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Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Soars USD 4.1 Bn by 2034

Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Key Drivers and Opportunities

According to forecasts, the global cell migration and cell invasion assay market will grow from USD 1.84 billion in 2024 to USD 4.1 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 8.34%. The cell migration and cell invasion assay market is growing due to growing research in drug development and oncology. North America is dominating the market due to the growing focus on immune therapies and personalized medicine.

Category: Diagnostics Insight Code: 5718 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global cell migration and cell invasion assay market size is calculated at USD 1.84 in 2024, grew to USD 2 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 4.1 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 8.34% between 2025 and 2034.

Numerous efforts have been made by researchers worldwide to employ these platforms for the diagnosis of a wide range of illness indications due to the numerous benefits that these cell-based assays offer.  The adoption of these assays in the drug development process by life science businesses to identify possible lead candidates has been prompted by technological improvements. A number of pharmaceutical companies have created tests for cell invasion and migration in an effort to speed up the diagnostic process and combat the growing number of cancer reports worldwide.

Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Size 2024 - 2034

Key Takeaways

  • The cell migration and cell invasion assay market will likely exceed USD 1.84 billion by 2024.
  • Valuation is projected to hit USD 4.1 billion by 2034.
  • Estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.34% starting from 2025 to 2034.
  • North America dominated the cell migration and cell invasion assay market share in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By assay type, the cell migration assay segment dominated the market in 2024.
  • By assay type, the cell invasion assay segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By application, the cancer research segment held the major revenue of the market in 2024.
  • By application, the immunology segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By end-user, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominated the cell migration and cell invasion assay market in 2024.
  • By end-user, the contract research organizations segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the upcoming period.

Key Metrics and Overview

Metric  Details
Market Size in 2025 USD 2 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 4.1 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2034) 8.34%
Leading Region North America
Market Segmentation By Assay Type, By Application, By End-User, By Region
Top Key Players Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Promega Corporation, Abcam, Corning Incorporated, Cell Biolabs, Lonza, Sigma-Aldrich, BD Biosciences, PerkinElmer, BioVision, Miltenyi Biotec, Fisher Scientific, Essen BioScience (part of Sartorius), Cell Signaling Technology, Enzo Life Sciences, Biotium, Trevigen, R&D Systems, UltraNanoTech.

Market Overview

Among the critical physiological processes that cell migration affects are morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and immune responses. The aberrant invasion and migration of cells into adjacent tissue is another feature of metastatic disease. Finding treatments for diseases and expanding our understanding of developmental biology depend on reliable quantitative techniques for evaluating cell invasion and migration. Equipment for cell analysis, including sensitive impedance-based formats, automated imaging, and plate reader-based techniques, provides robust choices for real-time measurements of cell invasion, migration, and chemotaxis.

  • In December 2024, to enhance the prediction of in vivo human outcomes, Newcells Biotech, a top drug discovery partner that specializes in creating in vitro models and custom assay services, announced that it has raised an additional £1.2 million from its current investors, Mercia Ventures, Northstar Ventures, and North East Finance. (Source - News Medical Life Science)
  • In March 2024, the £500,000 GBP oversubscribed seed fundraising round for CryoLogyx closed.  The money will be used to increase the company's operations in the UK and Europe, scale up the manufacturing of its assay-ready cells, and assist the commercialization of its cutting-edge cryopreserved cell technology. (Source - News Medical Life Science)

What is the Role of AI in the Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market?

AI and machine learning are being used in assays for data analysis to improve efficiency and accuracy. Automating test methods reduces human error, increases throughput, and speeds up drug development. AI and automation have several benefits for the market for cell migration and invasion test services, one of which is the enhanced integration of complex data that makes it easier to extract valuable insights for clinical and research applications. Improved test data quality and consistency while reducing human intervention.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Investments in Drug Discovery

The growing investment in drug discovery and development is one of the main factors driving the market for tests measuring cell invasion and migration. These experiments are crucial for determining if new drugs can stop or promote cell invasion and migration, which are crucial processes in the development of cancer and other diseases. The growing focus on medication development is directly driving the demand for advanced cell migration and invasion testing, which facilitates the discovery of new treatment strategies.

Restraint

High Cost of Cell Assays

Even though the market for cell invasion and migration assays has grown significantly, several constraints are impeding its growth.  The high expense of sophisticated assay methods and the requirement for specific tools and chemicals are among the main barriers that may prevent smaller labs and organizations from using them.

Opportunity

What are the Opportunities in the Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market?

There are several lucrative possibilities available to stakeholders in the market. The increasing collaboration among academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical firms fosters innovation and enhances research capabilities. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine opens up new possibilities for test applications. As researchers continue to examine the dynamics of cell activity in various contexts, there is a lot of potential for developing novel assays tailored to certain therapeutic areas. The expansion of research into other diseases, such as autoimmune and cardiovascular disorders, may also be driving the demand for these tests.

Segmental Insights

Which Assay Type Dominated the Market in 2024?

By assay type, the cell migration assay segment held the largest share of the cell migration and cell invasion assay market in 2024. Cell migration, or the movement of cells, is important for immunology, wound healing, the development of embryos, and abnormal cellular processes, including the spread of cancer.  Both "scratch" assays and experiments using microplates with pre-formed "wounds" are commonly employed for measuring cell motility in a controlled setting when conducting cell migration studies.

By assay type, the cell invasion assay segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the cell migration and cell invasion assay market during the forecast period. Assays for cell invasion are often used in cancer research, especially when combined with studies on cell migration. Their method for investigating cell migration and the processes by which cells invade other cells is flexible and high-throughput. Several methods for testing cell invasion are quick and simple to apply, and they also offer the benefit of real-time data.

Why Cancer Research Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

By application, the cancer research segment led the cell migration and cell invasion assay market in 2024. For many patients, cancer metastases and the burden of secondary tumors are the leading causes of death, making up about 90% of cancer-related fatalities.  Transwell assays, 2D cell migration, scratch/wound assays, and inverted invasion assays are among the assays used to investigate cancer cell movement and invasion.

By application, the immunology segment is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the cell migration and cell invasion assay market during the forecast period. The movement and interactions of immune cells inside tissues, as well as their relationship to immune responses and diseases, may be investigated in immunology using cell migration and invasion assays. These tests may be used to study how cells migrate toward chemoattractants (chemotaxis) and how they can pass through an extracellular matrix (ECM), which is important for processes including immune responses and cancer metastasis.

What made the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Segment Dominate in 2024?

By end-user, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment held the major share of the cell migration and cell invasion assay market in 2024. Its objective is to cover the most recent and noteworthy developments and breakthroughs in the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology. Pharmaceutical biotechnology research intersects with pharmacological research, including in vitro preclinical and clinical trials, and drug development. The development of new pharmaceutical substances, processes, services, and technologies is largely dependent on biotechnology.

By end-user, the contract research organizations segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the cell migration and cell invasion assay market in the upcoming period. In the dynamic biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, the role of a full-service CRO is more crucial than ever. CROs are essential collaborators for biotech and pharmaceutical firms, offering comprehensive support throughout the drug development process. The development of biotechnology and medicines depends on clinical trials, but because of their complexity, they require expertise, resources, and a strong commitment to quality. Full-Service Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offer a number of benefits and excel in this field.

What Made North America Dominant in the Market in 2024?

North America dominated the cell migration and cell invasion assay market in 2024. The established healthcare system, substantial research expenditures, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer are all major factors contributing to North America's dominance.  As the second leading cause of mortality in the United States, cancer calls for advanced diagnostic tools, including cell invasion and migration testing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The U.S. Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Trends

It is vitally crucial to continue funding biomedical discovery research at a time when the scientific community is making tremendous progress in these and countless other areas of cancer research.  To better assist researchers in these trying times, Foti introduced the new AACR Trailblazer Cancer Research Grants in addition to the funding programs that AACR currently hosts.  Early-stage investigators will get nine awards totaling $1 million, while mid-career investigators will receive six grants totaling $1 million. This $15 million investment is the largest single grant program the AACR has ever presented.

The Canada Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Trends

Canadian research is essential to promoting innovation, generating scientific discoveries, and establishing Canada as a world leader.  For this reason, the Canadian government is funding the next generation of problem solvers to help innovative initiatives that tackle global issues, enhance health outcomes, and build stronger communities. In order to promote science and research nationwide, the federal government is spending about $308 million, according to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. The New Frontiers in Research Fund's (NFRF) Transformation stream will disburse around $142 million. Furthermore, 38 research institutions will receive more than $153 million to fund 179 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs.

The Growing Biotechnology Industry is Driving the Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is estimated to host the fastest-growing cell migration and cell invasion assay market during the forecast period. The biotechnology industry is receiving more and more funding from governments in this area, with a focus on cancer research and the creation of customized therapies.  One of India's biggest public health issues, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is cancer, which makes sophisticated research instruments necessary.

The China Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Trends

According to the most recent "2025 Nature Index-Cancer" supplement, China has surpassed the United States as the world's largest provider of high-quality cancer research for the first time. It demonstrates that China's share in cancer-related research in 2024 was 2,614.5. The United States had a 2,481.7 share.  In 2024, China's output increased by 19 percent over the year before.

The India Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Trends

Of the Rs 99,858.56 crore allocated to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Rs. 95,957.87 crore has been set aside for the Department of Health and Family Welfare, while Rs. 3,900.69 crore has been set aside for the Department of Health Research.   The Indian pharmaceutical industry is about to enter a revolutionary era as a result of the recent spike in exports of pharmaceuticals in 2025, which has the potential to drastically change the global healthcare landscape.   India's pharmaceutical exports reached US$50 billion in 2025.

Growing Cancer Research is Driving Europe

Europe is expected to grow significantly in the cell migration and cell invasion assay market during the forecast period. There are several esteemed research institutions and organizations in this area that are actively involved in cell biology and cancer research projects.  Leading nations in this sector include Germany, the UK, and France, which are propelled by strong government assistance programs, industry-academia partnerships, and substantial financing for life science research.

The Germany Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Trends

A multi-billion-dollar agreement for the German business BioNTech in June 2025 is the most recent example of how crucial Europe's biggest economy is to efforts to treat the fatal illness. The agreement, which includes $3.5 billion in unconditional payments, supports BioNTech's goal of creating innovative cancer therapies. Germany's leadership in cancer research is highlighted by the massive agreement.

The UK Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Trends

In order to draw in more investment from the pharmaceutical sector, the United Kingdom's government is beginning to realize that it must alter the way it pays for medications. VACCINE pioneer BioNTech committed to spending up to £1 billion (US$1.3 billion) in the UK in May 2025. The capital will be used to construct two drug research centers and an AI hub for the development of next-generation medications. Peter Kyle, the science and technology minister for the UK government, stated that this investment will take the life sciences industry, which drives growth, to new heights.

Top Companies in the Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market

Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market Companies

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

In February 2025, due to a lack of resolution and capability in our current omics-scale research tools, the dynamic protein interactions of a cell are mostly understudied.  That was recently altered by our team of scientists, computational biologists, and software engineers, and we are thrilled to present an invention today that we think will eventually result in advances in the fields of immunology, hematology, cancer, and cell therapy research, said Simon Fredriksson, CEO and co-founder of Pixelgen. (Source - PR Newswire)

Recent Developments in the Cell Migration and Cell Invasion Assay Market

  • In February 2024, Miltenyi Biotec, a German biomedical discovery company, is starting operations in India by establishing a Center of Excellence and creating its first office.  The CoE will assist local development and manufacture in India, provide training in cell and gene therapy, and add to the thriving life sciences ecosystem. (Source - The Economic Times)
  • In December 2023, VitroGel®-Based Cell Invasion Assay Kits were released by TheWell Bioscience, a leader in 3D biomimicking platforms for cell treatment, precision medicine, and biomanufacturing.  These new kits, which use the xeno-free VitroGel® hydrogels, offer previously unheard-of levels of precision, efficiency, and dependability for cell migration experiments, revolutionizing the way researchers investigate invasion and migration. (Source - The Well Bio)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Assay Type 

  • Cell Migration Assay 
  • Cell Invasion Assay 

By Application

  • Cancer Research
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Wound Healing
  • Others

By End-User

  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
  • Contract Research Organizations
  • Academic and Research Institutions
  • Diagnostic Laboratories

By Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • 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: 12 June 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, 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 cell migration and cell invasion assay market is projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.34% from 2024 to 2034.

North America is currently leading the cell migration and cell invasion assay market due to growing cancer research.

The cell migration and cell invasion assay market includes four segments such as by assay, by application, by end-user, and by region.

Some key players include Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific Sigma-Aldrich, Fisher Scientific, Enzo Life Sciences, Trevigen, etc.

Key trends include rising cancer research, growing investment by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and the development of advanced assays.

The Boyden Chamber test is the most often used cell migration method.

Cell migration via a porous membrane is measured by migration tests, whereas cell movement through a membrane covered with extracellular matrix (ECM) is measured by invasion experiments.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, National Institutes of Health, FDA, WHO, PIB, CDC.