Optical Preclinical Imaging Market

Optical Preclinical Imaging Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global optical preclinical imaging market is valued at US$ 612 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 1.14 billion by 2033. Global demand for optical preclinical imaging systems is expected to increase at a CAGR of 6.5% during the next 10 years.

Preclinical imaging involves the visualization of living creatures for scientific purposes, primarily for drug development. Additionally, this technology enables in-vivo molecular imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. It serves as a link between in-vitro and in-vivo clinical drug development studies.

Fluorescence, bioluminescence, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) is employed for molecular structure visualization in optical imaging techniques.

Preclinical imaging has been a crucial technique for biological advancements over the past ten years. In the post-genomic era, high-frequency micro-ultrasound has gradually evolved into a quick and affordable imaging technique for researching human disease models in microscopic organisms.

The demand for preclinical optical imaging technologies is expanding primarily as a result of increasing investments and funding for medical R&D activities as well as the rapid pace of technological developments that have led to the development of hybrid imaging systems.

Preclinical optical imaging devices are segmented into bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging systems, standalone fluorescence imaging systems, and optical + X-ray/optical + CT systems. Sales of bioluminescence & fluorescence imaging systems are predicted to rise at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2033.

Bioluminescence imaging and fluorescence imaging is a vital research method for understanding biological mechanisms in-vivo and in real time. One of the main benefits of bioluminescence imaging is its low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high sensitivity, and capacity to examine processes in-vivo without hurting the target animal.

Bioluminescence imaging provides a dependable, sensitive, and high throughput alternative to more traditional imaging and biodistribution studies using terminal endpoints, invasive techniques, or radiolabeling. For non-invasive in-vivo molecular imaging, optical imaging, in particular near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, offers a brand-new and incredibly flexible platform for drug discovery and research.

Optical fluorescence imaging offers 3D, real-time image augmentation and cellular and subcellular resolutions. One of the important technologies that can advance molecular imaging is fluorescence imaging. It is also very useful in preclinical research and has contributed to recent developments in oncology, genetics, and proteomics. Thus, several technological advancements are boosting the demand for optical imaging systems.

Report Attributes	Details
Optical Preclinical Imaging Market Size (2023E)	US$ 612 Million
Forecasted Market Value (2033F)	US$ 1.14 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	6.5% CAGR
China Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	10% CAGR
Japan Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	3.5% CAGR
Germany Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	4% CAGR
Canada Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	4.5% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	BioTek Instruments, Inc. Bruker Corporation Fujifilm Holdings Corporation Magnetic Insight, Inc. MBF Bioscience Mediso Ltd. MILabs B.V. Miltenyi Biotec MR Solutions PerkinElmer, Inc. TriFoil Imaging Vieworks Co., Ltd.

How is Demand for Optical Preclinical Imaging Systems Evolving across the World?

“High Adoption of In-vivo Imaging Technologies”

The utilization of in-vivo imaging techniques in preclinical studies is growing due to the rising rate of clinical research organizations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies. Thus, this factor is further anticipated to accelerate the growth of the optical preclinical imaging market.

• To build its first sizable preclinical imaging suite, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine purchased new 7T-3T MR/PET & PET-CT devices by MR solutions in July 2020.
• To meet the growing need for antiviral research instruments and to facilitate the study of coronavirus antibodies and medicines, MILabs upgraded their preclinical diagnostic U-CT technology for in-vivo imaging of COVID-19 animal-based models in March 2020.

One of the new capabilities is ultra-high-resolution non-invasive lung imaging, which enables scientists to precisely locate pathological changes in the bronchi of guinea pigs, mice, and ferrets. Up to four mouse models can also be examined simultaneously for high-throughput detection of coronavirus genotypes linked to respiratory illness utilizing intrinsic freeze-frame lung imaging.

“Advancements in Multi-modal Molecular Imaging Devices”

Technological improvements in molecular imaging, the rising need for non-invasive imaging techniques on small animals, and rising preclinical research investments from both commercial and public organizations are some of the factors driving the growth of the market for preclinical imaging.

A fast-growing multidiscipline, molecular imaging integrates molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and medicine. It is capable of real-time, non-invasive viewing and quantification of physiological or pathological processes occurring at the cellular or molecular level in a living organism.

Multi-modal molecular imaging can play a significant role in the clinical management of several diseases by enhancing doctors' capacity for screening, monitoring, prognosis, staging, planning and therapy advice, measuring therapy efficacy, and recurrence assessment. Presymptomatic detection, targeted therapy, and the development of personalized medicines are also some of the advancements in multi-modal molecular imaging technology.

“Rising Cases of Chronic Disorders”

The need for diagnostic and therapeutic technologies is rising as a result of the exponential rise in the prevalence of chronic disorders such as cancer, respiratory diseases, arthritis, and heart disease. Respective governments of several nations are initiating various programs to increase awareness of early cancer detection to reduce cancer-related fatalities.

• According to a study by the World Cancer Research Fund International, about 18.1 million cases of cancer were reported globally in 2020, of which more than 474,519 cases were of leukaemia, also known as blood cancer.
• The National Programme for Prevention and Control of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and strokes have been announced by the Indian government to increase awareness of early cancer diagnosis.

Which Issues are Hampering the Sales of Optical Preclinical Imaging Devices?

“Strict Rules Regarding Animal Welfare & Preclinical Research”

Strict rules governing preclinical research and laws regarding animal protection are hampering sales growth. Animal activists strongly oppose the use of animals for lab testing, which acts as an obstacle before researchers. Also, the high costs of systems & expensive research projects along with the scarcity of experts may hinder the sales of optical preclinical imaging devices to some extent.

Country-wise Analysis

Why is the United States a leading Market for Optical Preclinical Imaging Solutions?

“Presence of Advanced Healthcare Sector”

The United States currently dominates the North American market due to the significant number of ongoing preclinical studies and greater acceptance rates of technologically advanced equipment.

The presence of a well-established healthcare sector and rising investments by public and private organizations in preclinical research projects is also expected to boost the demand for optical imaging technologies.

The high use of in-vivo imaging systems in preclinical research by clinical research organisations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies is also boosting sales growth. Several market players are also introducing advanced preclinical imaging solutions.

• A renowned manufacturer of multiphoton microscopes for deep tissue fluorescence imaging, Bruker, announced the launch of the Ultima Investigator Plus in March 2022. This platform is the newest modular entry to the Ultima line. With a wider field of view, improved optics for two- and three-photon imaging, and a longer close-coupled collection path, Investigator Plus improves scientists' ability to image deeply and see more inside difficult specimens.

What is Supporting the Sales of Optical Preclinical Imaging Systems in Germany?

“Rapidly Increasing Prevalence of Cancer”

Germany is a hub for pharma and biotech companies in the European region. The demand for imaging devices is increasing rapidly due to the rising prevalence of chronic disorders such as cancer.

Nowadays, clinical trials often use imaging equipment as a response to research laboratories' efforts to reduce operating costs. Each year, the European Union (EU) approves roughly 4,000 clinical studies for pharmaceuticals.

Most of these trials are conducted in Western European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland. As per industry analysis by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, demand for optical preclinical imaging solutions in Germany is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4% during the next 10 years.

What is the Demand Outlook for Optical Preclinical Imaging Technologies in Japan?

“Rising Cases of Fatty Liver Diseases and Growing Demand for Personalized Medicines”

Asian countries such as Japan, India, China, and South Korea are experiencing rapid market growth due to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) drug testing as well as rapidly advancing medical treatments and technologies. NASH is currently estimated to affect 1.9% to 2.7% of the population in Japan.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Japanese population has increased since the early 1990s; in the 1990s it went from 12.6% to 12.9% and 24.6% to 34.7% in the 2000s. Demand for preclinical imaging services is also increasing due to the rapidly ageing population, rising cancer and obesity patients, and a fast-growing healthcare sector.

In Japan, customized medicine is becoming a new objective in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. It tries to identify differences between patients with the same illness so that they can select the best appropriate treatment.

• The Japanese Journal of Radiology published a paper in November 2021 titled ‘Developing diagnostic reference levels in Japan’ that claimed the country has seen a considerable rise in the utilization of radiological examinations in recent years.
• A report released in February 2021 by the Government of Japan's Public Relations Office predicted that by the years 2036 and 2065, respectively, 33.3% and 38.4% of Japan's population would be over 65.

Category-wise Analysis

Why is There High Demand for Optical Preclinical Imaging Systems From Pharma & Biotech Companies?

“Rising Need for Advanced Drugs Increasing Rate of Clinical Trials”

Demand for optical preclinical imaging systems from pharma and biotech companies is increasing at a rapid pace. Several clinical trials are carried out in pharma and biotech companies for drug discovery and development, which is supporting sales growth.

The growing cases of chronic disorders such as cancer are increasing the healthcare burden. Thus, this aspect is increasing the need for drug innovation which subsequently is boosting the demand for preclinical imaging technologies.

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts that by 2030, there would be 21.7 million new cases of cancer annually and 13 million cancer deaths. An older population, a higher prevalence of obesity, and environmental factors are all blamed for this rise. In addition, cancer is more common in women, and breast cancer is the malignancy that kills the most women.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the optical preclinical imaging market are improving their market position by advancing imaging technologies. Regional expansion, partnerships, collaborations with local suppliers, and improving product standards are some of the tactics adopted by leading companies.

• The Vega imaging system has been added to PerkinElmer, Inc. PKI's line of in-vivo imaging products, the company announced in April 2022. This groundbreaking ultrasound platform combines hands-free automated technology with enhanced capacities to provide non-invasive research and drug development studies in the areas of cancer, kidney and liver disorders, cardiology, and other medical specialties.

Key Segments of Optical Preclinical Imaging Industry Research

• By Modality :

  • Bioluminescence/Fluorescence Imaging Systems
  • Standalone Fluorescence Imaging Systems
  • Optical + X-ray/Optical + CT

• By Reagent :

  • Bioluminescent Imaging Reagents
  • Fluorescent Imaging Reagents

• By Application :

  • Research & Development
  • Drug Discovery

• By End User :

  • Pharma & Biotech Companies
  • Research Institutes

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • MEA