Contrast Media Market Size

Contrast Media Market size was valued at USD 6.2 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to showcase growth at 7.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The market is experiencing growth owing to the growing regulatory approvals of contrast media, growth in radiological examinations, and rising incidence of chronic diseases. Moreover, an increase in minimally invasive procedures is also supporting the revenue growth of the market. Contrast media play a crucial role in image-guided procedures like interventional radiology, and endoscopic interventions, contributing to the expansion of minimally invasive approaches in healthcare.

Contrast media are substances administered to patients to improve the visibility and contrast of specific tissues, organs, or blood vessels during diagnostic imaging examinations. These media are employed across various medical imaging techniques, such as X-Ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound, to optimize image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Contrast media enables the clinicians to obtain high-quality images for accurate diagnosis, patient management, and treatment planning.

Contrast Media Market Trends

• Vendors are increasingly focusing towards developing a new contrast agent with improved imaging agents characteristics, targeting abilities, and biocompatibility profiles. For instance, according to the Radiological Society of North America (RCNA), Gadopiclenol, a new MRI contrast media approved by the FDA in September 2022 uses a lower concentration of gadolinium than existing medias, however, delivers equivalent/improved diagnostic results. Such improvements are driving the adoption of new and advanced contrast media in the market.
  
• Vendors have also recognized an increasing demand for personalized imaging solutions to meet distinct clinical requirements and imaging obstacles. Tailored contrast agents are being created for diverse imaging modalities, clinical applications (such as oncology, cardiology, neurology), and patient cohorts to effectively meet the specific demands of end user.
  
• Significant improvements in packaging of contrast media have introduced innovative packaging options including bulk, multi-dose containers and polymer containers. The use of polymer packaging containers over traditional glass packaging has increased owing to several benefits including reduced storage, improved safety of workplace, and decreased cost of waste disposal.
  

Contrast Media Market Analysis

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Based on type, the market is segmented into iodinated contrast media, gadolinium-based contrast media, microbubble contrast media, and barium-based contrast media. The iodinated contrast media held the majority market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 7.5% over the coming years.

• The iodinated contrast media leads the contrast media market owing to its versatility and high contrast enhancements. The iodinated media is compatible with various imaging modalities and can be administered intravenously, orally, or through other routes, that makes them suitable for a wide range of diagnostic imaging studies.
  
• High penetration of iodinated media in CT scanning and X-ray imaging procedures is also a crucial factor driving the demand for the segment. It is highly effective in enhancing the contrast between different tissues and structures during CT scans and X-ray examinations.
  
• Furthermore, iodinated media have a well-established safety profile. They are quickly eliminated from the body, which minimizes the potential risk for extended exposure and associated adverse reactions. As a result, the media finds significant adoption in contrast imaging modalities.
  

Based on form, the contrast media market is classified into liquid, powder, and other forms. The liquid segment dominated the market with 67.5% of market share in 2023.

• Liquid contrast media can be administered via multiple routes, and offers excellent contrast enhancement, leading to clear visualization of organs, blood vessels, and tissues in imaging studies. As a result, this media is extensively used by end users to facilitate accurate diagnosis and in efficient treatment planning.
  
• Further, liquid media are finding significant adoption in oral and rectal contrast studies such as routine CT scanning of abdomen/pelvis, as they are easy to administer through ingestion or via enema with minimal discomfort. With an increasing growth in CT-based examinations, the demand for liquid media is expected to increase during the forecast period.
  

Based on modality, the contrast media market is categorized into computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray, and ultrasound. The computed tomography segment accounted for significant market share and is anticipated to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2032.

• The key factor contributing to the growth of this segment is the versatility of CT scanners in a diverse array of clinical indications across multiple specialties such as radiology, neurology, oncology, cardiology, emergency medicine, and orthopedics.
  
• The surge in chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory disorders, has led to a growing demand for frequent diagnostic imaging using CT scanner to track disease progression, treatment response, and recurrence.
  
• Moreover, CT scanners are finding increasing adoption in screening and preventive medicine initiatives aimed at early disease detection and risk stratification, leading to higher utilization of contrast media globally.  
  

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Based on route of administration, the contrast media market is classified into intravascular route, oral route, rectal route, and other routes of administration. The intravascular route segment was valued at USD 3 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at 8.1% CAGR during the forecast period.

• Intravascular route is a preferred route of administering contrast media during CT scanning of chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities and during selective imaging of specific vascular territories/organs, such as cerebral angiography. Increasing growth in respiratory complications and cardiovascular disorders is fueling the revenue growth of the segment.
  
• Additionally, intravascular route offers several benefits over oral and rectal routes. Contrast agents administered through intravascular route can distribute rapidly throughout the vascular system, enabling timely imaging studies. Moreover, contrast media administered through intravascular route causes minimal discomfort, as a result intravascular route is a preferred route of administration.
  

Based on indication, the contrast media market is segmented into neurological disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and nephrological disorders. The neurological disorders segment held highest market share in 2023 and is projected to witness growth at 8% CAGR through 2032.

• Increasing prevalence of neurological disorders such as stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases are driving the demand for diagnostic imaging studies for evaluating the brain anatomy, function, and pathology.
  
• Furthermore, neurological imaging necessitates high spatial resolution and tissue contrast to visualize complex brain structures and detect subtle abnormalities. As a result, contrast media are extensively used in neurological imaging across contrast-enhanced imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), thereby promoting the growth in the segment.
  

Based on application, the contrast media market is segmented into radiology, interventional radiology, interventional cardiology. The radiology segment held highest market share in 2023 and is projected to witness growth at 7.2% CAGR till 2032.

• Radiology examinations are finding extensive use in early detection and monitoring of medical conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. Radiology examinations are further supported by clinical practice guidelines and protocols established by professional medical societies as a standard diagnostic procedure for the above medical conditions. Thereby contributing to high adoption of contrast media in radiology.
  
• Moreover, increasing growth in radiology diagnostic centers and availability of advanced radiological imaging modalities such as high-field MRI, multidetector CT, and hybrid imaging systems, are further expanding the applications of radiological scanning thereby driving the revenue growth in the segment.
  

Based on end user, the contrast media market is classified as hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and diagnostic imaging center. The hospitals, clinics, and ASCs segment held the dominating market share in 2023 and is expected to value at USD 7 Billion by 2032.

• Presence of centralized imaging facilities and availability of comprehensive healthcare services including diagnostic imaging, interventional procedures, outpatient care are driving increasing number of patients across hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers.
  
• Furthermore, growing adoption of value-based care has led to a significant increase in the patient’s volume across ambulatory surgery centers, thereby increasing the demand for advanced diagnostic imaging using contrast media.
  

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North America contrast media market accounted for 38.4% of market share in 2023 and is predicted to reach USD 4.4 billion by 2032.

• Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders is necessitating frequent diagnostic imaging studies for disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning in the region.
  
• Availability of robust healthcare infrastructure with advanced imaging technology and modern facilities, and highly skilled workforce is further driving the demand for diagnostic consumables such as contrast media across healthcare settings.
  
• Increasing investments in research and development studies for developing new contrast media is further expected to ensure easy availability of advanced contrast media in the region, which is expected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period.
  

U.S. contrast media market was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period.

• The dominating position of U.S. can be attributed to the presence of established players in the country that have a significant impact on the market due to their innovative product development and strategic partnerships.
  
• Moreover, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and availability of robust healthcare infrastructure for timely diagnosis of complex disorders is also fueling the growth in the market.
  

Germany contrast media market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

• Germany has a significant aging population that are at an increased risk of chronic diseases and related health issues. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, nearly 33.3% of German population will be aged 65 and above by 2050.
  
• As a result, the demand for diagnostic imaging has significantly increased in the country, thereby driving the demand for contrast media.
  
• In addition to this, Germany's healthcare system is renowned for its modern medical facilities, advanced imaging technology, and highly skilled healthcare workforce. The country's extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers has provided widespread access to contrast-enhanced imaging studies across various medical specialties, thereby driving the growth in the market.
  

India contrast media market is anticipated to grow remarkably over the coming years.

• With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, and cancer, there is an increasing public awareness about the timely diagnosis of such disease conditions. As a result, the demand for contrast media is increasing among healthcare settings in India, contributing to the market growth.
  
• Increasing government investments to modernize healthcare infrastructure and provide advanced medical imaging services to patients is further enhancing the use of contrast imaging modalities across diagnostic settings in the country.
  
• The presence of large number of local contrast media manufacturers, and their increasing presence through collaboration with healthcare settings is further driving the revenue growth in the country.
  

Contrast Media Market Share

The contrast media industry has presence of many established vendors that dominate the market with a wide range of products and strong distribution networks. These companies continuously innovate to introduce new contrast media with improved safety and reduced exposure. Strategic partnerships, and adherence to regulatory standards play crucial roles in maintaining a competitive edge in this market. Smaller vendors rely majorly on low pricing strategy to compete in the market.

Contrast Media Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the contrast media industry include:

• Bayer AG
• Bracco S.p.A.
• GE HealthCare
• Guerbet LLC
• iMAX Diagnostic Imaging Limited
• J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd.
• Lantheus Holdings, Inc.
• Livealth Biopharma Pvt. Ltd.
• nanoPET Pharma GmbH
• Senochemia Pharmazeutika
• Spago Nanomedical AB
• TAEJOON Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Trivitron Healthcare
• Unijules Life Sciences Ltd.
  

Contrast Media Industry News

• In April 2024, Bayer AG and Hologic, Inc. jointly announced the collaboration for delivering a coordinated solution for contrast enhanced mammography to support breast cancer diagnosis and help guide treatment.
  
• In April 2023, GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. announced the launch of macrocyclic molecules Clariscan (gadoteric acid) and Pixxoscan (gadobutrol) to expands company’s portfolio of Magnetic Resonance Imaging contrast agents.
  

The contrast media market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

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

Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Other forms

Market, By Modality

• X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound

Market, By Route of Administration

• Intravascular route
• Oral route
• Rectal route
• Other routes of administration

Market, By Indication

• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Nephrological disorders

Market, By Application

• Radiology
• Interventional radiology
• Interventional cardiology

Market, By End User

• Hospitals, clinics, and ASCs
• Diagnostic imaging center

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa