Contrast Media Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising cancer and cardiovascular imaging demand: The rising demand for cancer and cardiovascular imaging due to the penetration in rates of cancer and cardiovascular diseases globally, fuels the market growth. This results in high demand for contrast media, such as iodinated, nanoparticle-based, gadolinium-based, and microbubble contrast agents.  As per the report by the WHO, published in July 2025, cancer is the leading cause of death, accounting for 31% of global deaths. Similarly, around 10 million deaths have taken place recently due to breast, colon, lung and rectum, and prostate cancers.
• New regulatory approvals of advanced agents: New regulatory approvals regarding the use of advanced contrast agents by organizations, such as the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and others, boost the market growth, encouraging innovation, research, and development, and expanding the market reach. For example, in November 2024, the FDA approved the lopromide injection, Bayer's Ultravist. The contrast agent can be used for imaging in CT scans, X-rays, and others.
• Technological advancements and strategic partnerships: The integration of advanced imaging as a technological advancement in diagnostic procedures fuels the market growth significantly. Companies associated with the market are also initiating strategic partnerships for the advancement of imaging techniques. For instance, in November 2024, GE HealthCare and DeepHealth, Inc., initiated a strategic partnership with RadNet, Inc. to accelerate AI innovation, commercialization, and adoption in imaging. The use of AI in imaging is expected to increase the efficiency of the process by analyzing images from imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, and others. It detects anomalies and helps in making appropriate diagnostic decisions effectively. Overall, the process of imaging using contrast media becomes increasingly streamlined.

Challenges

• Side effects and allergic reactions: In the post-administration period of radiographic contrast media, people often face issues with either allergic-type reactions or contrast-induced nephropathy. Some people also suffer from thyroid dysfunction and hypersensitivity reactions. To prevent the occurrence of these side effects, regulators are also educating individuals associated with the health sector on the improvement of diagnosis to foster the safety of patients. For example, in September 2024, the WHO announced a webinar organized on World Patient Safety Day to educate on medical imaging and radiation safety.
• Limited innovation in iodinated CT agents: Innovation in iodinated CT agents is limited, which is expected to hamper the market growth to a certain extent. The use of certain iodinated contrast agents in patients having diabetes and pre-existing renal impairment increases the chances of the kidneys being dysfunctional. Gadolinium and dilute ICM are the alternatives to iodinated CT agents. However, these agents cause side effects and allergic reactions in the human body. Nausea, headaches, rash, dizziness, and injection-site discomfort are some of the side effects of Gadolinium. Thus, the lack of innovation in iodinated CT can create concerns among patients regarding imaging, especially when there is no suitable alternative.