Global MRI Contrast Agents Market 2025 – 2034

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the global MRI Contrast Agents Market is expected to record a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2033. In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 2.5 Billion. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 4.2 Billion.

MRI contrast agents are substances utilized in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to increase the visibility of internal body structures, making it easier to differentiate between various tissues. MRI contrast agents work by altering the magnetic properties of nearby water molecules, improving the contrast between tissues in MRI scans.

The most popular MRI contrast agents contain gadolinium, a heavy metal that increases the signal of tissues in which it is present, allowing radiologists to see anomalies such as tumors, inflammation, or blood vessels better. These chemicals are injected into the bloodstream and are particularly useful for imaging soft tissues such as the brain, muscles, and heart. Other agents, such as iron oxide or manganese-based compounds, can also be utilized in specific applications.

The expansion of the MRI contrast agent market is owing to the increasing growth of chronic disease, the growing geriatric population, advancements in MRI technology, rising demand for non-invasive diagnostic techniques, and the expansion of MRI. However, strict regulatory approvals, the high cost of MRI procedures, and the availability of alternative techniques are projected to hamper the MRI contrast agent industry.

• As per the figure given by the National Cancer Institutes, in the US, around 2,001,140 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2024, whereas over 611,720 population died from cancer. The most prevalent cancers in the area include breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, colon and rectum cancer and others.

• According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, cancer is the leading cause of death across the globe. Around 20 million new cases were diagnosed, and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths across the globe in the studied year 2022. In the year 2040, the number of new cases will escalate to around 29.9 million, and the number of deaths will be nearly 15.3 million.

MRI Contrast Agents Market: Growth Drivers

Rising geriatric population across the globe

The growing geriatric population is the most prominent factor in the growth of the MRI contrast agent industry. This population has a higher incidence of age-related health issues, including strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and orthopedic problems. Therefore, they require more diagnostic imaging, such as MRI with contrast agents, to identify and monitor these problems.

For instance, according to data from the Medical University of South Carolina, more than 75% of strokes occur in the older population (65 or older). These conditions affect around 800,000 Americans in a year, which means one American in 40 seconds. Thus, the statistics above are estimated to increase the market share of the MRI contrast agents industry.

Rising product expansion by the market players

The increasing product expansion by the key market players is expected to florish the revenue growth of the MRI contrast agent industry over the analysis period. For instance, in April 2023, GE HealthCare launched Pixxoscan (gadobutrol), a non-ionic, macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Pixxoscan has been examined utilizing a regulatory decentralized approach (DCP). With marketing authorization in place in Austria and pending approval, it will be offered in several European nations in 2023. Pixxoscan allows for the visualization of aberrant structures or lesions and the distinguishing of healthy and pathological tissue.

Pixxoscan (gadobutrol), like its reference product Gadovist, can improve the contrast in cranial and spinal MRI and magnetic resonance angiography in adults, teens, and children of all ages, even full-term babies. It is also used for whole-body imaging, including the liver and kidneys, in patients with a high suspicion or proof of localized lesions to determine if they are benign or malignant.

MRI Contrast Agents Market: Recent Development

The MRI contrast agents industry adopted several strategies, including product launches, approvals, acquisitions, and expansion. Some of the company strategies include:

• The FDA approved Gadopiclenol, a brand-new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent with excellent relaxivity and low gadolinium dosage, in September 2022. Gadopiclenol, a macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent, is approved for use with MRI in adults and pediatric patients two years of age and older. It aids in diagnosing lesions with abnormal vascularity in the brain, spine, abdomen, and other body parts.

• In December 2023, The European Commission approved Bracco Imaging’s Vueway (gadopiclenol), a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Vueway is administered intravenously to improve the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) studies. The agent contains half as much gadolinium as normal agents.

These product launches and expansion activities have expanded the company’s market presence in the MRI contrast agents industry.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

MRI Contrast Agents Market: Challenge

Safety concerns

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are the most frequent MRI contrast agents, although their use has raised safety concerns. Some patients have shown gadolinium retention in their bodies, particularly in the brain and bones. While these retention issues have not been proven related to harmful consequences in all patients, they do raise safety concerns, especially for those who have kidney problems or require frequent MRI scans. These concerns have resulted in regulatory scrutiny and the formulation of recommendations to limit GBCA usage, so constraining the market.

MRI Contrast Agents Market: Segmentation Analysis

By Product:

The paramagnetic agents capture the largest revenue share in the MRI contrast agents industry. The increasing use of MRI scans for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases, explains the segment growth. Paramagnetic compounds are also increasingly used in therapeutic settings because technology is improving. For example, improvements in MRI technology have led to higher-resolution images and faster scanning speeds.

Besides, the superparamagnetic agents are projected to grow at the fastest rate during the analysis period. Superparamagnetic compounds are very beneficial for liver and spleen imaging. These drugs are absorbed via the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and are abundant in these tissues. They are used to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue in the liver, aiding in the diagnosis of disorders such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and metastases. With the increasing prevalence of liver illnesses, the need for superparamagnetic substances in this application is predicted to rise.

By Application:

The neurological imaging segment dominates the MRI contrast market owing to the growing prevalence of neurological disorders. For instance, the Lancet Neurology study predicted that in 2021, neurological conditions will affect about 3 billion people worldwide.

Besides, the gastrointestinal segment shows a rapid expansion. MRI is thought to be a non-invasive and patient-friendly imaging technology compared to more intrusive techniques such as endoscopy or biopsy. Because they do not use ionizing radiation like CT scans, contrast-enhanced MRI scans are becoming a popular choice among patients and healthcare professionals. This has increased the use of contrast agents in gastrointestinal diagnostics, particularly for patients who require frequent monitoring for chronic GI disorders.

Report Scope

MRI Contrast Agents Market: Regional Analysis

North America is projected to lead the market growth during the analysis period. The market share growth of MRI contrast agents in the North American area is attributed to the presence of major players and the growing burden of several chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and others. For instance, according to CDC data, one person in the US passes away from CVD every 33 seconds. Furthermore, the region is home to advanced healthcare infrastructure, another important variable for the market expansion.

However, the Asia Pacific is growing significantly in the global MRI contrast agents industry. The expansion of the Asia Pacific industry is due to the rising investment in the healthcare sector. Moreover, the supportive government also positively influence the market growth.

Competitive Landscape: MRI Contrast Agents Market

The MRI contrast agents market is highly competitive, with many manufacturers operating globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Bayer AG
• GE Healthcare
• Bracco
• Guerbet
• Vitalquan LLC
• Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. Kg
• Mallinckrodt Inc.
• JB Pharma
• Beijing Beilu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
• DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY LIMITED
• Trivitron Healthcare
• BioPAL Inc.
• Bruker
• Others

These companies adopted product launch, expansion, merger & acquisition and collaboration strategies.

The MRI Contrast Agents Market is segmented as follows:

By Product

• Paramagnetic Agents
• Superparamagnetic Agents

By Type

• Clinical
• Preclinical

By Application

• Gastrointestinal
• Intravenous
• Hepatobiliary
• Neurological Imaging
• Others

By End-use

• Hospitals
• Imaging Centers

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America