The global spheroids market size is expected to reach USD 2.46 billion by 2030 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22.7% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market has gained significant traction due to the growing demand for advanced 3D cell culture models that offer more physiologically relevant conditions than traditional 2D cultures. Spheroids, which better mimic the cellular architecture, nutrient gradients, and microenvironment of tissues in vivo, are increasingly used in drug screening, disease modeling, toxicology testing, and regenerative medicine. Their application spans a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, and metabolic diseases, as researchers and pharmaceutical companies prioritize more accurate preclinical models to improve drug development success rates and reduce late-stage failures.
Another major driver is the integration of spheroids into high-throughput screening (HTS) systems, enabling pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to evaluate large compound libraries with greater predictive value. The market is also fueled by developing novel tools and technologies such as low-attachment plates, hanging drop systems, and microfluidic platforms that simplify spheroid generation and improve reproducibility. In addition, increased funding from government agencies and private investors has supported the expansion of 3D culture research in academic and commercial settings.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of spheroid models, particularly in virology and immunology research. As researchers sought models that more closely represented human tissues, spheroids proved valuable for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms, host immune responses, and antiviral drug efficacy. The pandemic highlighted the limitations of conventional 2D cultures and animal models in rapidly understanding complex diseases, leading to increased investment in 3D culture technologies, including spheroids. This shift also supported long-term market growth as laboratories increasingly adopted advanced culture systems to future-proof research infrastructure.
Post-pandemic, the momentum around spheroids has continued, driven by a global push toward more ethical and efficient preclinical testing strategies. Regulatory agencies and research institutions increasingly recognize the value of spheroids and other 3D models in reducing animal testing while improving translational outcomes. Furthermore, the rise of personalized medicine and the use of patient-derived cells to form disease-specific spheroids are opening new opportunities for customized drug development and therapeutic testing. Together, these factors are shaping a robust outlook for the market in the years ahead.
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The multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 28.91% in 2024 and is expected to have the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. MCTS closely replicates the in vivo tumor microenvironment, enabling more accurate cancer research and drug screening. Their ability to model tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance drives their adoption in oncology-focused studies.
The hanging drop method segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 31.34% in 2024 and is expected to have the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. This simple and cost-effective technique facilitates uniform spheroid formation without scaffolds, ideal for controlled experimental setups. Its ease of use and compatibility with high-throughput systems support widespread research adoption.
The cell line segment accounted for a larger revenue share of 56.64% in 2024. Cell lines are a major market driver because they provide a standardized, reproducible, and cost-effective resource for generating 3D spheroid models across a wide range of research applications.
The regenerative medicine segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Spheroids enhance tissue engineering by promoting cell-cell interactions and mimicking native tissue structures. Their role in developing functional tissue constructs makes them essential in regenerative therapies.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 46.33% in 2024. These industries utilize spheroids for predictive toxicology, efficacy screening, and disease modeling. The demand for human-relevant, scalable 3D models drives their integration into R&D pipelines.
North America dominated the market due to its well-established regulatory frameworks and healthcare infrastructure. These facilitate the clinical translation and adoption of spheroid-based products, further propelling market growth.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Corning Incorporated, Merck KGaA, Lonza, InSphero AG, Greiner Bio-One International GmbH, 3D Biotek LLC, CN Bio Innovations, Kuraray Co., Ltd., and Tecan Group Ltd. are some of the market players operating in the market.
Grand View Research has segmented the global spheroids market based on type, method, source, application, end use, and region:
Spheroids Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS)
Neurospheres
Mammospheres
Hepatospheres
Embryoid bodies
Spheroids Method Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Micropatterned Plates
Low Cell Attachment Plates
Hanging Drop Method
Others
Spheroids Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Cell Line
Primary Cell
iPSCs Derived Cells
Spheroids Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Developmental Biology
Personalized Medicine
Regenerative Medicine
Disease Pathology Studies
Drug Toxicity & Efficacy Testing
Spheroids End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries
Academic & Research Institutes
Hospitals and Diagnostic centers
Spheroids Regional Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Sweden
Norway
Denmark
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
Thailand
South Korea
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
UAE
Kuwait
List of Key Players in the Spheroids Market
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Corning Incorporated
Merck KGaA
Lonza Group AG
InSphero AG
Greiner Bio-One International GmbH
3D Biotek LLC
CN Bio Innovations
Kuraray Co., Ltd.
Tecan Group Ltd.
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