Clinical Trial Imaging Market Analysis
Based on service, the market is segmented into clinical trial design and consultation services, reading and analytical services, operational imaging, system & technology support services and project and data management. The project & data management services held the largest market share at 32.8% in 2022.
- Clinical trials involving imaging demand comprehensive data management and workflow coordination. These services comprise operational efficiency, designing trial workflows, tracking projects, digital images, overseeing regulations, offering real-time updates, data management, and resolving issues.
- Additionally, constant support from government bodies such as the U.S. government has authorized a cloud-based server to safeguard all medical imaging records, including annotated and base images, and ensure report security against natural disasters, enabling swift and effortless retrieval.
Based on imaging techniques, the global clinical trial imaging market is classified into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET), echocardiography (ECG), X-ray and other imaging techniques. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segment is expected to reach USD 649.7 million by the end of 2032.
- In clinical trials, MRI is frequently used to visualize the effects of investigational drugs, medical devices, or therapeutic interventions on the anatomical and physiological aspects of the human body. It can help researchers and clinicians track changes in tumor size, assess the impact of treatment regimens, and monitor safety concerns.
- Moreover, MRI's non-invasive nature is advantageous as it avoids exposing patients to harmful radiation, making it a safe option for longitudinal studies.
Based on therapeutic area, the clinical trial imaging market is segmented into central nervous system, oncology, infectious disease, endocrinology & metabolic disorders, diabetes, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory, gastroenterology, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other therapeutic areas.
- Oncology is a dominant therapeutic area in the clinical imaging industry as it heavily relies on medical imaging for oncology / cancer detection, staging, treatment response assessment, and monitoring. This enable early diagnosis, accurate localization, and the evaluation of treatment outcomes.
- Further, as cancer remains a leading global health concern, the clinical imaging industry continues to focus on developing and advancing imaging techniques and tools to improve cancer diagnosis and management, which contributes to oncology's prominence in the field.
Based on the end users, the clinical trial imaging market is segmented into biotechnology & pharmaceutical companies, medical devices manufacturers, contract research organization (CRO), academics & government research institutes, and other end users.
- CROs offer state-of-the-art services, making them preferred partners for government organizations seeking project outsourcing. For instance, in October 2023, XINGIMAGING, LLC, and MITRO Biotech Co., Ltd., prominent companies in drug development and imaging solutions, have merged to establish a unified entity focused on offering a comprehensive range of CRO & contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services. As a result of this merger, Mitro is expected to enhance its capabilities to offer complete CRO services, encompassing clinical and clinical imaging management, not only in China but also on a global scale.
In 2022, North America held a significant share of 40.3% in the clinical trial imaging market.
- North America boasts a substantial share of the industry. This prominence is driven by a consistent upward trajectory, owing to the region's growing number of clinical trials, a strong focus on healthcare innovation, and the presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. These organizations heavily rely on clinical trial imaging for the development and validation of novel drugs and medical technologies.
- The region's well-developed infrastructure for medical research and development continually pushes the boundaries of imaging modalities, software solutions, and data analysis techniques. Researchers and professionals in North America frequently pioneer new imaging methodologies and incorporate cutting-edge technologies into clinical trials.