Contrast Media Market Report 2026

The contrast media market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.82 billion in 2025 to $5.07 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of diagnostic imaging infrastructure, growth of hospital and clinic networks, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing use of imaging in oncology and cardiology, availability of advanced imaging modalities.

The contrast media market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.09 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in precision diagnostics, rising demand for early disease detection, expansion of outpatient imaging centers, growing adoption of ai-assisted imaging analysis, increasing focus on safer contrast formulations. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of contrast media in diagnostic imaging, rising demand for advanced mri and ct scans, growing adoption of non-ionic contrast agents, expansion of image-guided diagnostic procedures, enhanced focus on patient safety and imaging accuracy.

The increased use of diagnostic procedures is expected to drive the growth of the contrast media market. Diagnostic procedures, which include medical tests and examinations, help healthcare professionals detect, assess, and manage diseases or conditions. Contrast media play a critical role in these procedures by enhancing the visibility of specific body structures, enabling accurate diagnoses and informed treatment decisions. For instance, in November 2024, according to the NHS, a U.K.-based government agency, 47.2 million imaging tests were conducted in England in March 2024, up from 45 million the previous year, reflecting a 4.8% increase. Among these, plain radiography (X-ray) accounted for 22.6 million procedures (up 2.6%), diagnostic ultrasonography for 10.9 million (up 5.9%), CT scans for 7.7 million (up 8.4%), and MRI for 4.4 million (up 8.1%). Therefore, the rising utilization of diagnostic procedures is propelling the contrast media market.

Companies in the contrast media market are forming strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) solutions. Strategic partnerships involve leveraging complementary strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits. For example, in September 2023, Hologic Inc., a US-based healthcare technology company, partnered with Bayer AG, a Germany-based biotechnology and pharmaceutical firm, to deliver CEM technologies across Europe, Canada, and the Asia-Pacific region. CEM combines computerized mammography with contrast agents to improve breast cancer detection and guide treatment. The collaboration integrates Hologic’s mammography gantries with Bayer’s CEM-approved injectables, providing radiologists with complete product bundles and training for effective adoption.

In February 2023, Bracco Imaging S.p.A., an Italy-based provider of contrast media and diagnostic imaging agents, acquired the remaining 49% stake in Bracco‑Eisai Co. Ltd., a Japan-based MRI contrast media provider, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition gives Bracco Imaging full control over its Japanese operations, streamlines MRI contrast agent production and regulatory approvals, and strengthens its global contrast media portfolio.

Major companies operating in the contrast media market are Bayer AG, Bracco Imaging S.p.A., GE Healthcare, Guerbet Group, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd., Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Beijing Beilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Starry Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., NanoPET Pharma GmbH, Spago Nanomedical AB, Medtron AG, Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG, JB Pharma (Jodas Expoim Pvt. Ltd. - as manufacturer), Onko İlaç Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Chemco Innovative Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Gliesse Pharmaceuticals, Nantong Jinghua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., ST Pharm Co. Ltd., Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., MBA Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., ArcherChem Healthcare Limited, Biophore Pharma Inc., Subhra Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Maya Biotech Pvt. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the contrast media market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the contrast media market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the contrast media market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the contrast media market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The contrast media market consists of sales of Di meglumine injection, iodine-based contrast materials. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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