an opportunity to produce additional reproducible formulations and fewer batch-to-batch variability.

The stem cell culture media segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to increasing investments in stem cell research and its expanding applications in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. Additionally, advancements in media formulations to enhance stem cell viability and functionality, along with rising demand from research institutions and biopharma companies, are driving this growth.

Application Insights

The biopharmaceutical production segment dominated the market with a share of 47.65% in 2024. The biopharmaceutical industry’s demand for more reproducible and better-defined media to meet the expanding production levels while reducing the risk of contamination in the downstream processes is significantly increasing the demand for this market. Moreover, strategic activities by key biopharmaceutical companies also drive the segment growth. For instance, in July 2023, Sartorius AG announced an investment of USD 33 million to expand their new cell culture media manufacturing facility at their site in Yauco, Puerto Rico.

The diagnostics segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing use of cell culture media in diagnostic applications such as disease detection and monitoring. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and growing demand for accurate and early disease diagnosis are key factors contributing to this growth.

Type Insights

The liquid media segment captured the higher revenue share in 2024. An increasing number of biologics and biosimilars manufacturers, both downstream and upstream, are switching from premixed powders to liquid media owing to factors such as rapid mycobacterial growth and high rate of isolation. Moreover, it eradicates a few process steps, and also reduces the probability of hazardous exposure, and makes manufacturing and development more flexible and simpler than powdered media. In addition, ready-to-use liquid media also eliminates the need for mixing containers, balances, and installation of water for injection (WFI) loop, which is needed for mixing powder media.

The segment is also being driven by the manufacturers' strategic activities. For instance, in June 2023, Gold Standard Diagnostics launched BACGroM Culture Media, designed to identify pathogenic microorganisms in the food, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries. The BACGro line includes premium dehydrated and liquid media products that meet global standards.

The semi-solid and solid media segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by its increasing use in microbial culture, stem cell research, and drug development. For instance, in December 2024, BioCentriq announced its expansion into a new cell therapy manufacturing facility in Princeton, NJ, reflecting the rising demand for advanced bioprocessing solutions. Advancements in media formulations and the rising demand for efficient tools in cell-based assays and biopharma applications further support the segment's growth.

End-use Insights

The pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment captured the highest revenue share of 34.39% in 2024. The expansion of the current manufacturing capacities for biopharmaceuticals drives the demand for cell culture products. For instance, in November 2024, Sartorius Stedim Biotech opened a new Center for Bioprocess Innovation in Marlborough, USA. The facility offers research labs and process development services to support next-generation therapeutics, including upstream and downstream process optimization, proof-of-concept runs, demos, and customer training. By 2025, the center will add two GMP suites for novel manufacturing processes.

In addition, increasing clinical trials will further offer lucrative opportunities in the review period. For instance, in 2021, the number of industry-sponsored trials in progress for regenerative medicine augmented by 100 as compared to 2020, bringing the total to 1,320. There were 1,328 regenerative medicine trials in progress worldwide supported by non-industry groups such as government entities and academic centers.

The hospitals and diagnostic laboratories segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 11.92% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising use of cell culture media in diagnostic testing, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies. Additionally, expanding healthcare infrastructure and demand for accurate diagnostic solutions are key factors supporting this segment's growth.

Regional Insights

North America cell culture media market dominated the industry with a share of 38.16% in 2024. This major share can be attributed to the growth in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, mounting approvals for cell culture-based vaccines, and rising incidence of diseases such as cancer coupled with investments and funding in cell-based research.

U.S. Cell Culture Media Market Trends

The U.S. cell culture media market held the largest share in North America in 2024. Investments by the government and leading players in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are growing. In April 2023, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Board invested USD 89 million in stem cell and gene therapy research. At its April meeting, the CIRM approved nearly USD 89 million in funding for projects from its Clinical and Translation programs. About USD 39 million will go to four projects in the Clinical program, which supports and funds stem cell and gene therapy-based projects through all stages of clinical trials.

Europe Cell Culture Media Market Trends

The cell culture media market in Europe is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for more effective treatments for conditions such as cancer, which is driving the cancer research & biopharmaceutical industry. This is boosting the demand for cell culture media products. Furthermore, stem cell therapy is becoming increasingly controversial in Italy owing to government rulings on unproven stem cell therapy. The presence of investors, such as Sofinnova Partners, which provides seed funding for gene therapy companies, is driving the market.

The UK cell culture media market is anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period. Increasing investments in developing innovative cell culture solutions, alongside emerging regional players offering advanced technologies, are poised to significantly boost the UK’s cell culture vessels market growth.

Germany cell culture media market is expected to boost exponentially. In Europe, Germany is the largest producer of biopharmaceuticals approved in the EU, and biopharmaceutical sales account for over 30% of the overall pharmaceutical sales. Increased production of APIs for monoclonal antibodies and biologics is creating a lucrative market for cell culture media offerings.

Asia Pacific Cell Culture Media Market Trends

The Asia Pacific cell culture media market is expected to grow as the fastest-growing region, with 14.78% CAGR from 2025 to 2030, owing to the increase in awareness associated with the use of the cell culture technique. Furthermore, strategic activities by key market players to expand their presence in the Asia-Pacific countries to capture high market share are expected to offer lucrative opportunities. For instance, in February 2023, Inventia Life Science, an Australia-based startup, collaborated with Merck & Co. to utilize its RASTRUM 3D cell culture platform for developing 3D in vitro models aimed at studying therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. Initiatives like this are expected to positively impact market growth over the forecast period.

China cell culture media market held a significant share in 2024. The advancement in gene therapy for deafness in China can have a profound impact on the market in the country. For instance, in November 2024, China is trialing a new set of relaxed foreign investment limits in selected cities, allowing foreign investment in cell and gene therapy and wholly foreign-owned hospitals. This move reflects China’s ongoing efforts to attract more foreign capital and further open its economy.

The cell culture media market in Japan is expected to grow over the forecast period. Moreover, the high prevalence of chronic diseases and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in R&D activities for the development of novel therapies and vaccines, thus creating a high demand for cell culture media solutions.

MEA Cell Culture Media Market Trends

The cell culture media market in the Middle East & Africa is expected to grow at a lucrative rate with an 11.80% CAGR during 2025-2030. The presence of organizations, such as the Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR), is enabling the availability of cell culture-based screening for a faster drug development process, which creates a demand for cell culture media. Moreover, increased interest by global players in setting up manufacturing units for vaccines in the country is expected to contribute to market growth.

Key Cell Culture Media Company Insights

The market players operating in the cell culture media market are adopting product approval to increase the reach of their products in the market and improve their availability in diverse geographical areas, along with expansion as a strategy to enhance production/research activities. In addition, several market players are acquiring smaller players to strengthen their market position. This strategy enables companies to increase their capabilities, expand their product portfolios, and improve their competencies.

Recent Development

• In December 2024, BioCentriq, a leading cell therapy CDMO, signed a long-term lease for a new headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey. The facility includes a USD 12M investment in upgrades and equipment, enhancing its capabilities in cell therapy development, manufacturing, and quality control services.

• In December 2024, Creative Biolabs launched a new product, FGF2, available in two versions: FGF2 and FGF2 STAB. These products promote the growth and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), making them valuable for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

• In July 2024, Bioserve India introduced new stem cell products to support scientific research and drug development in the country. These include cell culture and stem cell products, as well as cell reprogramming solutions.

Cell Culture Media Market Report Scope

Global Cell Culture Media Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cell culture media market report on the basis of product, application, type, end-use, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Serum-free Media

    • CHO Media

    • BHK Medium

    • Vero Medium

    • HEK 293 Media

    • Other Serum-free media

  • Classical Media

  • Stem Cell Culture Media

  • Specialty Media

  • Chemically Defined Media

  • Other Cell Culture Media

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Biopharmaceutical Production

    •  Monoclonal Antibodies

    •  Vaccines Production

    •  Other Therapeutic Proteins

  • Diagnostics

  • Drug Screening And Development

  • Tissue Engineering And Regenerative Medicine

    • Cell And Gene Therapy

    • Other Tissue Engineering And Regenerative Medicine Applications

  • Other Applications

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Liquid Media

  • Semi-solid and Solid Media

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pharmaceutical And Biotechnology Companies

  • Hospitals And Diagnostic Laboratories

  • Research And Academic Institutes

  • Other End Uses

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait