Towards Healthcare
Cell Freezing Media Market to Grow 8.6% CAGR till 2035

Cell Freezing Media Market Drives Innovation in Cryopreservation

According to market projections, the cell freezing media sector is expected to grow from USD 1.30 billion in 2025 to USD 2.97 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 8.6%. The cell freezing media market is growing due to the rising usage of cells in various healthcare services, including therapeutics and diagnostics. North America leads the market due to rising focus on genomics and demand for cell and gene therapies. 

Category: Life Sciences Insight Code: 6449 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Cell Freezing Media Market Size, Growth With Segmental Insights

The global cell freezing media market size is calculated at US$ 1.30 in 2025, grew to US$ 1.42 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach around US$ 2.97 billion by 2035. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 8.6% between 2026 and 2035.

Cell Freezing Media Market Size 2025 to 2035

Due to growing demand for cryopreservation solutions for cell-based therapies, regenerative medicine, and biopharmaceutical research, the cell freezing media market is anticipated to expand quickly. There is a growing need for specialized freezing media formulations as these industries develop, especially in areas like gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and cell banking.

Key Takeaways

  • The cell freezing media market will likely exceed USD 1.30 billion by 2025.
  • Valuation is projected to hit USD 2.97 billion by 2035.
  • Estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% starting from 2026 to 2035.
  • North America dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024, with a revenue share of approximately 40-46%.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By product/type, the cryopreservation/cell freezing media segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue of approximately 40-55%.
  • By product/type, the serum-free/defined freezing media segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By application, the stem cells & cell therapy segment dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024, with a revenue of approximately 35-45%.
  • By application, the drug discovery/pharma/CDMO use segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By formulation/technology, the DMSO-based media segment dominated the market in 2024.
  • By formulation/technology, the DMSO-free alternatives segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By end-user, the biopharma & cell therapy manufacturers segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue of approximately 38-45%.
  • By end-user, the academic & CRO research labs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By distribution channel, the direct sales to institutions/OEM supply segment dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024.
  • By distribution channel, the online B2B platforms segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Executive Summary Table

Key Elements     Scope
Market Size in 2025 USD 1.30 billion
Projected Market Size in 2035 USD 2.97 billion
CAGR (2026 - 2035) 8.6%
Leading Region  North America (40-46% Approx)
Market Segmentation By Product/Type, By Application, By Formulation/Technology, By End User, By Distribution Channel, By Region
Top Key Players Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioLife Solutions, Merck KGaA/MilliporeSigma, STEMCELL Technologies, Corning Life Sciences (including Axygen, Falcon consumables), Bio-Rad Laboratories, CTS Bio, HiMedia Laboratories, AMSBIO, BioGenuix MedSystems, Cryo-BioSystems, Lonza, VWR/Avantor, Sakura Finetek, StemCyte, BioLife, Fujifilm Wako/Toyo, Thermogenesis, CryoSafe

What is Cell Freezing Media?

Cell freezing (cryopreservation) media are specialized formulations used to preserve cells, tissues, gametes, and other biological materials at ultra-low temperatures (usually in liquid nitrogen or −80°C freezers). These media contain cryoprotectants (e.g., DMSO, glycerol), buffers, proteins/serum or serum-free alternatives, antioxidants, and other additives to minimise ice-crystal damage and preserve viability/function after thawing. Key end-users include biobanks, cell-therapy manufacturers, IVF/ART clinics, research labs, and pharmaceutical/CDMO quality control labs.

Cell Freezing Media Market Outlook

  • Industry Growth Overview: The market is anticipated to grow rapidly due to increased research and development in regenerative medicine and biopharmaceuticals. One of the main growth engines for this time is the increasing demand for trustworthy cell preservation in clinical trials, biobanking, and cancer research.
  • Global Expansion: Due to technological advancements and in-depth research, the market is growing internationally, with North America holding a dominant market share. The fastest-growing market is Asia-Pacific, especially China and India, where biobanking operations are expanding and the healthcare sector is thriving.
  • Major Investors: Merck KGaA, Sartorius AG, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are significant cell freezing media market participants. Through strategic alliances and product development, such as the development of GMP-compliant, serum-free media formulations for cutting-edge therapies, these major players propel innovation.

What is the Importance of AI in the Cell Freezing Media Market?

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the market by improving quality control and formulation accuracy. Researchers and manufacturers are finding the best cryoprotectant compositions more quickly and effectively thanks to AI-driven data analytics tools. Furthermore, AI is essential for predictive modeling aimed at understanding cell viability and recovery after thawing, thereby enabling the development of specialized freezing media for various cell types.

Segmental Insights

Product/Type Insights

Which Product/Type Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

Cryopreservation/Cell-Freezing Media

The cryopreservation/cell-freezing media segment dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024, accounting for approximately 40-55% of revenue. The process of using extremely low temperatures to maintain structurally intact living cells is known as cryopreservation, or cell freezing. Because unprotected freezing kills cells, a specific protective cryopreservation medium is needed to accomplish this. Currently, liquid nitrogen is the most widely used technique for cell cryopreservation.

Serum-Free/Defined Freezing Media

The serum-free/defined freezing media segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period because animal-derived ingredients are no longer necessary with serum-free formulations. Rather, they use synthetic or plant-based alternatives to shield cells from freezing and thawing. One of the main justifications for employing serum-free cell freezing media is to lower batch-to-batch variability and contamination risk.

Cryoprotectants

The cryoprotectants segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. During organ cooling, ice formation can cause freezing damage to biological tissue, which is why cryoprotectant agents are used to stop it. By raising the system's overall solute concentration, they lessen the formation of ice at any temperature. Cryoprotectants are important for both cell recovery with higher levels of appropriate functionality and cell processing for storage at deep cryogenic temperatures.

Application Insights

Why Stem Cells & Cell Therapy Dominated the Market in 2024?

The stem cells & cell therapy segment dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024, accounting for approximately 35-45% of revenue. As a regenerative medicine approach, cell-based therapy has proven to be a successful method for treating and, in some cases, curing a variety of illnesses and conditions. Additionally, two of the most cutting-edge medical procedures nowadays are stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. They are revolutionizing the treatment of a wide range of diseases and injuries.

Drug Discovery/Pharma/CDMO

The drug discovery/pharma/CDMO use segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period. Cryopreservation is very beneficial to pharma and biotech, especially in genetic engineering and drug development. Indefinite storage of microorganisms, cell lines, tissues, etc., used in drug development and research ensures the availability and stability of vital biological resources and permits long-term research and experimental reproducibility.

Biobanking & Research Samples

The biobanking & research samples segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. In order to gather, store, and handle biological samples, such as blood, cells, tissues, and DNA, for a variety of research applications, such as figuring out the genetic causes of illnesses, creating new medications, and finding biomarkers, biobanks are essential. It is now simpler to gather, store, and analyze vast amounts of biological data thanks to developments in data science and biotechnology. In addition to increasing demand for carefully selected, diverse biobanks, this has enabled researchers to extract more insight from biobank samples.

Formulation/Technology Insights

Why DSMO-Based Media Dominated the Cell Freezing Media Market in 2024?

The DMSO-based media segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2024 because when temperatures drop, DMSO is essential for cell protection. Because DMSO prevents ice crystals from forming inside cells, it is a crucial tool in cell cryopreservation for biopharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing. It functions as a cellular antifreeze, protecting cells during the freezing process.

DMSO-Free Alternatives

The DMSO-free alternatives segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period. Because DMSO-free solutions can be safer and more effective, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are increasingly using them to address the problems caused by DMSO. For more delicate cell types, such as mesenchymal stem cells or iPSCs, DMSO-free freezing solutions may be helpful.

Vitrification Solutions

The vitrification solutions segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period because vitrification removes mechanical damage from ice, the need to determine optimal cooling and warming rates, the significance of different optimal cooling and warming rates for cells in mixed cell type populations, the need to find a regularly imperfect compromise between solution effects injury and inside of cells ice formation, and the ability for cooling to be fast enough to "outrun" chilling injury, that it often simplifies and improves cryopreservation.

End-User Insights

Which End-User Segment Dominated the Cell Freezing Media Market in 2024?

The biopharma & cell therapy manufacturers segment dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024, accounting for approximately 38-45% of revenue. To prevent damage to cells during freezing and storage, biopharma and cell therapy manufacturers use specialized cell-freezing media that mainly contain cryoprotectants like DMSO. Thermo Fisher Scientific, HiMedia Laboratories, Miltenyi Biotec, and BioLifeSolutions are some of the top producers and suppliers of this media.

Academic & CROs Research Labs

The academic & CRO research labs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period. These end users use cell-freezing media because they are involved in various cell-based clinical trials. These companies focus on developing cell therapies, regenerative medicine, drug discovery, cytotoxicity, etc.

IVF/ART Clinics

The IVF/ART clinics segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Specialized cell freezing media called cryoprotectants are used in IVF and other Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics to preserve gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos for later use. For ART treatments to be more safe and effective, this procedure is essential.

Distribution Channel Insights

Which Distribution Channel Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The direct sales to institutions/OEM supply segment dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024 because, in terms of their services, the majority of labs, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech businesses prioritize accuracy, consistency, and dependability. Therefore, many end users are looking to OEM manufacturing and direct sales as strategic, cost-effective solutions in today's highly competitive market.

Online B2B Platforms

The online B2B platforms segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period. Additionally, hospitals, labs, institutions, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies are likely to seek better prices through supplier consolidation, stronger negotiations, and product selection as a result of rising costs and margin pressures.  There are now a lot of B2B platforms that try to solve these problems.

Scientific Distributors & Wholesalers

The scientific distributors & wholesalers segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Important cell freezing media made with cryoprotectants like DMSO are supplied by scientific distributors, guaranteeing dependable supply chains and high post-thaw cell viability for fruitful research and biobanking.

Regional Insights

How North America Dominated the Market in 2024?

North America dominated the cell freezing media market in 2024 because developed economies, established supply chains, major players, and sophisticated healthcare infrastructure all contribute to driving the market. Furthermore, the biopharmaceutical sector is in a race to develop cutting-edge, effective treatments amid the prevalence of illnesses and an aging population. This has increased demand for cell-freezing media and is anticipated to continue making money in the future.

Biopharmaceutical Approvals are Driving the Market in the U.S.

Cell freezing is a widely used process in the development of biopharmaceutical products, as various types of regular and genetically modified cells are used. The U.S. biopharmaceutical market is driven by rising demand for cancer vaccines, cell & gene therapies, and monoclonal antibodies, among other factors.

For instance,

Between 2015 and 2024, the FDA approved 495 new biopharmaceuticals, of which 45% came from established businesses, 24% from venture capital-backed startups, 20% from foreign businesses with no commercial presence in the US, and 8% from government or academic institutions.

Rising Demand for Biopharmaceuticals is Driving the Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is estimated to host the fastest-growing cell freezing media market during the forecast period. Over the forecast period, the market is expected to see rapid demand growth in emerging nations such as South Korea, China, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Japan. This is due to the growing emphasis on the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries for the development of stable, advanced products, as well as mounting government initiatives expected to increase market share in the region.

Clinical Trials for Developing Cell Therapies are Driving China

China is leading the cell-freezing media market in the Asia Pacific due to the rising number of clinical trials for developing cell therapies. Freezing cells is a very common practice in cell therapy development.

For instance,

Between 2014 and 2024, China conducted 206 cell therapy trials. The top three cell types are progenitor cells (4.9%, 10/206), stem cells (34.0%, 70/206), and T cells (51.4%, 106/206).

Cell-based Research is Driving the Market’s Growth in Europe

Europe is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period because of developments in biopharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and cell-based research. Notwithstanding the market's potential for expansion, barriers like legal restrictions, moral dilemmas, and safety worries about cryopreservation methods could prevent the European market from expanding. Regional market expansion may also be hampered by budgetary constraints in research funding and economic uncertainty.

UK Biobank: Leading the Market

In January 2025, the world's most thorough investigation of the proteins that circulate in our bodies will begin, according to UK Biobank, and it will revolutionize the study of illnesses and their cures. With the help of 600,000 samples—including those from half a million UK Biobank participants and 100,000 second samples obtained from these volunteers up to 15 years later—this unprecedented project hopes to measure up to 5,400 proteins in each sample.

South America: The New Biotech Frontier

South America is expected to grow significantly in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period. South America’s market is heating up, driven by rising investments in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. Brazil is a key player, witnessing a surge in biobanking activities for long-term preservation. Increased government focus on pharmaceutical innovation fuels this positive trajectory.

Brazil's Research Renaissance

Brazil is accelerating its demand for cell freezing media, reflecting a powerful expansion in biopharma and R&D. The growing need for effective cryopreservation in cell therapies and drug discovery is boosting this sector. Adoption of advanced media formulations is rapidly increasing.

MEA: A Strategic Growth Hub

The Middle East and Africa are expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR in the cell freezing media market during the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa region presents a promising yet evolving landscape. Key markets like the UAE are pioneering growth, supported by substantial government investment in healthcare infrastructure. Increased awareness of personalized medicine applications is positively influencing demand.

UAE: Leading the Cryo-Charge

The UAE stands out as the fastest-growing market in the MEA region for cell cryopreservation products. This robust expansion is fueled by rising biobanking and fertility preservation services. The UAE's strategic push for advanced life sciences establishes it as a major regional player.         

Cell Freezing Media Market Value Chain Analysis

R&D

Extensive research and development are needed to determine the optimal cooling rates and cryoprotectant concentrations (such as DMSO and glycerol) for cell freezing media in order to guarantee high cell viability after thawing.

Key Companies Include: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck KGaA, BioLife Solutions, Lonza, Corning Incorporated, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, and Miltenyi Biotec

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approvals

For cell freezing media used in therapeutic applications, regulatory approvals and clinical trials are essential. Before being approved for human use on the market, extensive testing is required to demonstrate safety and efficacy.

Key Companies Include: Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioLife Solutions, Lonza, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, ReNeuron Group, and Patheon

Packaging and Serialization

Cell freezing media packaging and serialization procedures need to guarantee traceability and sterility. Proper packaging is essential for preserving the product's integrity during storage and transportation.

Key Companies Include: Peli BioThermal, Sonoco Thermasafe, CSafe, Va-Q-tec, Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioLife Solutions, and Antares Vision Group

Company Landscape

Top Company 1: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Company Overview

  • Corporate Information: 
    • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.
    • Year Founded: 2006 (through the merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific)
    • Ownership Type: Public (NYSE: TMO)
  • History and Background: 
    • Formed from the merger of Thermo Electron Corporation (founded 1956) and Fisher Scientific International Inc. (founded 1902).
    • Has grown through significant strategic acquisitions to become a world leader in serving science.
  • Key Milestones/Timeline: 
    • 2006: Merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific to form Thermo Fisher Scientific. 
    • 2014: Acquired Life Technologies, significantly expanding its presence in life sciences, including cell culture and cryopreservation.
    • Ongoing: Continuous expansion of the Gibco brand, a key provider of cell freezing media.
  • Business Overview: 
    • A global provider of scientific instrumentation, reagents and consumables, and software services. A key focus is on enabling customers in life sciences research, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical production.
  • Business Segments/Divisions: 
    • Life Sciences Solutions (includes the Gibco cell culture products)
    • Analytical Instruments
    • Specialty Diagnostics
    • Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services
  • Geographic Presence: 
    • Global presence with operations in North America (dominant market), Europe, Asia Pacific (fastest growing), and the rest of the world.
  • Key Offerings: 
    • Cell Freezing Media: Gibco brand products, including: 
      • Recovery Cell Culture Freezing Medium (optimized DMSO-based)
      • Synth-a-Freeze Cryopreservation Medium (chemically defined, serum-free, xeno-free options)
      • CTS (Cell Therapy Systems) products for clinical and GMP-grade cryopreservation.
    • Related Products: Cryogenic storage equipment (e.g., TSX Universal Series ULT freezers), cell culture media, reagents, and instruments.
  • End-Use Industries Served: 
    • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies (largest segment)
    • Academic and Research Institutes
    • Biobanks and Clinical Laboratories
    • IVF Clinics
  • Key Developments and Strategic Initiatives: 
    • Mergers & Acquisitions: Continual pursuit of strategic acquisitions to enhance its offering in high-growth areas like cell and gene therapy manufacturing support.
    • Partnerships & Collaborations: Ongoing collaborations with leading biopharma companies and research institutions to develop optimized solutions for complex cell therapies.
    • Product Launches/Innovations: 
      • April 2024: Introduced new ENERGY STAR Certified TSX Universal Series ULT freezers with enhanced temperature management and faster recovery periods, supporting better cell sample storage.
      • May 2025: Launched a new line of GMP-grade cryopreservation and single-use consumables for cell therapy manufacturing (as noted in GMP market reports).
    • Capacity Expansions/Investments: Significant investments in expanding global manufacturing and service capabilities, particularly in the bioprocessing and cell therapy sectors.
    • Regulatory Approvals: Focus on providing products with regulatory support, such as their CTS (Cell Therapy Systems) product line, which is designed for clinical use and supported by extensive documentation.
    • Distribution channel strategy: Direct sales force, global e-commerce platform (ThermoFisher.com), and authorized distributors, leveraging its massive global footprint.
  • Technological Capabilities/R&D Focus: 
    • Core Technologies/Patents: Expertise in cell culture formulation, cryoprotectant optimization (DMSO and non-DMSO), and manufacturing of high-quality, reproducible cell culture consumables (Gibco).
    • Research & Development Infrastructure: Extensive global R&D centers focused on life science solutions and advanced therapeutics.
    • Innovation Focus Areas: Development of serum-free, animal-component-free, and fully chemically defined cryopreservation media for sensitive cell types (e.g., Pluripotent Stem Cells, T-cells) to support clinical and GMP-grade applications.
  • Competitive Positioning: 
    • Strengths & Differentiators: Unmatched brand recognition (Gibco), vast product portfolio covering the entire cell culture workflow, global supply chain, and strong regulatory support for clinical-grade products.
    • Market presence & ecosystem role: Dominant market leader, acting as a crucial end-to-end solutions provider for research, bioproduction, and clinical applications.
  • SWOT Analysis: 
    • Strengths: Global scale, powerful brands (Gibco, Nalgene), deep R&D resources, vertically integrated solutions.
    • Weaknesses: High reliance on acquisition-led growth, complexity of a massive product portfolio. 
    • Opportunities: Explosive growth in cell and gene therapy, rising demand for GMP-grade, defined media. 
    • Threats: Intense competition from Merck KGaA and BioLife Solutions, raw material supply chain disruptions.
  • Recent News and Updates: 
    • Press Releases: Often feature new instrument releases and general corporate financial results. The focus in 2024-2025 is on solutions supporting the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy segment.
    • Industry Recognitions/Awards: Routinely receives recognition for its laboratory equipment and life science innovations.

Top Company 2: Merck KGaA

Company Overview

  • Corporate Information: 
    • Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
    • Year Founded: 1668
    • Ownership Type: Public (DAX: MRK) with the Merck family holding the majority stake. U.S. and Canadian business operates as MilliporeSigma.
  • History and Background: 
    • The world's oldest operating chemical and pharmaceutical company. The current form, Merck KGaA, maintains a separate identity from the former U.S. subsidiary, Merck & Co., which operates as a distinct entity.
    • Its Life Science business, which includes cell freezing media, was significantly strengthened by the acquisition of Millipore in 2010 and Sigma-Aldrich in 2015.
  • Key Milestones/Timeline: 
    • 2010: Acquisition of Millipore Corporation, forming EMD Millipore.
    • 2015: Acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich, creating MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, dramatically expanding the Life Science portfolio, including reagents and cell culture.
    • Ongoing: Continual focus on expanding bioprocessing and cell and gene therapy product lines.
  • Business Overview: 
    • A leading science and technology company operating in three sectors: Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics. The Life Science business (MilliporeSigma) is a major global supplier of tools, technologies, and services for research, development, and bioproduction.
  • Business Segments/Divisions: 
    • Life Science (further split into Process Solutions, Research Solutions, and Applied Solutions) 
    • Healthcare (Pharmaceuticals)
    • Electronics
  • Geographic Presence: 
    • Highly global, with a strong footprint across all major regions: Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific.
  • Key Offerings: 
    • Cell Freezing Media: Portfolio under the MilliporeSigma brand, including: 
      • Ready-to-use cell freezing media (e.g., Cell Freeze Freeze Media, CryoMaxx).
      • DMSO-based and serum-free/chemically defined formulations.
      • Cryopreservation solutions for specific cell lines (stem cells, primary cells).
    • Related Products: Extensive range of cell culture media, reagents (Sigma-Aldrich), filtration, purification, and bioprocessing equipment.
  • End-Use Industries Served: 
    • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
    • Academic and Government Research Institutes
    • Industrial and Applied Testing Laboratories
    • Biobanks
  • Key Developments and Strategic Initiatives: 
    • Mergers & Acquisitions: Continues to strategically acquire companies to bolster its bioprocessing and advanced therapeutics capabilities.
    • Partnerships & Collaborations: Focuses on joint development agreements with CDMOs and biopharma clients to provide integrated bioprocessing solutions.
    • Product Launches/Innovations: 
      • April 2024: Launched the first all-in-one genetic stability assay to accelerate biosafety testing for cell and gene therapies, a supporting element for cryopreservation workflow.
      • Emphasis on new chemically defined and animal-component-free cryopreservation media to ensure safety and lot-to-lot consistency.
    • Capacity Expansions/Investments: Investing significantly in its global manufacturing network to meet the increasing demand for bioprocessing and cell therapy materials.
    • Regulatory Approvals: Strong emphasis on providing the documentation (e.g., Drug Master Files) and quality assurance (ISO, GMP compliance) required for clinical and commercial manufacturing.
    • Distribution channel strategy: Global e-commerce platform (SigmaAldrich.com), direct sales for key Life Science accounts, and a network of specialized third-party distributors.
  • Technological Capabilities/R&D Focus: 
    • Core Technologies/Patents: Expertise in media formulation science (MilliporeSigma), biopurification technologies, and analytical tools.
    • Research & Development Infrastructure: Large global R&D footprint, with a strong focus on innovation for next-generation bioprocessing and personalized medicine.
    • Innovation Focus Areas: Developing high-viability, closed-system-compatible cryopreservation solutions, and media components optimized for specific cell and gene therapy workflows.
  • Competitive Positioning: 
    • Strengths & Differentiators: Broad and high-quality portfolio from research grade (Sigma-Aldrich) to clinical/production grade (Millipore), strong global reputation, and a leading position in bioprocessing technologies.
    • Market presence & ecosystem role: A highly competitive global market player offering a comprehensive range of chemicals and consumables, challenging Thermo Fisher Scientific in research and bioproduction.
  • SWOT Analysis: 
    • Strengths: Brand power (Sigma-Aldrich, Millipore), broad chemical and life science product range, strong European presence, focus on bioprocessing.
    • Weaknesses: Integration challenges following multiple large acquisitions (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich), complex organizational structure (Merck KGaA vs. Merck & Co.).
    • Opportunities: Expansion of cell and gene therapy manufacturing support, growth in personalized medicine applications.
    • Threats: Aggressive competition in bioprocessing, potential for new, more stable cryopreservation methods to disrupt the market.
  • Recent News and Updates: 
    • Press Releases: Often highlight financial performance, and in the Life Science sector, new bioprocessing solutions and R&D tools.
    • Industry Recognitions/Awards: Regularly recognized for its work in sustainability and innovation in the life science and healthcare sectors.

Top Vendors in the Cell Freezing Media Market & Their Offerings

Company Offerings Contributions Key products
BioLife Solutions cryopreservation media and storage systems standardizing protocols, enabling cell viability cryo-bags and controlled-rate freezers for clinical workflows
STEMCELL Technologies research media and cryopreservation reagents advancing reproducibility and protocol guidance globally freezing media kits, cryo-solutions, validated protocols
Corning Life Sciences labware, cryovials, plates, and consumables improving sample handling standards Falcon tubes, Axygen vials, and specialized plastics globally
Bio-Rad Laboratories quality control assays, cryo reagents ensuring assay reliability and storage confidence validation kits, cold chain monitoring tools
CTS Bio custom cryopreservation solutions and services supporting bespoke workflows for clinical research tailored media, consultancy, on-demand support

Top Companies in the Cell Freezing Media Market

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • BioLife Solutions
  • Merck KGaA/MilliporeSigma
  • STEMCELL Technologies
  • Corning Life Sciences (including Axygen, Falcon consumables)
  • Bio-Rad Laboratories
  • CTS Bio
  • HiMedia Laboratories
  • AMSBIO
  • BioGenuix MedSystems
  • Cryo-BioSystems
  • Lonza
  • VWR/Avantor
  • Sakura Finetek
  • StemCyte
  • BioLife
  • Fujifilm Wako/Toyo
  • Thermogenesis
  • CryoSafe

Recent Developments in the Cell Freezing Media Market

  • In October 2024, NB-KUL DF, a chemically defined cryomedia free of DMSO that is poised to revolutionize cryopreservation standards, was introduced by Nucleus Biologics, a prominent supplier of cell culture and bioprocessing solutions for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector.
  • In September 2024, a new aseptic micro-connector that attaches directly to the freeze cassettes used in cell and gene therapy (CGT) processing was introduced today by CPC (Colder Products Company), a division of Dover and a top producer of connection technologies used in biopharmaceutical processing.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product/Type

  • Cryopreservation/Cell Freezing Media (Consumables)
  • Cryoprotectants (DMSO, glycerol)
  • Serum-containing freezing solutions
  • Serum-free/Defined freezing media

By Application

  • Stem Cells & Cell Therapy
  • Reproductive Medicine/IVF (eggs, sperm, embryos)
  • Biobanking & Research Samples
  • Blood Components & Cellular Diagnostics
  • Drug Discovery/Pharma/CDMO use 

By Formulation/Technology 

  • DMSO-based media
  • DMSO-free alternatives
  • Vitrification solutions (esp. IVF applications)
  • Additive kits & warming media (supporting products)

By End User

  • Biopharma & Cell-Therapy Manufacturers
  • Biobanks & Tissue Repositories
  • IVF/ART Clinics
  • Academic & CRO Research Labs
  • Diagnostic Labs

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct sales to institutions/OEM supply
  • Scientific distributors & wholesalers
  • Online B2B platforms

By Region

  • North America 
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Rest of North America
  • South America   
    • Brazil 
    • Argentina
    • Rest of South America
  • Europe  
    • Western Europe   
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • France
      • Netherlands
      • Spain
      • Portugal
      • Belgium
      • Ireland
      • UK
      • Iceland
      • Switzerland
      • Poland
      • Rest of Western Europe
    • Eastern Europe   
      • Austria
      • Russia & Belarus
      • Türkiye
      • Albania
      • Rest of Eastern Europe
  • Asia Pacific   
    • China
    • Taiwan
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia and New Zealand,
    • ASEAN Countries (Singapore, Malaysia)
    • South Korea
    • Rest of APAC
  • MEA   
    • GCC Countries  
      • Saudi Arabia
      • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
      • Qatar 
      • Kuwait
      • Oman
      • Bahrain
    • South Africa
    • Egypt
    • Rest of MEA

Tags

FAQ's

The cell freezing media market holds a valuation of USD 1.42 billion as of 2026, and will expand to USD 2.97 billion by 2035, achieving a CAGR of 8.6% between 2026 and 2035.

North America is currently leading the cell freezing media market share by 40-46% approx due to a strong presence of CDMOs and CMOs, which ensures the smooth flow of work in life sciences.

The cell freezing media market comprises 6 segments by product or type, by application, by formulation or technology, by end-user, by distribution channel, and by region.

Some key players include Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioLife Solutions, Merck KGaA or MilliporeSigma, STEMCELL Technologies, Corning Life Sciences including Axygen, Falcon consumables, Bio-Rad Laboratories, CTS Bio, etc.

Key trends include rising demand for precision medicine and growing research in bioinformatics.

A process known as cryopreservation involves suspending cells in a mixture of salts and a low-molecular-weight low-MW) organic compound, cooling them to extremely low subzero temperatures typically −196°C in liquid nitrogen, storing them for a while, and then warming and recovering them to return to normal.

There are two methods for freezing tissue: cryopreservation, which uses specialized freezing media and controlled temperature reduction for long-term storage, and rapid freezing, which uses coolants like liquid nitrogen or dry ice for intraoperative diagnosis.
  • Last Updated: 21 November 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Rohan Patil is a seasoned market research professional with over 5+ years of focused experience in the healthcare sector, bringing deep domain expertise, strategic foresight, and analytical precision to every project he undertakes.

Learn more about Rohan Patil

Aditi Shivarkar is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in healthcare market research. As a content reviewer, Aditi plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of all market insights and data presented by the research team.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Reports