Global Molecular Imaging Market Share Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 4.22%

Introduction

The global molecular imaging market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for early and precise disease diagnosis. This technology allows for the visualization of cellular and molecular activity, often identifying abnormalities before structural changes appear, thereby promoting preventive healthcare.

Its rising application in clinical research and drug development, especially for assessing treatment effectiveness and understanding biological pathways, is further propelling its use. The growing adoption of radiopharmaceuticals in fields such as oncology and cardiology is also boosting the use of PET and SPECT imaging techniques.

Moreover, supportive government initiatives and research investments are fostering innovation and expanding clinical uses of molecular imaging. The proliferation of diagnostic imaging centers in developing regions, along with the need for non-invasive, real-time diagnostic solutions, is adding to market momentum. Collectively, these trends highlight the critical role of molecular imaging in advancing personalized medicine and next-generation diagnostics.

Market Dynamics

Rising prevalence of chronic diseases drives the global market

The growing global prevalence of chronic diseases is a key factor augmenting the expansion of the global market. Effective management of these conditions requires early and precise diagnosis, which in turn is fueling the demand for advanced imaging technologies like PET, SPECT, and hybrid imaging systems.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2021, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory disorders accounted for 74% of all global deaths. Notably, over 17 million of these were premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause, contributing to around 17.9 million deaths each year.

This surge in non-communicable diseases has intensified the emphasis on imaging techniques for accurate disease staging and real-time monitoring. As a result, healthcare institutions are increasingly investing in advanced imaging infrastructure, thereby accelerating market growth in both diagnostic and therapeutic domains.

Hybrid imaging systems create tremendous opportunities

The growing adoption of hybrid imaging systems is unlocking substantial growth opportunities in the global market, fueled by the demand for greater diagnostic accuracy. These systems integrate multiple imaging modalities, such as PET/CT and PET/MRI, to provide comprehensive anatomical and molecular insights. This dual capability allows for earlier disease detection and more effective monitoring of disease progression.

• For example, in June 2025, United Imaging launched its advanced uExcel technology platform, which powers systems like the uMI Panorama and uMI Panvivo. These feature ultra-digital detectors, AI-driven scanning, and sub-200 ps timing resolution. The uMI Panorama GS, in particular, enables whole-body PET/CT imaging in a single bed position, delivering high sensitivity and performance across oncology, cardiology, neurology, and theranostics.

Such technological advancements are revolutionizing clinical workflows by minimizing scan durations and enhancing diagnostic precision, positioning hybrid imaging systems as a critical growth area in both medical practice and research.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the global molecular imaging market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, early adoption of innovative technologies, and high healthcare expenditure. The U.S. leads the region with strong research funding from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which allocated over $3.1 billion to cancer research in 2023, supporting advanced imaging studies.

Key players such as GE HealthCare and Siemens Healthineers are investing in AI-integrated molecular imaging devices and PET/MRI technologies across the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the region’s rising incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, impacting over 6.7 million Americans in 2023, has prompted increased use of PET imaging in early diagnostics. The FDA’s approval of novel radiotracers like Eli Lilly’s Tauvid for Alzheimer’s imaging has further boosted the clinical adoption of molecular imaging technologies across North America, making it a highly lucrative regional market.

Key Highlights

• The global molecular imaging market size was valued at USD 8.56 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 8.92 billion in 2025 to reach USD 12.42 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.22% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
• By product type, the global molecular imaging market is segmented into positron emission tomography (PET) systems, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, molecular ultrasound imaging, and others. The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems segment dominated the market.
• By application, the market is categorized into oncology, cardiology, neurology, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and others. The oncology segment contributed the largest market share.
• By end user, the market is divided into hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, academic and research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and others. The hospitals segment held a dominant share of the global market.
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Bruker Corporation, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Mediso Ltd., PerkinElmer Inc., MILabs B.V., and others.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) presented new data at SNMMI 2025, highlighting its F‑18 florbetaben and PI‑2620 PET tracers for enhanced amyloid and tau imaging in Alzheimer’s. Additionally, [¹⁸F]PI‑2620 received FDA Fast Track status for clinical development in AD, PSP, and CBD, underscoring its diagnostic potential.

Segmentation

1. By Product Type
   1. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Systems
   2. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Systems
   3. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer
   4. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging
   5. Others
2. By Application
   1. Oncology
   2. Cardiology
   3. Neurology
   4. Respiratory
   5. Gastrointestinal
   6. Others
3. By End User
   1. Hospitals
   2. Diagnostic Imaging Centers
   3. Academic and Research Institutes
   4. Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
   5. Others
4. By Regions
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific
   4. Latin America
   5. The Middle East and Africa