Small Animal Imaging Market Size

Small Animal Imaging Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

The small animal X-ray market is set for significant growth, with a current market size of $ 1,363,880,000 in 2025 set to grow to $ 2,472,380,000 by 2034, at a robust CAGR of 6.87%. This upward trend is largely driven by the increased prevalence of chronic diseases in small animals and the rising importance of animal welfare. The growth in research activities and funding in the field of biomedical research is also a major driver, as these systems are essential for understanding disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic interventions. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into image analysis is also enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of small animal X-ray systems. These are the fields in which Bruker and PerkinElmer are concentrating their development activities, and through strategic alliances and product launches they are strengthening their position in the market. Bruker, for example, has recently launched new X-ray systems with improved resolution and scan speed, which meet the evolving needs of research. These factors will continue to shape the market in the future.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

The animal diagnostics market is experiencing considerable growth across the globe, driven by technological advancements in the field of diagnostics and the rising investment in preclinical research. In North America, the market is characterized by the strong presence of major companies and research institutions, which foster innovation and collaboration. Europe is characterized by a regulatory framework that supports the development of imaging modalities. The Asia-Pacific region is characterized by the high activity and funding in research, especially in China and Japan. The Middle East and Africa are adopting these newer diagnostics, albeit at a slower pace, as a result of the economic and healthcare systems in place. Latin America is emerging as a market with a growing interest in preclinical studies and in imaging solutions, despite regulatory and funding challenges.

North America

• The NIH has augmented its budget for small-animal research, which has resulted in a series of projects that have improved both the methodology of small-animal imaging and its application to drug development.
• A number of companies, including Bruker and PerkinElmer, are now launching high-resolution MRI and PET devices that are setting new standards in preclinical imaging.
• The regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are reorganizing their approval procedures for the x-ray devices, which will speed up the introduction of new devices into the market.

Europe

• The European Union’s Horizon 2020 program is financing research on the development of new imaging tools that will improve the capabilities of small animal imaging.
• In addition to the usual market research, research and development is also being carried out by the big players in the field of medical technology. They are working on the development of integrated solutions for the growing demand for precision medicine.
• The European Medicines Agency is implementing guidelines to encourage the use of advanced imaging in the development of medicines, which is expected to improve the efficiency of clinical trials.

Asia-Pacific

• China's National Natural Science Foundation provides significant support for research on small animal imaging, resulting in breakthroughs in imaging modalities and applications.
• Japanese companies like Hitachi and Toshiba have been making strides in the field of small animal imaging, concentrating on the development of compact, cost-effective systems for research institutions.
• The number of research collaborations between universities and biotechnology companies in the region is growing and has created a thriving environment for the development of small animal imaging.

MEA

• In the case of South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, the establishment of research centers has led to the emergence of a large animal imaging technology for preclinical studies.
• Governmental initiatives for the development of health care are gradually increasing the availability of advanced medical technology in the region.
• Local universities and international research organisations are collaborating to develop knowledge and skills in small animal imaging.

Latin America

• Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) has been supporting the development of research that uses small animal models for biomedical research, which has pushed up interest in the market.
• In Argentina and Chile, a few biotechnology companies have begun to experiment with the technology of small animal imaging, although they still face the problems of financing and regulatory obstacles.
• The growing interest in improving health care in the region is leading to increased research and development investment, which is expected to drive the small animal imaging market.

Did You Know?

“PET and MRI are not only used in research but also in the development of personalized medicine, which makes it possible to choose the best treatment for each patient based on his or her individual response.” — Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Segmental Market Size

The small animal diagnostics market is an important segment within the biomedical imaging industry, which is currently experiencing stable growth. It is a vital part of preclinical research, because it allows the visualization of biological processes in small animals. This is necessary for the development of new drugs and the understanding of diseases. Demand is primarily driven by the increasing need for non-invasive diagnostics in research laboratories and by the constant improvement in resolution and speed of the imaging equipment. Moreover, regulatory requirements promoting animal welfare and the ethical use of animals in research are strengthening the market’s significance.

The small animal imaging market is in a mature stage of development, with Bruker and Perkin-Elmer, among others, establishing themselves as market leaders. The most important applications are in oncology, in the study of the heart and in neurology, where the most common imaging modalities are PET, MRI and CT. Growth is being accelerated by the trend towards a greater focus on individualized medicine and the drive to optimize the drug discovery process. Moreover, the development of image analysis and artificial intelligence is having a positive impact on the market by improving the ability to analyze and interpret data.

Future Outlook

The Small Animal Imaging Market is poised for significant growth from 2025 to 2034, with a projected increase from $1.36 billion to $2.47 billion. This represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.87%. This is due to the increasing demand for advanced imaging in preclinical research, particularly in the fields of oncology, neurology, and cardiology. This will result in the increasing adoption of small animal imaging modalities, such as MRI, PET, and CT, leading to an increase in market penetration and increased usage rates in academic and pharmaceutical institutions.

The market is driven by the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning into the analysis of medical images. These innovations not only improve image quality but also speed up the data processing and interpretation, thereby enhancing research results. Furthermore, supportive government policies and funding initiatives, which aim to promote biomedical research, are expected to further drive the market. The increasing emphasis on personalized medicine and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases will also drive the market.