The ultrasound-enhancing agents market forecast is derived on the basis of findings from various secondary and primary research sources. According to The Insight Partners' estimates, the market was valued at US$ 756.61 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2,511.52 million by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 16.2% during 2023–2031.

Ultrasound-enhancing agents, also known as ultrasound contrast agents (UCA), are injected to enhance the resolution of images of the organs during an ultrasound scan. These agents consist of suspensions of gas-filled microbubbles smaller than red blood cells and reflect ultrasound signals as they flow through the microcirculation in the blood vessels. They are expelled from the body via urine or bowel movements, within minutes after injection. These agents do not contain any dyes and are considered safe as they pose no known risk of nephrotoxicity.

Factors Driving Ultrasound-Enhancing Agents Market Growth

Ultrasound imaging is currently the first step in estimating the severity of oncological diseases and cardiovascular conditions, paving the way for accurate assessment and diagnosis through further investigation. It is widely used for real-time imaging of body parts for the detection of abnormalities due to the portability, low cost, safety, and diagnostic capabilities of the system. In addition, using contrast agents has significantly improved the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting earlier stages of diseases, thus opening up new possibilities for cellular and molecular research in this field. The surging prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney diseases, and liver disorders propels the demand for early diagnoses for better management. Their diagnoses necessitate advanced imaging modalities for early detection and health monitoring among diagnosed patients. Ultrasound-enhancing agents enable enhanced visualization of tumors, lesions, and abnormal tissue growth. According to an article published in radiopaedia.org in September 2023, Sonazoid, a contrast agent used in ultrasound imaging, enhances the liver's contrast in the postvascular phase, which can help detect liver tumors, especially those without Kupffer cell metastases. Sonazoid also helps differentiate between regenerative and dysplastic nodules from early-phase hepatocellular carcinomas in a cirrhotic liver. Therefore, the rising adoption of UCAs in diagnostic imaging boosts the ultrasound-enhancing agents market size.

According to an article published in October 2021 by the International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS), 57 original research studies focused solely on pediatric patients, including 4,518 children who underwent 4,906 intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations as of August 2021. Additionally, comprehensive protocols developed to evaluate clinical safety demonstrated the highly favorable safety profile of UCAs when used intravenously, intravesically, and through other intracavitary procedures.

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Ultrasound-Enhancing Agents Market: Strategic Insights

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Report Segmentation and Scope:

The "Global Ultrasound-Enhancing Agents Market Analysis to 2031" is a specialized and in-depth study focusing on the global market dynamics to help identify the key driving factors, future trends, and lucrative opportunities that would, in turn, aid in identifying major revenue pockets. The report aims to provide an overview of the market with detailed market segmentation by type, application, and end user. The geographic scope of the ultrasound-enhancing agents market report entails North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Spain, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (South Korea, China, India, Japan, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South & Central America).

Segmental Analysis:

The ultrasound-enhancing agents market, by type, is bifurcated into the first generation and second generation. The second generation segment held a larger market share in 2023. It is projected to register a higher CAGR from 2023 to 2031.

The market, by application, is segmented into abdominal imaging, cardiovascular imaging, urinary tract imaging, and others. The abdominal imaging segment accounted for the largest ultrasound-enhancing agents market share in 2023. The cardiovascular imaging segment is projected to register the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2031.

Based on end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic and imaging centers, and others. The hospitals segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. Further, the diagnostic and imaging centers segment is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2031.

Regional Outlook:

North America held the largest ultrasound-enhancing agents market share in 2023. The US dominated the market in this region, in terms of share, followed by Canada. Market growth in the US is attributed to factors such as the presence of major players, including Lantheus Holdings Inc. and GE Healthcare. These companies are increasingly focusing on joint ventures and research collaborations. For instance, GE Healthcare focuses on expanding its product portfolio by launching innovative products and entering strategic partnerships with competitors. In addition, an upsurge in the number of ultrasound procedures due to favorable reimbursement policies supports the ultrasound-enhancing agents market growth in the US.

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities:

As per company press releases, a few initiatives taken by key players operating in the global ultrasound-enhancing agents market are listed below:

• In March 2024, Samsung Medison and Bracco Imaging endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to develop a new area for diagnostic ultrasound devices and contrast agents at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2024, held between February 28 to March 3 in Vienna, Austria. Two companies are considering collaborating to develop high-frequency and super-resolution imaging protocols for diagnosis. The collaboration would also include marketing activities, healthcare providers’ education, and exploration of ultrasound-targeted contrast-enhanced drug delivery technologies with pharmaceutical agents.
• In April 2023, GE HealthCare launched Pixxoscan (Gadobutrol). It is a macrocyclic, gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) for nonionic magnetic resonance imaging. The product was added to the company’s MRI contrast media portfolio, which includes Claiscan (macrocyclic gadoteric acid) and Rapiscan (used in stress cardiac MR to aid diagnosis of coronary artery disease).

Ultrasound-Enhancing Agents Market Report Scope

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies:

Lantheus Holdings Inc.; GE Healthcare; Solstice Pharmaceuticals B.V.; FUJIFILM VisualSonics, Inc.; Bracco Diagnostics Inc.; Bayer AG; and Vesselon are among the prominent companies profiled in the ultrasound-enhancing agents market report. These companies focus on new technologies, existing product advancements, and geographic expansions to meet the growing consumer demand worldwide.