Molecular Imaging Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Molecular Imaging Market Size

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).

The global molecular imaging market is witnessing strong growth owing to rising demand for early and accurate disease detection. These techniques enable visualization of cellular and molecular processes, offering valuable insights before anatomical changes occur, thus supporting preventive healthcare.

Additionally, increasing use of this technique in clinical research and drug development, particularly for evaluating treatment response and biological mechanisms, is driving its adoption. The growing popularity of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology and cardiology is also enhancing the use of PET and SPECT imaging.

Furthermore, government initiatives and research funding are encouraging technological advancements and wider clinical applications. The expansion of diagnostic imaging centers in emerging regions, coupled with the demand for non-invasive and real-time diagnostic tools, is further boosting the market. These factors collectively underscore the vital role of molecular imaging in personalized medicine and advanced diagnostics.

Current Market Trends

Integration of Ai and Machine Learning

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is revolutionizing the global market by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing image processing time, and enabling precision medicine. These technologies assist in automating image interpretation, reducing human error, and improving clinical workflows. AI-based tools are being increasingly incorporated into PET, CT, and MRI systems for more effective disease detection and prognosis.

• For instance, in June 2024, a novel AI tool was revealed at SNMMI 2024 that uses deep transfer learning to automatically segment and quantify wholebody PET/CT scans, detecting six cancer types, including lung, melanoma, lymphoma, breast, headandneck, and prostate. It estimates tumor burden, predicts treatment response and risks, enabling prognosis and survival assessment with strong performance.

As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is expected to significantly expand clinical applications in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

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Molecular Imaging Market Growth Factors

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The escalating global burden of chronic diseases is a major driver for the global market. These conditions necessitate early and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment, boosting the demand for advanced imaging modalities such as PET, SPECT, and hybrid systems.

• According to the WHO, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions caused 74% of global deaths in 2021. Of these, over 17 million were premature deaths in low- and middle-income nations. Cardiovascular diseases remain the top killer, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually.

The rise in such non-communicable diseases has led to increased clinical focus on this technique for real-time monitoring and disease staging. Consequently, healthcare providers are investing more in imaging infrastructure, further propelling market growth across diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Market Restraining Factors

High Cost of Imaging Equipment and Procedures

The high cost of equipment and procedures serves as a significant restraint on market growth. Advanced imaging modalities such as PET-CT, PET-MRI, and SPECT require substantial capital investment, often exceeding millions of dollars per unit. In addition to equipment costs, the need for specialized facilities, trained personnel, and ongoing maintenance adds to the financial burden.

These factors make it challenging for smaller hospitals, diagnostic centers, and healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries to adopt these technologies. Furthermore, the high cost per scan and limited reimbursement policies in several regions hinder patient accessibility, thereby restricting widespread clinical implementation of these solutions.

Market Opportunities

Hybrid Imaging Systems

The rising adoption of hybrid imaging systems presents a significant growth opportunity in the global market, driven by the need for enhanced diagnostic precision. These systems, which combine modalities like PET/CT and PET/MRI, offer both anatomical and molecular data, enabling clinicians to detect diseases earlier and monitor progression more effectively.

• For instance, in June 2025, United Imaging introduced its new uExcel technology platform, powering families like uMI Panorama and uMI Panvivo, delivering ultra-digital detectors, AI-powered scanning, and sub-200 ps timing resolution. The uMI Panorama GS supports whole-body PET/CT in a single bed position with exceptional sensitivity and performance for oncology, cardiology, neurology, and theranostics.

Such innovations are transforming clinical workflows by reducing scan time and improving accuracy, making hybrid imaging systems a key area of opportunity in both clinical and research environments.

Regional Insights

The market in North America is expanding due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, robust research funding, and the widespread adoption of hybrid imaging systems. A strong presence of key industry players and consistent technological innovations is enhancing clinical applications in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. The region also benefits from increasing clinical trials involving radiopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine approaches. Additionally, growing awareness among healthcare professionals about early disease diagnosis is contributing to the region's dominance in adopting PET and SPECT technologies in both hospital and outpatient settings.

U.s. Molecular Imaging Market Trends

• The United States market is driven by high healthcare expenditure, advanced diagnostic infrastructure, and strong R&D in oncology. Institutions like the NIH fund extensive research in this field. Companies such as GE Healthcare and Siemens Healthineers dominate PET and SPECT imaging solutions. The U.S. also leads in AI-integrated imaging tools, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses, particularly in cancer and neurological disorder management.
• Canada’s molecular imaging market is supported by government healthcare funding, academic partnerships, and initiatives to expand nuclear medicine. For instance, TRIUMF in British Columbia plays a key role in radiotracer production. The Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine promotes molecular imaging advancement across provinces. Ongoing investments in oncology centers and AI-based diagnostic platforms are strengthening Canada’s position in this market for early disease detection and personalized treatment planning.

Asia-Pacific: Significantly Growing Region

Asia Pacific is witnessing significant market growth due to rapidly evolving healthcare systems, increasing investments in diagnostic infrastructure, and rising incidence of chronic diseases. The growing availability of nuclear medicine facilities and improved access to advanced imaging modalities in urban regions are key contributors. Public and private partnerships are boosting the production and usage of radiopharmaceuticals for oncology and neurology diagnostics. Additionally, medical tourism, expanding imaging research hubs, and the surging demand for minimally invasive diagnostic procedures are supporting the uptake of PET, SPECT, and hybrid imaging technologies.

• China’s molecular imaging market is expanding rapidly, driven by increased healthcare investments and a rising cancer burden. The Chinese government’s Healthy China 2030 initiative promotes early disease diagnosis, supporting regional market growth. For instance, United Imaging has launched advanced PET/CT systems domestically. Moreover, partnerships with global firms like GE Healthcare are enhancing access to cutting-edge imaging technologies in both urban hospitals and emerging regional medical centers.
• India’s molecular imaging market is witnessing strong growth due to rising chronic disease prevalence and increasing demand for precision diagnostics. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat are improving diagnostic infrastructure in rural areas. Leading players such as Siemens Healthineers and Wipro GE Healthcare are investing in local manufacturing and training. For example, the establishment of PET/CT facilities in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru is strengthening India’s advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Europe: Substantial Potential for Growth

Europe’s market is growing steadily owing to government-backed healthcare modernization, early diagnosis initiatives, and strong academic-industrial research collaborations. The adoption of hybrid modalities like PET/CT and SPECT/CT is driven by rising demand for accurate and non-invasive diagnostics across cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Regulatory support for radiopharmaceutical development and increasing cross-border access to advanced imaging technologies are enhancing clinical outcomes. Moreover, the region’s emphasis on cost-effective diagnostic imaging in national healthcare systems is encouraging installations of these systems in secondary and tertiary care institutions.

• Germany's molecular imaging market is driven by strong R&D investments and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Institutions like the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) actively utilize PET and SPECT imaging in oncology. The country’s focus on precision medicine and increasing adoption of hybrid imaging systems, such as PET/MRI, supports market growth. Moreover, government-backed initiatives in digital health and radiopharmaceuticals production bolster the market segment in Germany.
• The UK molecular imaging market is expanding due to the NHS’s support for early disease detection and personalized medicine. The University College London (UCL) and King's College London are leading in the research in this field, particularly in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Collaborations like the UK Dementia Research Institute and investments in PET imaging facilities enhance clinical and academic applications, fostering continuous innovation in the UK’s market.

Product Type Insights

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems hold a dominant position in the market due to their cost-effectiveness, widespread availability, and versatility in clinical diagnostics. SPECT is widely used for imaging blood flow, cardiac function, and neurological conditions, making it essential in routine healthcare. Technological advancements such as hybrid SPECT/CT systems have further enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the increasing use of SPECT in oncology and cardiology, coupled with the development of novel radiotracers, is driving its dominance. Its ability to provide functional and anatomical data simultaneously contributes to its widespread adoption in clinical and research settings.

Application Insights

The oncology segment dominates the market owing to the growing global burden of cancer and the critical need for early detection and treatment monitoring. This technique plays a vital role in visualizing tumor metabolism, assessing tumor response, and guiding biopsy or therapy. PET and SPECT are commonly used to stage cancers, identify metastases, and evaluate recurrence. The rising adoption of targeted radiopharmaceuticals and hybrid imaging technologies in cancer care further fuels segment growth. As personalized oncology gains traction, the demand for precise molecular imaging solutions continues to rise, making oncology the most significant contributor to market revenue.

End-User Insights

Hospitals represent the leading end-user segment in the global market due to their extensive infrastructure, advanced imaging facilities, and access to specialized personnel. Most diagnostic imaging procedures are performed in hospital settings where multidisciplinary teams manage complex cases. Hospitals also serve as major centers for cancer diagnosis, cardiac assessments, and neurological evaluations, key areas where molecular imaging is heavily utilized. Additionally, hospitals are more likely to invest in high-cost imaging technologies such as PET/CT and SPECT systems, enabling comprehensive patient care. Their integration with research and clinical trials further supports their dominance in this market.

Company Market Share

Companies in the molecular imaging market are focusing on expanding their product portfolios through technological innovations such as AI-integrated imaging systems, enhanced radiotracers, and hybrid imaging modalities. They are also investing heavily in research collaborations, regulatory approvals, and strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions. Additionally, firms are increasing their presence in emerging markets through localized manufacturing and distribution networks to tap into growing healthcare infrastructure and address unmet diagnostic needs.

GE HealthCare: GE Healthcare is a leading player in the global market, offering advanced imaging solutions such as PET, SPECT, and hybrid imaging systems. The company focuses on precision diagnostics through innovative technologies and radiopharmaceuticals. GE Healthcare's molecular imaging portfolio supports early disease detection, particularly in oncology and neurology. With strong global distribution and continued R&D investments, including AI integration in imaging, the company plays a vital role in advancing personalized medicine and expanding access to high-quality diagnostic care worldwide.

• In June 2025, GE HealthCare launched LesionID™ Pro, an AI-powered tool designed for zero-click automated pre-processing at SNMMI 2025. It minimizes manual segmentation tasks, enabling faster and more accurate insights for clinicians in theranostics workflows. This innovation enhances diagnostic efficiency and supports personalized treatment planning across oncology and other molecular imaging applications.

List of key players in Molecular Imaging Market

1. Siemens Healthineers
2. GE Healthcare
3. Koninklijke Philips N.V.
4. Bruker Corporation
5. Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
6. Canon Medical Systems Corporation
7. Mediso Ltd.
8. PerkinElmer Inc.
9. MILabs B.V.

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Recent Developments

• June 2025- In Mumbai, S.L. Raheja Hospital introduced an AI-enabled digital PET‑CT alongside a 3 T MRI, significantly boosting diagnostic precision, speed, and patient comfort across oncology, neurology, and cardiology workflows.
• 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.
• May 2025- Positron Corporation, a leading provider of molecular imaging systems and services, has announced the sale of its NeuSight PET-CT 64-slice scanner to a renowned nuclear cardiologist specializing in advanced cardiovascular diagnostics and interventional treatment. This recent sale underscores the increasing demand for Positron’s PET and PET-CT technologies, which are known for their state-of-the-art capabilities and robust clinical, technical, and training support.