CT And MRI Contrast Agents Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Modality (MRI, X-ray/ Computed Tomography), By Product (Gadolinium-based, Iodinated), By Route Of Administration, By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025

CT And MRI Contrast Agents Market Trends

The global CT and MRI contrast agents market size was estimated at USD 6.22 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.81% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing demand for iodinated contrast media, the rising burden of chronic disorders, and the rising focus of government bodies on improving diagnostic infrastructure are anticipated to support the market growth. Several government authorities are undertaking initiatives to increase access to medical imaging such as CT and MRI.

For instance, in March 2024, data published by the UK government revealed that the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) program has provided over 7 million diagnostic tests, checks, and scans across England since its launch in July 2021. This initiative is supported by an investment of USD 2.45 billion, marking the most significant financial commitment to CT and MRI capacity in the history of the NHS. Around 155 centres are operational in England, and the government is focused on opening 160 centres by March 2025. This growing focus on expanding diagnostic facilities is expected to drive market growth.

The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, is expected to drive the demand for CT and MRI contrast agents. These agents are crucial in neurological imaging as they enhance the visibility of brain structures and abnormalities. Similarly, in cardiac imaging, these agents aid in diagnosing and assessing heart disease. According to a study published by ScienceDirect in January 2023, approximately 50% of CT scans and 40% of MRI scans utilize iodine or gadolinium-based contrast agents to improve image contrast and enhance diagnostics. This figure rises to 60% for neurological examinations. As a result, the growing prevalence of chronic disorders is expected to increase the demand for CT and MRI contrast agents in the coming years.

The below graph and table highlight the increasing incidence of brain tumors across the globe. It shows that the majority of individuals with brain and CNS cancer are in Asia. Around 2,58,996 new brain and CNS cancer cases are anticipated in Asia in 2045. Thus, the growing incidence of neurological conditions such as brain tumors across various regions such as Asia, Europe, Oceania, North America, and Africa is anticipated to boost the demand for CT and MRI contrast agents.

In addition, the increasing demand for iodinated contrast media is projected to propel the market growth. In 2022, the U.S. FDA reported the shortage of iodinated contrast media. In addition, in August 2023, a study led by University of Missouri School of Medicine neurologist Dr. Adnan Qureshi found that the iodinated contrast dye shortage had a significant impact on the assessment of stroke patients at hospitals across the U.S. This shortage resulted in a decline in CT procedures. This shortage, coupled with the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, has prompted manufacturers to enhance production capacities.

For instance, GE Healthcare invested USD 80 million in November 2022 to expand iodinated contrast media production at its site in Norway, aiming to meet global demand. Iohexol and iodixanol APIs are crucial in GE’s iodinated contrast media, used in over 100 million patient doses annually-equivalent to three procedures every second. With investments and new production lines, the production capacity is anticipated to increase by 30 million doses per year by 2025, highlighting the growing demand for these essential molecules.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The CT and MRI contrast agents industry is in a moderate growth stage, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic disorders, growing production capacities, and increasing healthcare investments.

The CT and MRI contrast agents market is experiencing a significant surge in innovation. Key developments include enhanced formulations for safer and more effective agents, using nanotechnology for more precise imaging, and introducing biodegradable agents that minimize environmental impact. For instance, in April 2023, GE HealthCare launched Pixxoscan (gadobutrol), a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent featuring eco-friendly +PLUSPAK plastic packaging that reduces costs, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances safety.

Regulations are crucial in the CT and MRI contrast agents market, ensuring patient safety and quality standards. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA, the European Union, and other regional authorities regulate clinical trials and marketing authorization for CT and MRI contrast agents. For instance, in June 2023, the FDA approved the iodine-based contrast agent iopromide injection (Ultravist) for intravenous and intraarterial contrast-enhanced mammography. Ultravist is also used in CT procedures. Such approvals are anticipated to drive the CT and MRI contrast agents industry over the forecast period.

Companies in the CT and MRI contrast agents industry are introducing innovative substitute products. For instance, in October 2024, GE Healthcare announced the completion of its Phase I clinical development for a manganese-based macrocyclic MRI contrast agent. If authorized, this agent could act as an alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents and mitigate the environmental impact of gadolinium excreted by patients.

The industry is undergoing considerable regional growth as major players aim to enhance their global presence. For instance, in October 2022, GE Healthcare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics division announced a long-term agreement with Chilean mining company Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM), to ensure a stable supply of iodine, a crucial component for contrast media used in X-ray and CT procedures worldwide.

Global CT And MRI Contrast Agents Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue & volume growth of the CT and MRI Contrast Agents market and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global agrochemicals market report based on product, modality, application, route of administration, end-use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Gadolinium-based Contrast Media
• Iodinated Contrast Media
• Modality Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Elucirem/ Vueway
• Dotarem
• ProHance
• MultiHance
• Gadovist
• Eovist / Primovist
• Clariscan
• Other Generics
• X-ray/ Computed Tomography
• Optiray
• ISOVUE
• Ultravist
• Omnipaque
• Visipaque
• Other Generics
• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Neurological Disorders
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Cancer
• Nephrological Disorders
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Others
• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Intravenous
• Oral Route
• Rectal Route
• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Others
• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Norway
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• Thailand
• South Korea
• Australia
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Kuwait