Contrast Agents Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Contrast Agents Market is segmented By Type (Barium based contrast media, Iodinated contrast media, Gadolinium-based contrast media, Microbubble-based contrast media, Others), By Application (Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Others), By Modality (X-Ray / CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Others), By End-User (Diagnostic Centres, Specialty Clinics, Hospitals, Others), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

The Global Contrast Agents Market reached US$ 6.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 9.86 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

A contrast agent (or contrast medium) increases the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging. Contrast agents absorb or alter external electromagnetism or ultrasound, which differs from radiopharmaceuticals, which emit radiation. Contrast agents are a group of chemical agents developed to aid in the characterization of pathology by improving the contrast resolution of an imaging modality. Specific contrast agents have been developed for every structural imaging modality and every conceivable route of administration.

Barium sulfate contrast media have been used for many decades, and are well-established as oral agents for the examination of the GI tract. Their use is generally restricted to radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations. Iodinated contrast media are the mainstay contrast agents for use in radiographic, fluoroscopic, angiographic, and CT imaging. They are a versatile group of agents used for intravenous, oral, and other routes of administration, such as urethral and intra-articular.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics: Drivers

The rise and increase in the number of radiology and diagnostic centers and advancements in the field of radiology and diagnostics 

The demand for the global contrast agents market is driven by multiple factors. The rise and increase in the number of radiology and diagnostic centers is one of the major driving factors in the contrast agents market. The increased awareness among people about various diagnostic and radiology procedures also leads to an increase in the market.

According to the healthcare radius, the Indian diagnostic imaging market is expected to register a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-15 percent over the next five years. This number is greater than the global CAGR rate which is pegged at five percent. The rise in prevalence of chronic diseases, increased adoption of technologies in imaging, and a growing elderly/geriatric population are expected to boost the growth.

The increasing incidences of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disorders, genetic mutations, and GI disorders are all expected to impact the industry positively. Increased expenditure on the healthcare sector and greater consumer awareness will also give an impetus to the imaging and radiology industry.

Restraints

One of the major restraints in the global contrast agents market is the side effects and allergic reactions that are associated with the usage of contrast agents. In a few people during the diagnostic procedures, side effects are observed which causes a negative impact on the body. According to an article published by NIH, the incidence of immediate reactions to non-ionic contrast media ranges from, 0.01-0.04%(severe) to 3%(mild). Non-ionic agents are associated with less risk.

Another restraint is the high cost due to advancements in imaging procedures. The high cost limits the usage of contrast agents to certain segments of people.

Market Segment Analysis

The global contrast agents market is segmented based on type, application, modality, end-user, and region.

The segment CT scan accounted for approximately 48.7% of the global contrast agents market share

The contrast agents are widely used in the procedure of CT scans. Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of special X-ray equipment and sophisticated computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.   

The main component of the contrast material used in the CT scan is iodine. The CT contrast agents are of two types: ionic and non-ionic. At present, in CT scans the non-ionic contrast agents are most widely used. According to Jefferson radiology, CT scans with contrast agents are widely used to visualize internal structures such as bones, blood vessels, and organs. They are particularly useful in detecting tumors, vascular diseases, and internal bleeding​.

For instance, in July 2022, Fresenius Kabi announced that it would introduce a portfolio of generic contrast media agents in the United States, starting immediately with the launch of Iodixanol Injection, USP, a product the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists as being in shortage nationwide. Iodixanol Injection, USP is the first U.S. FDA-approved generic iso-osmolar, dimeric iodinated contrast media agent, which is used during diagnostic x-ray-based imaging such as computed tomography (CT) scans.

Market Geographical Share

North America accounted for approximately 49.2% of the global contrast agents market share 

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The increase in the number of radiology and diagnostic centers, and growing awareness among people, in this region, help to propel the market.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Due to the presence of major players in the region of North America, it has advancements in diagnostic and radiology procedures. Factors including the rising incidence of long-term sicknesses and complicated comorbidities and increasing private and authority fees are expected to gasoline market increase in the North U.S.

For instance, in January 2024, Scientists with Case Western Reserve University started researching and working on the development of an artificial intelligence-based alternative to chemical imaging contrast agents. CWRU recently scored a four-year, $1.125 million grant from the National Science Foundation to help fuel its work. They are working their best to create a new approach during CT, MR, and X-ray exams, enhancing images without injecting substances such as gadolinium.

Market Segmentation

By Type 

• Barium-based contrast media             
• Iodinated contrast media 
• Gadolinium-based contrast medium 
• Microbubble-based contrast media  

By Application

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Others

By Modality

• X-Ray / CT
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Others 

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Diagnostic Centers 
• Others

By Region

• North America 
• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe 
• Germany
• U.K.
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe 
• South America 
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of South America 
• Asia-Pacific 
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific 
• Middle East and Africa

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the global contrast agents market include Bayer AG, GE Health care, Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., Nano Therapeutics Pvt Ltd., Unijules Life Sciences Ltd., Guerbet SA, Trivitron Healthcare, Spago Nanomedical AB, Taejoon Pharma among others.

Key Developments

• In September 2022, Bracco Diagnostics Inc., the United States (U.S.) subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., an innovative world leader in diagnostic imaging, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Gadopiclenol Injection, a new, highly stable macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), which shows the highest relaxivity compared to all the other GBCAs available today in the United States.
• In February 2023, Guerbet, a global leader in medical imaging with more than 30 years of experience in MRI, announced the commercial launch and dosing of the first patient with Elucirem™ (gadopiclenol) injection following FDA approval in 2022. This next-generation GBCA from Guerbet, a highly stable macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), has the highest relaxivity in its class for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and is indicated for use in adults and children aged 2 years and older.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global contrast agents market segmentation based on type, application, modality, end-user, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of global contrast agents market level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping is available in Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global contrast agents market report would provide approximately 78 tables, figures, and 181 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies