Preclinical Imaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Devices: CT, MRI, PET/SPECT, Multi-modal, Optical ), By Application (Research & Development, Drug Discovery), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Preclinical Imaging Market Size & Trends

The global preclinical imaging market size was estimated at USD 4.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.36% from 2025 to 2030. The growing number of investments and funding in research and development, coupled with the constant pace of technological advancements leading to the development of hybrid imaging systems, is primarily driving the growth of the global market.

Preclinical research is transforming how modern medicine is delivered as well as how health problems are treated and resolved. Preclinical imaging techniques include the reduction of biological variability and the ability to acquire an impressive amount of unique information in distinct forms as well as a significant reduction in the number of animals required for a particular study, fully complying with 3R (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) policies. Furthermore, the increasing number of clinical research organizations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies are increasing the adoption of in-vivo imaging systems in preclinical research, which is further expected to accelerate the growth of this market.

Preclinical imaging has seen considerable transformation and improvement with the use of artificial intelligence. The enormous amount of imaging data generated is processed and analyzed using AI approaches, allowing researchers to get important insights and advance their work more quickly. For instance, in May 2023, Koninklijke Philips N.V. introduced a Philips CT 3500, an innovative high-throughput CT system that is aimed at meeting the demands of large quantities of screening initiatives and regular radiology. The Philips CT 3500 incorporates advanced image-reconstruction capabilities and workflow enhancements. These features deliver the reliability, speed, and high-quality imaging necessary for clinicians to confidently diagnose patients and optimize operational efficiency, even in demanding medical environments. 

On the other hand, the restrictions placed on animal testing due to regulations enforced by organizations that protect animal rights are the major factors impeding the growth of the market. Therefore, the adoption of alternative methods such as in-vitro tests, micro-dosing, computer-based models, virtual testing of new drugs, and the development of computerized databases for testing purposes is rapidly increasing. However, modalities with non-invasive imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, are making their way into the market. 

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The preclinical imaging industry is accelerating at a moderate rate and has seen significant innovation driven by advancements in imaging technologies and methodologies. These advancements include the development of high-resolution imaging techniques, such as micro-CT, PET, and MRI, which allow for detailed visualization of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels in animal models. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into imaging systems has enhanced image analysis, leading to more accurate and faster data interpretation. This is further boosted by increased funding and collaboration among academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, all aiming to streamline the drug discovery and development process.

In addition, research institutes and academic centers are increasingly adopting advanced imaging devices and pursuing accreditation to improve the quality and reliability of their studies. These institutions are dedicated to meeting stringent standards and obtaining certifications that demonstrate their commitment to best practices in animal research. For instance, in November 2023, the Advanced Preclinical Imaging Center (APIC) received a perfect inspection score. This accomplishment followed a semi-annual inspection by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which confirmed that APIC, part of the Lillehei Heart Institute, fully complied with all USDA requirements for safe and humane animal research.

The degree of innovation in the preclinical imaging industry is marked by several advancements that are reshaping the landscape of biomedical research. For instance, in May 2022, FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc. announced the launch of the Vevo F2, the first ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging system for preclinical use that operates across an ultra-wide frequency range from 71MHz to 1MHz. The Vevo F2 is equipped with HD image processing technology and features an entirely new signal pathway from the transducer to the display screen, resulting in enhanced image clarity. Additionally, the system incorporates multi-line processing, which significantly improves frame rates compared to previous-generation platforms.

The level of mergers and acquisitions in the preclinical imaging industry has been notably high, reflecting a strategic consolidation trend among key industry players. For instance, in February 2024, Bruker Corporation announced its acquisition of Spectral Instruments Imaging LLC, a prominent provider of preclinical in-vivo optical imaging systems. This strategic move addresses a critical technology and product gap within Bruker BioSpin's Preclinical Imaging (PCI) division, significantly expanding its array of preclinical solutions tailored for disease research.

The impact of regulations on preclinical imaging varies significantly depending on geographic location and the specific regulatory frameworks in place. Regulatory policies play a crucial role in shaping the development and deployment of imaging technologies used in preclinical research.

Manufacturers are actively involved in launching new products to meet evolving industry demands and technological advancements. For instance, in October 2021, MiLabs launched its 7th generation of preclinical imagers at the World Molecular Imaging Conference.

Regional expansion in the preclinical imaging industry has been experiencing significant growth, influenced by various factors, including population expansion, rising healthcare investments, and evolving regulatory landscapes. These dynamics have prompted companies and research institutions to extend their operational boundaries, establishing new industries and collaborations globally. 

Product Insights

The optical imaging segment held the largest revenue share of 13.6% in 2024 owing to their wide usage in small animal imaging and new drug discovery projects. The growing adoption of optical preclinical imaging can be attributed to several factors. Technological advancements in molecular imaging have revolutionized the field, providing researchers with more sophisticated and precise imaging capabilities. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for non-invasive small animal imaging techniques in preclinical research due to their ability to study biological processes in living subjects without the need for invasive procedures.

Furthermore, both private and public organizations have been investing significantly in preclinical research, driving the need for advanced imaging tools like optical preclinical imaging systems. The growth rate of the market is significantly influenced by the increasing healthcare expenditure, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, various government organizations are actively aiming to bolster healthcare infrastructure by augmenting funding, thereby exerting a further impact on the dynamics of the market.

The multimodal segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.88% during the forecast period. The integration of multiple imaging modalities enhances the sensitivity and specificity of preclinical imaging studies. Each modality has its strengths & limitations, and combining them enables researchers to overcome individual limitations, resulting in more accurate & informative data. As technology continues to advance and research requirements evolve, multimodal imaging is expected to play an even more significant role in advancing scientific knowledge, understanding disease mechanisms, and developing new therapies in preclinical research. 

Application Insights

In terms of application, the research & development segment captured the largest revenue share in 2024. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducts clinical research trials for numerous diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, neurological disorders, allergies, cancer, and infectious diseases. Key CROs and prominent investigative site networks are focused on achieving competitive advantage by forming stronger relationships with academic health systems. Such collaborations can provide unparalleled access not only to large patient communities & professionals but also to considerable operating infrastructure when associations between healthcare and clinical research organizations are increasing. 

For instance, as per the reports published by the Government of Canada in 2022, Canada's widespread network of research centers & academic health institutions supports clinical research & consists of 17 medical schools, about 40 groupings of academic healthcare organizations, and around 13,600 researchers. Overall, research & development in the market is instrumental in pushing the boundaries of imaging technologies, expanding the scope of preclinical research, and driving advancements in biomedical science. Through continuous innovation and exploration, research & development activities contribute to the growth and evolution of the market, ultimately benefiting the development of new treatments and improving patient outcomes in the future. 

The drug discovery segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.82% during the forecast period. Preclinical imaging technologies are widely utilized in drug discovery to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of potential drug candidates before they advance to human clinical trials. The drug discovery segment of the market encompasses various applications and approaches aimed at identifying & validating new drug targets, assessing the effects of drug compounds in animal models, and optimizing drug development processes. 

Preclinical imaging contributes to the development of personalized medicine approaches by enabling researchers to study individualized treatment responses and tailor therapies to patients based on specific disease characteristics. For instance, in March 2023, Eli Lilly and Company reported that solanezumab, when administered to people having plaque composed of amyloid with no clinical evidence of the disease frequently referred to as the preclinical phase of AD1 using PET-imaging, could not decrease the progression of cognitive reduction caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Only soluble amyloid beta is the target of solanezumab. In individuals who received the medicine in the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in a condition that is asymptomatic Alzheimer's disease for (A4) study, the treatment did not remove plaque or stop amyloid formation. 

End-use Insights

The pharma and biotech companies segment captured the largest revenue share of 39.9% in 2024. The demand for pre-clinical imaging in biotech companies has been steadily increasing in recent years and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The growing market demand in pharma and biotech companies can be attributed to the spread of emerging & re-emerging infectious diseases and the need for preclinical imaging for a better understanding of pathogens, as well as to aid the development of new therapeutics & vaccines. Besides, constant experimentation on small animals and research activities in the laboratory has led to a rise in demand for PET and SPECT, fueling market growth.

The research institutes segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.48% during the forecast period, owing to rising research activities, which have created new demand for CT and MRI, among other procedures, in the institutes. In addition, imaging modalities have gained increased attention from researchers in observing changes in organs, tissues, cells, or at a molecular level in animals, leading to positive results in studies. For instance, in June 2023, Mediso Ltd. deployed its nanoScan 7T MRI system at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy. The new MRI system includes a cryogen-free superconducting magnet. With the nanoScan 7T MRI system, the University will characterize the preclinical models of diseases under development based on imaging features. It will also implement novel in vivo diagnostic techniques. This factor is expected to drive market growth over the estimated period.

Regional Insights

North America preclinical imaging market held the largest revenue share of 30.1% in 2024. This can be attributed to thewell-developed research infrastructure, the availability of skilled professionals, a large number of preclinical projects, and higher adoption rates of technically advanced devices in the region.

U.S. Preclinical Imaging Market Trends

The preclinical imaging market in the U.S. held the largest revenue share in 2024 in the North America region. This is owing to the robust healthcare infrastructure, substantial research funding, and advanced technological capabilities.

Europe Preclinical Imaging Market Trends

The Europe preclinical imaging market held a significant revenue share in 2024. Europe benefits from a strong presence of leading pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and healthcare facilities that actively utilize preclinical imaging technologies for drug development, disease research, and personalized medicine initiatives.

The preclinical imaging market in the UK is anticipated to expand due to several factors. The UK has a strong research and development ecosystem supported by renowned academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. This infrastructure fosters a conducive environment for innovation and adoption of advanced imaging technologies in preclinical studies.

Germany preclinical imaging market is expected to grow over the forecast period. The country’s strong emphasis on research and development, supported by government funding and policies that encourage innovation, provides a conducive environment for the expansion of the preclinical imaging market

The preclinical imaging market in France is expected to expand owing to technological advancements. These technological innovations are driving the development of more sophisticated imaging modalities that offer higher resolution and sensitivity, enabling researchers to better visualize and understand biological processes at a molecular level in preclinical studies.

Asia Pacific Preclinical Imaging Market Trends

The Asia Pacific preclinical imaging market is expected to grow owing to grow owing to low research costs, less-stringent regulatory guidelines, and increased government funding for the development of the research and development sector in the respective countries are making the region attractive for Preclinical research studies. As a result, the Clinical Research Outsourcing (CRO) industry is booming in emerging countries, such as China and India.

The preclinical imaging market in Japan is expected to grow due to the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders that necessitate intensive research efforts. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders are major health concerns in Japan, driven by factors such as the aging population, changing lifestyles, and genetic predispositions.

China preclinical imaging market is expected to grow significantly due to the presence of several manufacturers driving technological advancements and market expansion. China's growing biomedical research sector and pharmaceutical industry are key contributors to this growth, as they increasingly demand advanced preclinical imaging technologies to support drug discovery, disease modeling, and therapeutic development efforts.

Latin America Preclinical Imaging Market Trends

The preclinical imaging market in Latin America is expected to grow owing to rising demand for advanced healthcare infrastructure and technologies across the region, driven by increasing healthcare expenditures and a growing focus on improving research capabilities. This demand is particularly pronounced in countries like Brazil, and Argentina, which have significant pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

MEA Preclinical Imaging Market Trends

The MEA preclinical imaging market is expected to grow due to the prevalence of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and genetic disorders in the MEA region necessitates advanced research devices like preclinical imaging. These devices are crucial for understanding disease mechanisms, developing effective treatments, and conducting preclinical trials to evaluate new therapies.

Key Preclinical Imaging Company Insights

Market players are involved in implementing strategic initiatives to hold a prominent share of the market. One key area of focus is continuous innovation through product launches and upgrades. Companies regularly introduce new preclinical imaging systems and technologies that offer enhanced capabilities in imaging resolution, sensitivity, and data analysis. These innovations cater to the evolving needs of researchers and pharmaceutical developers, supporting advancements in drug discovery and disease research.

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Spectral Instruments Imaging announced the launch of Aura 4.5, the newest iteration of its in vivo imaging software.

• In April 2023, Southern Scientific unveiled its role as the new distributor in the UK for Spectral Instruments Imaging, a leading manufacturer of preclinical in vivo imaging systems.

• In April 2023, Scintica, a distributor specializing in advanced preclinical research instrumentation, has announced a new collaboration with Bioemtech, a company focused on desktop SPECT, PET, and Optical scanners used in preclinical research. This partnership aims to broaden the accessibility of Bioemtech’s preclinical instruments to research scientists worldwide.

Preclinical Imaging Market Report Scope

Global Preclinical Imaging Market Report Segmentation

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

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

  • CT Imaging

  • MRI Imaging

  • PET/SPECT Imaging

  • Multi-modal Imaging

  • Optical Imaging

  • Ultrasound Imaging

  • Photoacoustic Imaging

  • Reagents

  • Services

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

  • Research and Development

  • Drug Discovery

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

  • Pharma and Biotech Companies

  • Research Institutes

  • Others

• 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

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait