The global small animal imaging market size was valued at USD 1.22 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 1.33 billion in 2025 to USD 2.22 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.57% during the forecast period (2025 – 2033).
Small animal imaging refers to the non-invasive visualization and analysis of biological processes in small laboratory animals, such as mice and rats, which are widely utilized in preclinical research. This technique employs advanced imaging modalities, including positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), optical imaging, and ultrasound, to study disease progression, monitor treatment efficacy, and support drug development.
By providing high-resolution anatomical, functional, and molecular insights, small animal imaging enables researchers to investigate complex biological systems in vivo, significantly reducing the need for invasive procedures. It serves as a critical tool in translational research, bridging laboratory discoveries and clinical applications while accelerating drug discovery and development processes.
The global market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in imaging technologies such as high-field systems and multimodal imaging. These innovations enable more detailed studies on disease progression, drug efficacy, and tumor metabolism. High-resolution imaging techniques like MRI and PET/CT are fostering breakthroughs in drug discovery, oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular research.
The below graph shows the analysis of the use of small animals in preclinical research in 2024.
Source: Straits Research, Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
According to the data, mice accounted for 75.98% of animals used in preclinical research studies, followed by rats at 22.12%. Moreover, emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region offer untapped growth potential, fueled by increasing investments in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. These developments present significant opportunities for the small animal imaging market, particularly in areas such as drug development, disease modeling, and preclinical testing across various therapeutic fields.
The growing adoption of high-field imaging systems is a key trend shaping the global market. These advanced systems deliver exceptional resolution, enabling detailed research in neuroscience, oncology, and drug development. High-field imaging facilitates precise disease modeling and therapeutic evaluation, supported by innovations in hybrid technologies and AI-driven enhancements.
In March 2024, Siemens Healthineers launched the MAGNETOM Terra.X, a state-of-the-art 7T MRI scanner designed for ultra-high-resolution imaging in small animal research. This system is particularly suited for neuroscience, oncology, and cardiovascular studies, offering unparalleled visualization capabilities and AI-driven tools for longitudinal, non-invasive research.
The increasing adoption of such high-field systems, powered by ongoing technological advancements, is driving innovation and expanding the scope of preclinical research.
Another transformative trend in the global market is the integration of multimodal imaging systems. Combining techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optical imaging with ultrasound or MRI provides comprehensive insights into disease mechanisms, tumor metabolism, and drug efficacy.
These advancements underscore the pivotal role of high-field and multimodal imaging systems in preclinical studies. By facilitating breakthroughs across neuroscience, oncology, and other therapeutic areas, they not only boost market growth but also redefine the possibilities of small animal imaging in translational research.
The rising emphasis on personalized oncology treatment is significantly driving advancements in imaging technologies and targeted therapies. By tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles, these innovations enhance efficacy and reduce side effects, making small animal models indispensable for preclinical research and therapeutic evaluations.
The growing adoption of advanced imaging technologies, coupled with personalized oncology treatment strategies, is transforming both clinical and preclinical research landscapes. These innovations are not only enhancing cancer treatment outcomes but are also fueling the expansion of the global market.
A significant challenge in the global market is the limited resolution for deep tissue imaging. As imaging depth increases, high-resolution image quality deteriorates due to factors such as light scattering, tissue absorption, and inherent limitations of existing imaging modalities. These challenges hinder clear visualization of deeper anatomical structures, making it difficult to accurately assess tumor progression or conduct detailed diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations. Such constraints impact the precision of research outcomes and limit advancements in preclinical studies.
Collaborative efforts between pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations (CROs) present a promising growth opportunity for the global small animal imaging market. These partnerships leverage specialized expertise and resources, expediting drug development and preclinical research.
For instance,
Such partnerships not only accelerate research timelines but also drive innovation, positioning the global market for significant growth in preclinical applications.
Study Period | 2021-2033 | CAGR | 6.57% |
Historical Period | 2021-2023 | Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 | Base Year Market Size | USD 1.22 billion |
Forecast Year | 2033 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 2.22 billion |
Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
North America maintains a dominant position in the global market, driven by the presence of advanced research facilities, a robust biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, and significant investments in healthcare innovation. The region hosts numerous academic institutions, private research organizations, and companies actively engaged in drug discovery, disease modeling, and preclinical studies, fueling the demand for cutting-edge imaging technologies. Moreover, strong regulatory support and high adoption rates of innovative imaging solutions bolster North America’s leadership in the market.
Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the fastest CAGR, attributed to increasing investments in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. A growing emphasis on preclinical research, coupled with expanding clinical trials and drug development activities in countries like China, Japan, and India, is driving demand for advanced imaging technologies. This rapid growth is further supported by government initiatives and collaborations aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and fostering innovation in small animal imaging.
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The global small animal imaging market is segmented into technology, application, and end-user.
The optical imaging segment dominates the market, generating the highest revenue. Its non-invasive nature, high sensitivity, and ability to provide detailed, real-time imaging at a low cost make it indispensable for disease modeling, drug discovery, and therapeutic evaluation. For instance, in October 2024, researchers from Hebrew University introduced image-guided computational holographic wavefront shaping, as reported by the European Research Council. This innovation revolutionizes optical imaging by enabling fast, non-invasive visualization through scattering media, addressing complex imaging challenges effectively.
The drug discovery and disease modeling segment held the largest market revenue in the global market. Small animals are extensively used to evaluate drug efficacy and study disease mechanisms, particularly in oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular research. These models provide critical in vivo insights into therapeutic effectiveness and safety, accelerating preclinical research. By offering reliable data on drug interactions and disease progression, this segment plays a crucial role in advancing novel treatments and improving the efficiency of drug development pipelines globally.
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominate the market, holding the highest market share. These organizations rely on advanced imaging technologies for drug discovery, preclinical testing, and therapeutic evaluations. By using small animal models, they assess drug efficacy, toxicity, and safety before proceeding to human trials. This reliance on small animal imaging enables companies to streamline the drug development process, ensuring more precise and effective treatments while reducing research and development timelines.
Key players in the small animal imaging industry are actively focusing on adopting a range of strategic business initiatives to strengthen their position in the market. These strategies include strategic collaborations, where companies partner with academic institutions, pharmaceutical firms, and contract research organizations (CROs) to accelerate innovation and expand their research capabilities. Product approvals from regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and CE Mark certifications, are crucial for ensuring market entry and growth in new regions.
MILabs B.V.: An emerging player in the global small animal imaging market
MILabs B.V. is a leading provider of innovative imaging solutions specializing in small animal imaging systems. The company develops advanced technologies for molecular imaging, offering tools for preclinical research in oncology, neurology, and drug development. MILabs focuses on providing high-resolution imaging systems that combine PET, SPECT, CT, and MRI for comprehensive, non-invasive studies.
Recent developments by MILabs B.V.:
In March 2024, MILabs partnered with Mid-Atlantic Imaging Services to offer installation and support for its imaging systems in the US and Canada. This agreement enhances access to MILabs' small animal imaging technologies, supporting research in drug discovery and disease modeling.
As per our analysts, the global market is poised for remarkable growth, driven by continuous advancements in high-field imaging systems and the development of innovative multi-modal imaging technologies. These cutting-edge solutions enable researchers to gain comprehensive insights into disease progression, tumor metabolism, and drug efficacy in small animals, making them indispensable tools in preclinical research.
Despite its promising outlook, the market faces certain challenges, including the limited resolution of deep tissue imaging, which hinders the visualization of deeper anatomical structures. Moreover, the high costs of advanced imaging systems and the requirement for specialized expertise in operating these technologies pose barriers to adoption, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
However, the continuous evolution of imaging modalities, coupled with growing cross-industry collaborations and a rising focus on personalized medicine, is expected to drive sustained market expansion. With its broadening applications in oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular research, the small animal imaging industry is set to remain a cornerstone of preclinical research advancements.