U.S. Clinical Trial Imaging Services Market, by End User, (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Medical Device Manufacturers, Academic and Government Research Institutes, And Integrated CROs and Non-Integrated CROs and Others), Service Type (Clinical Trial Design and Consultation Services, Reading and Analytical Services, Operational Imaging Services, Project and Data Management Services, and Others), Therapeutic Area (Oncology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Others): Country Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2029

U.S. Clinical Trial Imaging Services Market Research – 2029

The U.S. clinical trial imaging services market size was valued at $555.09 million in 2024 and is estimated to reach $768.95 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2029. The growth of the U.S. clinical trial imaging services (ICE) market is driven by an increase in demand for advanced imaging modalities in drug development and medical research. The rise in disease prevalence has led to a surge in the number of clinical trials, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, where imaging plays a critical role in evaluating therapeutic efficacy.

For instance, according to the IBISWorld, there were 4,321 contract research organizations in the U.S. businesses as of 2024, an increase of 2.1% from 2023. The consistent investment in R&D by the U.S. based sponsors and the availability of skilled professionals in radiology and intracardiac imaging has significantly contributed to the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market growth.

U.S clinical trial imaging services utilize advanced medical imaging technologies to capture high-resolution, real-time images that support the evaluation of investigational therapies across various disease areas. These imaging services are critical tools in clinical research, enabling accurate monitoring of physiological and anatomical changes during drug or device trials. Common modalities such as MRI, CT, PET, and ultrasound are employed to assess treatment efficacy, detect adverse effects, and guide trial endpoints. By providing detailed visualization and quantitative data, imaging services enhance the precision of clinical trial outcomes, reduce variability in data interpretation, and support regulatory submissions. Their ability to deliver standardized, reproducible, and objective imaging results makes them integral to the success of modern clinical research in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• On the basis of end user, the integrated CROs and non-integrated CROs segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of service type, the reading and analytical services segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of therapeutic area, the oncology segment dominated the market share in 2024. However, the neurology segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

The U.S. clinical trial imaging services market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising demand for precision diagnostics in clinical research, and growing reliance on advanced imaging modalities to evaluate the safety and efficacy of investigational drugs and devices. As conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders continue to dominate the prevalence of healthcare diseases, clinical trials increasingly depend on imaging to ensure accurate assessment and outcome tracking.

Furthermore, the aging U.S. population more susceptible to complex and chronic illnesses that continue to fuel demand for robust and non-invasive imaging solutions that can support clinical trial studies. Technologies such as MRI, PET-CT, and advanced ultrasound techniques offer safer and more efficient alternatives for evaluating disease progression, treatment response, and adverse event profiles. As a non-invasive tool, it enables the examination of tissues that are difficult to access through biopsy, such as in cancer patients. In addition, imaging supports the study of diseases at the molecular level, facilitating the identification and prescription of targeted therapies. This capability enhances the screening and categorization of patients who are likely to respond to the investigational therapeutic product. As a result, imaging plays a crucial role in improving trial efficiency and accuracy, leading to increased adoption of clinical trials.

Moreover, the outsourcing of imaging services to contract research organizations (CROs) is a key driver of growth in the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly rely on CROs to manage imaging components due to the complexity, cost, and regulatory demands of modern trials. These CROs offer end-to-end services including image acquisition, protocol development, data analysis, and regulatory documentation, streamlining operations, and ensuring consistency across multicenter trials.

This trend allows sponsors to focus on core R&D activities while leveraging the expertise of CROs that specialize in imaging compliance and advanced technologies such as AI-based image analysis. As clinical trials grow in scale and complexity, strategic partnerships with imaging CROs continue to be vital in reducing cost, ensuring quality, and accelerating drug development timelines in the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market.

Clinical trial imaging plays a vital role in modern trial protocols, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and central nervous system (CNS) studies, where imaging-based endpoints are essential for regulatory approvals. The U.S. clinical trial imaging services market is further supported by favorable regulatory environments, increased investments in research infrastructure, and a growing network of imaging core labs and CROs across the U.S. These entities offer centralized expertise, standardized protocols, and remote imaging analysis, which help streamline trial operations and ensure compliance with FDA and EMA imaging requirements. Strategic collaborations between biopharmaceutical companies and imaging service providers continue to expand, fueling innovation and integration of AI and image analytics in trial workflows.

However, the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market faces challenges, including the high cost of advanced imaging equipment, and the complexity of regulatory compliance for image data. Smaller trial sponsors or academic researchers may also encounter budget constraints when incorporating extensive imaging protocols.

Moreover, the rising number of clinical trials, especially in precision medicine and targeted therapies, along with advancements in imaging biomarkers, image-guided therapy, and real-time image analytics, is expected to unlock new growth opportunities.

Further, growing initiatives by key players are significantly transforming the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market. Major companies are increasingly investing in advanced imaging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostics, and integrated platforms to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of image-based evaluations in clinical trials.

Segmental Overview

The U.S. clinical trial imaging services market is categorized into end user, service type, and therapeutic area. On the basis of end user, it is segmented into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device manufacturers, academic and government research institutes, and integrated CROs and non-integrated CROs. On the basis of service type, the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market is segmented into clinical trial design and consultation services, reading and analytical services, operational imaging services, project and data management services, and others. On the basis of therapeutic area, it is segmented into oncology, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and others.

By End User

The integrated CROs and non-integrated CROs segment accounted for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2024 and is expected to register highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to increasing outsourcing of imaging services to CROs for improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined operations. In addition, rising demand for specialized imaging expertise and end-to-end trial support further supports the segment growth.

By Service Type

The reading and analytical services segment dominated the market share in 2024 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing complexity of clinical trials that require expert interpretation of imaging data to ensure accuracy and consistency. The demand for specialized reading services has grown due to the need for centralized image review, standardized assessments, and compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.

By End User

The oncology segment dominated the market share in 2024. This is attributed to the rise in prevalence of cancer and increase in number of oncology clinical trials focused on developing innovative targeted therapies and immunotherapies. The critical role of imaging in tumor detection, staging, treatment response assessment, and monitoring disease progression drives strong demand for advanced imaging services.

However, the neurology segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the rise in prevalence of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, which are driving increased clinical research and drug development activities. The complexity of neurological trials, requiring advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans for precise diagnosis and monitoring, is boosting demand for specialized imaging services.

Competition Analysis

The key players operating in the U.S. clinical trial imaging services market have adopted rebranding, collaboration, acquisition, and partnership as their key strategy to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in April 2024, IXICO plc announced a collaboration with IMEKA Solutions Inc. to integrate IMEKA’s diffusion MRI algorithms into IXICO’s imaging services. By offering these advanced imaging tools through a unified contracting process, the collaboration simplifies procurement and expands access to AI-driven white matter imaging solutions for IXICO’s global biopharma clients

Recent Developments in U.S. Clinical Trial Imaging Services Market

• In May 2022, Median Technologies launched Imaging Lab, spearheading the integration of iBiopsy Artificial Intelligence technologies into iCRO imaging services for oncology trials. With Imaging Lab, Median will provide biopharmaceutical companies with new decision-making tools for clinical trials by leveraging images with data mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies from iBiopsy and radiomics.
• In June 2023, WCG Clinical announced a partnership with Mint Medical to leverage its mint Lesion radiology platform for oncology trials. Through this partnership, WCG will combine its suite of clinical trial management solutions: operational processes, quality systems, clinical trial imaging solutions, technology, and an expansive reviewer network with mint Lesion’s verified, read-ready platform, structured reporting, and site-specific workflows, to provide best-in-class solution for oncology trials.
• In November 2024, Perceptive Imaging announced that Radialogica, LLC joined its supplier network to enhance service delivery. The arrangement enables Perceptive Imaging to extend Radialogica’s radiation therapy quality management services to the increasing number of global trial sponsors whose oncology studies include concurrent or prior radiotherapy treatment.
• In September 2024, Calyx and Invicro businesses officially rebranded their name and launched their new corporate identity, Perceptive. The new name reflects the organization’s increased strengths and capabilities, as they consolidate their place as a global leader in the provision of discovery, imaging, and e-Clinical solutions and services.
• In February 2025, IXICO plc announced that it signed a new commercial contract for global Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) imaging analysis with a leading biotechnology company and secured an additional project in Huntington’s Disease (HD) with an existing partner.
• In December 2024, IXICO plc announced that it has signed a contract with a new U.S. headquartered client to provide imaging services for a Phase 2 Huntington’s Disease clinical trial.

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