Towards Healthcare
Cell Culture Market Size to Attain USD 60.38 Billion by 2034

Cell Culture Market Future Requirements Demand for Stem Cell Media, Regenerative Medicine and Biologics

According to market projections, the cell culture sector is expected to grow from USD 20.61 billion in 2024 to USD 60.38 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 11.35%. The increasing incidences of chronic disorders, growing research and development, and technological advancements drive the market.

Category: Biotechnology Insight Code: 5385 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global cell culture market size is calculated at USD 20.61 billion in 2024, grew to USD 22.95 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 60.38 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 11.35% between 2024 and 2034.

Cell Culture Market Size 2023 - 2034

Key Takeaways

  • North America dominated the global market in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By product, the consumables segment held the major market share in 2024.
  • By product, the stem cell culture media is projected to grow at a notable CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By application, the biopharmaceutical production segment contributed the biggest market share in 2024.
  • By application, the diagnostics segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Cell Culture Market: In Vitro Revolution

Cell culture is a technique in which cells are extracted from plants, animals, humans, or microorganisms and are grown in a controlled laboratory environment. Cells are either directly obtained from an organism or from a cell line or cell strain that has previously been established. The technique in which cells are obtained from an organism is called primary cell culture. These cells are grown in a nutrient medium comprising essential nutrients such as amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, growth factors, and essential hormones. Additionally, gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as physicochemical factors such as pH, temperature, and humidity play an essential role.

The growing cellular and molecular biology research to study the normal physiology and biochemistry of cells and mutagenesis & carcinogenesis increase the demand for cell culture techniques. Cell culture techniques are also used to study the effects of drugs and toxic compounds on the cells and in drug screening and development. Hence, the growing drug discovery and development research due to rising incidences of chronic disorders boosts market growth. Additionally, the increasing demand for biological therapeutics such as vaccines and therapeutic proteins augment the market.

  • In September 2024, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies announced a collaboration with Nova Biomedical to enable automated cell culture sensing. The collaboration was made to integrate Terumo’s Quantum Flex cell expansion system with Nova’s BioProfile FLEX2 automated cell culture analyzer.
  • In July 2024, Merck announced the start of commercial production of its first GMP-compliant manufacturing line for cell culture media in China with an investment of €6.6 million to address the growing demand for biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and novel therapeutics.
  • In February 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Celltrio announced a collaboration to develop a fully automated cell culture system for biotherapeutics customers. The collaboration was made to integrate Thermo Scientific Momentum Workflow Scheduling Software with Celltrio’s RoboCell cell line automation platform.

How Can AI Improve the Cell Culture Market?

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in laboratory processes, especially in the cell culture process, has shown potential advantages. Several researchers have investigated the role of AI in cell culture. AI can streamline the entire cell culture process by introducing automation in feeding and passaging, thereby eliminating human intervention. It standardizes the procedure and ensures consistency and reproducibility of 2D and 3D culture techniques. The latest advancements in automated imaging and cloud storage allow researchers to inspect the culture process remotely. AI can provide real-time data and can send notifications when milestones are reached. Additionally, machine learning (ML) algorithms make protocol development more flexible and powerful and can trigger decision-making by either being automated or managed by a scientist. Hence, incorporating AI in the cell culture process overcomes the challenges of conventional cell culturing, such as 24/7 observation, which is time-consuming, prone to error, and difficult to reproduce.

Data and Statistics

  • In Q4 2024, various cell, gene, and RNA therapies were developed and approved for clinical use globally. The total number of cell therapies approved was 72, which were non-genetically modified cell therapies. Moreover, the number of gene therapies approved was 33, and as for RNA therapies the 33 of them were approved.
  • In 2024, a total of 50 novel drugs received FDA approval. 30% of the drugs were approved for cancer treatment, while 25% of the drugs were approved for rare disease treatment, which were granted with orphan drug designation. Additionally, 62% of these approved drugs were small molecules, and 38% were categorized as biologics. Furthermore, 40% of the drugs were provided with Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy Designations.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Demand for Biological Therapeutics

The burgeoning biotechnology sector and enhanced efficiency of biological therapeutics increase the demand for biologics. The increasing number of commercially approved biologics has potentially led to the rising manufacturing of biologics. Biologics include insulin, vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and monoclonal antibodies. The COVID-19 pandemic era has increased the demand for vaccines, thereby potentiating cell culture market growth. The increasing investments and collaborations surge biotechnology research and development and manufacturing. Cell culture techniques are used in large-scale manufacturing of biologics. According to the WHO report, vaccines purchased by middle-income countries account for 60% of the global volumes and 34% of the value, while high-income countries represent 29% of the global volumes and 63% of the value. The average biopharmaceutical-industry supplier estimated overall growth in bioprocess-related sales by a rate of 13.1% in 2023.

Total Biologics Approval in the US and Canada, 2023

Restraint

Cross-Contamination

The major challenge of the cell culture market is the inter- and intra-specific cross-contamination and cell misidentification. Contamination of the cells with bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and chemicals leads to false and irreproducible results, restricting market growth.

Opportunity

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is a rapidly emerging field owing to rising incidences of chronic disorders, growing demand for personalized medicines, and recent advancements in technology, thereby promoting cell culture market growth. Regenerative medicine therapies include stem cells that can be proliferated in laboratory environments in a culture dish. The expanding applications of stem cells in research, tissue regeneration, genetic diseases, and cancer therapies have significantly increased their demand. The cell culture process is an important technique for reproducing stem cells. For the development of therapeutics, stem cell cultivation is also utilized to extract the chemicals and exosomes released by the stem cells. These stem cells can regenerate tissues within the body and have long-term health benefits for the patient.

Segmental Insights

How the Consumables Segment Dominated the Cell Culture Market?

By product, the consumables segment held a dominant presence in the cell culture market in 2023. Some common examples of consumables include sera, media, cell culture vessels, and plastics such as plates and flasks, pipettes, pipette tips, culture tubes, and chamber slides. These consumables help to reduce the risk of contamination and provide an aseptic environment for the cultures. The growing research and development results in the development of novel consumables. The increasing demand for cell culture techniques propels the use of consumables as they get easily used up during the procedure. Also, these consumables help to increase yield, reduce variability, and increase the chances of success.

Stem Cell Culture Media Sub-Segment Held a Notable Share

By product, the stem cell culture media sub-segment held a notable share in the cell culture market in 2023. Stem cell culture media are specialized solutions to support the proliferation, differentiation, growth, and cryopreservation of stem cells. The demand for stem cell culture media from the consumables segment was increased, owing to increased demand for stem cells and other biotechnology products. The rising chronic disorders such as genetic disorders, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, and growing stem cell research potentiate the segment’s growth.

What Made Biopharmaceutical Production the Dominant Segment in the Cell Culture Market?

By application, the biopharmaceutical production segment led the global cell culture market in 2023. The burgeoning biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors potentiate the production of biological therapeutics such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and other therapeutic proteins. Modern techniques such as cell culture technology and recombinant DNA technologies are constantly evolving for the development of biologics. Latest advancements are made to develop media that support high cell productivity and yield, enhancing the efficiency and profitability of biopharmaceutical production.

Diagnostics Segment: Fastest-Growing

By application, the diagnostics segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the cell culture market during the forecast period. Cell culture techniques play a vital role in diagnosing human diseases, especially infectious disorders. They provide the required setting for detecting and identifying numerous pathogens in humans. The rising incidences of infectious disorders and genetic disorders augment the segment’s growth. The future of cell culture techniques in diagnostics is promising, driven by the availability of cells with known genotypes, rising screening programs for affected individuals, and detection of carriers.

Regional Insights

Cell Culture Market NA, EU, APAC, LA, MEA Share, 2023 (%)

Increasing Government Investments Dominated North America

North America held the largest share of the cell culture market by 36% in 2023. The presence of key players, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, increasing investments, and technological advancements drive the market. Countries like the US and Canada are at the forefront of governing the cell culture market in North America. The US Department of Energy announced an investment of $220 million for biomanufacturing R&D and scale-up to accelerate the expansion of domestic biomanufacturing. It also invested $178 million in fostering biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovation. Similarly, the Government of Canada announced investing $171.6 million in five science and research organizations in Ottawa to boost biotechnology research and innovation. Additionally, the presence of key players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, STEMCELL Technologies, GlaxoSmithKline, etc. holds the major share of the market in the region.

For instance,

  • In July 2024, the Government of Canada provided funding of $22.5 million for the STEMCELL Technologies’ state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility in British Columbia.

Favorable Government Initiatives Drive Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the cell culture market during the forecast period. The rising incidences and prevalence of chronic disorders, growing research and development activities, favorable government support, and increasing manufacturing drive the market. Asia-Pacific is rapidly progressing in technology based on 3D cell culture. Japan and South Korea are at the forefront of 3D cell culture technology. The government of Japan has been focusing increasingly on cell-based regenerative medicine through investments in research facilities. Similarly, South Korea conducts several R&D projects to cater to the high demand for stem cell therapies. China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released a pilot plan to allow non-end-to-end manufacturing of biologics, which will end by 31st December 2026. India is the world’s largest vaccine producer accounting for 60% of the total vaccine production globally.

Favorable Regulatory Framework to Drive Europe

Europe is expected to grow at a notable rate in the foreseeable future. The growing research and development activities, such as new drug discovery and biologics development, boost the market. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulates the approval of novel drugs and biologics in Europe. The EMA granted 114 drugs for marketing authorization, of which 46 had new active substances.  The increasing investments, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions enable pharmaceutical and biotech companies to access cutting-edge technologies. Cell culture also finds applications in vaccine production. The EU has been a leader in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, hosting 22% of the global clinical trials over the past two decades, and the research facilities are affiliated with the world’s largest vaccine companies.

Latin America Driven by Increasing R&D

Latin America is expected to grow significantly in the cell culture market during the forecast period. The growing research and development in the industries of Latin America is increasing the demand for cell culture. The growing development of vaccines, biologics, regenerative medicines, etc., as well as drug discoveries, is also contributing to the same. At the same time, the growing interest in cancer research by the institutions is also increasing the use of cell culture. These growing innovations are being supported by the regulatory agencies by providing guidelines, promoting their development. Thus, this drives the market growth.

Growing Diseases Drive the Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa are expected to show lucrative growth in the cell culture market during the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa are experiencing a rise in chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc. This, in turn, is increasing the demand for new and effective treatment options. Therefore, the industries are developing new biologics, which is increasing the demand for cell culture. Moreover, advanced technologies are being adopted to enhance the production of cell therapies. Similarly, 3D culture systems and organ-on-a-chip technologies are also being utilized. Furthermore, the investments and funding are being provided by the government to enhance their development. Thus, this is promoting the market growth.

Top Companies in the Cell Culture Market

Cell Culture Market Companies

  • Bio-Techne Corporation
  • Cell Biologics
  • Cell Culture Technologies
  • Danaher Corporation
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Hamilton
  • Merck
  • Nova Biomedical
  • Nucleus Biologics
  • Sartorius AG
  • StemBond Technologies, Ltd.
  • STEMCELL Technologies
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

Top Companies’ Revenue Info.

  • Sartorius AG is an international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. It provides a wide range of cell culture media, tools, and analysis resources. The full-year 2024 sales revenue was €3.38 billion. Out of these, the revenue for the bioprocess solutions division was €2.69 billion, and that of the lab products & services division was €690.5 million.
  • Lonza Group AG is a Swiss multinational manufacturing company for the life sciences sector. It offers a full suite of optimized cell culture techniques, media, & reagents. The net sales of the company for the full year 2024 were CHF 6,574 million. The biologics division reported net sales of CHF 3,676 million.

Latest Announcement by Industry Leaders

Cell Microsystems and OMNI Life Science (OLS) announced a strategic partnership to launch three products – CERO 3D Cell Culture Incubator & Bioreactor, CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer, and TIGR Tissue Grinder & Dissociator, in the US and Canadian markets. Gary Pace, CEO of Cell Microsystems, commented that their partnership with OLS and their other recent collaboration with Fluxion Biosciences enhance the company’s ability to support the research capabilities of their customers, paving the way for significant scientific breakthroughs.

In January 2025, after announcing the collaboration between CTMC and Syenex, the CEO of CTMC, Jason Bock, said that, to amplify the supply of transformative cell therapies to patients is their mission. They have expanded access to a suite of validated technologies by merging advanced systems of Syenex in their lentiviral and retroviral vector manufacturing platforms. Thus, to highlight the complex challenges in efficiency and scalability, comprehensive technical solutions will be provided to their biotech partners with the help of this integration.

Recent Developments in the Cell Culture Market

  • In October 2024, researchers from Osaka University launched a novel compact incubator cell imaging device called INSPCTOR, for real-time monitoring of cell growth. The device leverages lens-free imaging technology integrated with thin-film transistors and can observe six cultures independently and multiple units can be managed simultaneously.
  • In August 2024, Nucleus Biologics launched QuickStart Media, a series of pre-optimized formulations designed to enable researchers to quickly design a custom media from an advanced starting point.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product

  • Consumables
    • Sera
      • Fetal Bovine Serum
      • Others
    • Reagents
      • Albumin
      • Others
    • Media
      • Serum-Free Media
        • CHO Media
        • HEK 293 Media
        • BHK Medium
        • Vero Medium
        • Other Serum-Free Media
      • Classical Media
      • Stem Cell Culture Media
      • Chemically Defined Media
      • Specialty Media
      • Other Cell Culture Media
  • Instruments
    • Culture Systems
    • Incubators
    • Centrifuges
    • Cryostorage Equipment
    • Biosafety Equipment
    • Pipetting Instruments

By Application

  • Biopharmaceutical Production
    • Monoclonal Antibodies
    • Vaccines Production
    • Other Therapeutic Proteins
  • Diagnostics
  • Drug Development
  • Tissue Culture & Engineering
  • Cell & Gene Therapy
  • Toxicity Testing
  • Other Applications

By Region

  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait
  • Last Updated: 18 August 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Shivani Zoting is a dedicated research analyst specializing in the healthcare industry. With a strong academic foundation, a B.Sc. in Biotechnology and an MBA in Pharmabiotechnology, she brings a unique blend of scientific understanding and strategy.

Learn more about Shivani Zoting

Aditi Shivarkar, with over 14 years of experience in consumer goods, leads research at Towards Consumer Goods, ensuring precise, actionable insights on trends, consumer preferences, and sustainable packaging for businesses.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

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FAQ's

The three types of cell culture include adherent, suspension, and feeder.

Cell culture is used to study cellular behavior, function, and interactions under conditions that closely replicate those found within the human body.

World Health Organization, US Department of Energy, Government of Canada, Press Information Bureau, Food and Drug Administration.