Cell Processing Instruments Market (By Type: Cell Counters, Cell Imaging Systems, Flow Cytometers; By Application: Cell Isolation/Separation, Cell Viability & Proliferation; By End-use) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

The global cell processing instruments market size was estimated at USD 6.08 billion in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 12.04 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.07% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Pointers

• North America led the global market with the largest market share of 37% in 2023.
• Asia Pacific region is forecasted to exhibit the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.05% from 2024 to 2033.
• By Type, the cell separator systems segment held the largest revenue share of 23% in 2023.
• By Application, the cell isolation/separation segment generated the maximum market share of 36% in 2023.
• By End-use, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment contributed the largest market share of 42% in 2023.
• By End-use, the CROs & CMOs segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR from 2024 to 2033.

Cell Processing Instruments Market Overview

The cell processing instruments market is a dynamic sector within the broader life sciences industry, driven by advancements in cellular therapies, regenerative medicine, and biotechnology. As the demand for personalized medicine and novel treatment modalities continues to rise, the need for innovative cell processing instruments has become increasingly pronounced.

Cell Processing Instruments Market Growth Factors

The growth of the cell processing instruments market is propelled by an advancement in cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine have spurred the demand for sophisticated instruments capable of handling complex cellular materials. Additionally, increasing investment in biopharmaceutical research, coupled with regulatory support and standardization efforts, has created a conducive environment for market expansion. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases has underscored the need for innovative treatment modalities, including cell therapies, thereby driving the adoption of cell processing instruments. Lastly, the market's growth is further augmented by the expanding applications of cell therapies across various research and clinical settings, fostering a continuous demand for advanced processing solutions.

U.S. Cell Processing Instruments Market Size 2024 to 2033

The U.S. cell processing instruments market was valued at USD 1.57 billion in 2023 and it is predicted to surpass around USD 3.11 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.07% from 2024 to 2033.

In 2023, North America emerged as the dominant force in the cell processing instruments market, commanding a revenue share of 37%. The region's market leadership is underpinned by several factors, including the presence of prominent biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, robust research and academic infrastructure, and early adoption of advanced technologies. Additionally, substantial investments in Research and Development (R&D) initiatives within the biotechnology sector are poised to further stimulate the demand for cell processing instruments in North America. For instance, in December 2023, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences received FDA approval for the distribution of the AQUIOS STEM System in the U.S. This development is expected to equip researchers with precise hematopoietic stem cell enumeration capabilities, consequently driving market growth in the segment.

Meanwhile, the cell processing instruments market in the Asia Pacific region is forecasted to exhibit the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.05% over the forecast period. This surge can be attributed to the burgeoning biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in the region, fueled by increased healthcare spending, rising incidences of chronic disorders, and the expansion of research and development activities. As companies within these sectors strive to bolster their capabilities in areas such as drug discovery, personalized medicine, and diagnostics, there is a growing demand for state-of-the-art technologies, thereby propelling market growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Cell Processing Instruments Market Trends:

• Rise of Point-of-Care Solutions: The development of portable and point-of-care cell processing instruments is gaining traction, enabling decentralized production of cell-based therapies and facilitating their delivery in clinical settings.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI): The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms into cell processing instruments is enhancing process monitoring, quality control, and decision-making, thereby optimizing production workflows and reducing manufacturing costs.
• Emergence of Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs): The rising demand for outsourced manufacturing services is driving the growth of CDMOs specializing in cell processing, providing expertise, infrastructure, and scalability to support the development and production of cell-based therapies.
• Focus on Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance: With the increasing scrutiny from regulatory agencies, manufacturers are prioritizing compliance with stringent quality standards and implementing robust quality assurance measures throughout the cell processing workflow to ensure product safety and efficacy.

Cell Processing Instruments Market Challenges:

• High Cost of Instruments: The initial investment and operational costs associated with cell processing instruments, including equipment purchase, maintenance, and staff training, can be prohibitive for many research institutions and smaller biotechnology companies, hindering market adoption.
• Regulatory Complexity: The cell processing industry is subject to stringent regulatory requirements and guidelines, particularly for the production of cell-based therapies for clinical use. Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with multiple regulatory frameworks can pose significant challenges for manufacturers, potentially delaying product development and market entry.
• Scalability Issues: Achieving scalability in cell processing, particularly for autologous cell therapies tailored to individual patients, presents technical and logistical challenges. Scaling up production while maintaining product quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness is a complex task that requires innovative solutions and process optimization.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The global supply chain for cell processing instruments and reagents is vulnerable to disruptions, such as raw material shortages, manufacturing delays, and transportation bottlenecks. These disruptions can impact production timelines, increase costs, and affect the availability of cell therapies for patients.

Type Insights

The market is divided into several segments based on type, including cell counters, cell imaging systems, flow cytometers, cell separator systems, automated cell processing systems, and other instruments. In 2023, the cell separator systems segment emerged as the market leader, capturing the largest revenue share of 23%. This dominance is attributed to ongoing advancements in cell separator technology. Modern cell separator systems boast features such as automation, real-time monitoring, and integration with advanced analytical techniques, enabling efficient high-throughput processing and precise cell isolation. For example, in February 2024, Multiply Labs and Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded their partnership to automate cell expansion and separation in cell therapy manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the cell imaging systems segment is projected to experience the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. Single-cell analysis has emerged as a potent tool in various fields, including cancer research, neuroscience, and drug discovery. Cell imaging systems capable of analyzing individual cells with high throughput and resolution are crucial for studying cellular heterogeneity and unraveling complex biological systems at the single-cell level. Consequently, these systems are anticipated to fuel market growth in the coming years. For instance, in March 2024, Deepcell announced the full launch of its REM-I platform after completing final beta testing. This platform integrates single-cell imaging, sorting, and high-dimensional analysis, promising groundbreaking discoveries in fields such as cancer biology, stem cell biology, and gene therapy.

Application Insights

The market is categorized into different segments based on application, including cell separation/isolation, cell imaging & counting, cell viability & proliferation, and other applications. In 2023, the cell isolation/separation segment emerged as the market leader, commanding the largest revenue share of 36%. Advances in cell isolation and separation technologies have led to the development of more sophisticated and efficient instruments. These advancements encompass the introduction of microfluidic systems, magnetic cell sorting technologies, and automated platforms, which offer higher throughput, improved purity, and reduced processing times. For example, in October 2023, Akadeum Life Sciences unveiled a preview of their Alerion cell separation system, harnessing Buoyancy Activated Cell Sorting (BACS) microbubble technology to efficiently isolate T-cells from leukopaks. This innovative system promises accelerated separation, increased recovery, automated processes, and reduced errors, thus expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.

Meanwhile, the cell viability and proliferation segment are anticipated to experience the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. There is a growing emphasis on understanding cellular behavior, including viability and proliferation, across various fields such as drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and cancer research. For instance, according to a press release published by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News in September 2023, Xheme's Multifunctional Additive (XMA), developed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Innovation Institute, significantly enhances cell viability and proliferation. Integration into plastics boosts viability by approximately 15%, while direct addition to cell cultures enhances it by 50%. Partner analyses at O2M Technologies and the UMass Institute for Applied Life Sciences validate these effects, with separate experiments demonstrating minimal leaching of XMA into solutions over 50 days. Thus, it is projected to propel market growth over the forecast period.

End-use Insights

The market is segmented based on end-use into pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, CROs & CMOs, academic & research institutes, and others. In 2023, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment dominated the market, capturing the largest revenue share of 42%. This leadership is attributed to the increasing focus on Research and Development (R&D) for novel drug development, growing demand for personalized medicines, and advancements in cell-based therapies such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy. For example, in June 2023, Quell forged a collaborative agreement with AstraZeneca, specifically targeting autoimmune diseases through cell therapy. Such partnerships are anticipated to drive market growth over the forecast period.

The CROs & CMOs segment is projected to witness the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the escalating outsourcing of research and manufacturing activities by pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Furthermore, these entities offer a range of services including drug discovery, preclinical and clinical trials, and manufacturing of cell-based therapies, consequently driving the demand for cell processing instruments. For instance, in April 2023, Lotte Biologics, a biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in South Korea, announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Swiss-based cell line development company Excellgene for collaboration on Contract Development Organization (CDO) services.

Cell Processing Instruments Market Key Companies:

• Danaher
• Merck KGaA
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Agilent Technologies Inc.
• BD
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc
• Sartorius AG
• Bio-Techne.
• Revvity Inc.
• Miltenyi Biotec

Recent Development

• In June 2023, BD unveiled its latest innovation, the BD FACSDuet robotic system, designed to automate clinical flow cytometry processes. This advancement is poised to enhance standardization in sample preparation, thereby streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.
• In October 2023, Molecular Devices, LLC., introduced the CellXpress.ai Automated Cell Culture System. This cutting-edge product is expected to expedite drug discovery processes, accelerating research timelines and subsequently fostering market growth.
• In January 2023, Curate Biosciences launched the Curate Cell Processing System, a groundbreaking solution tailored for the production of high-quality starting materials for various cell therapies, including CAR-T cancer therapies. This pioneering system is anticipated to deliver superior results and enhanced outcomes in the realm of cell therapy.

Cell Processing Instruments Market Segmentation:

By Type

• Cell Counters
• Cell Imaging Systems
• Flow Cytometers
• Cell Separator Systems
• Automated Cell Processing Systems
• Other Instruments

By Application

• Cell Isolation/Separation
• Cell Imaging & Counting
• Cell Viability & Proliferation
• Other Applications

By End-use

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
• CROs & CMOs
• Academic & Research Institutes
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)