The global central lab market size is estimated to reach USD 5.04 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.56% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The outsourcing of central lab work is a significant factor driving the market growth.
Outsourcing central lab work is a rising trend in the clinical trial industry, which is expected to create lucrative business opportunities for central labs. The investigators and sponsors outsource ~80% of the central lab work and prefer the labs that provide end-to-end integrated services.
Investment in R&D has witnessed a surge in past years, which can be attributed to the enhanced focus on the pharmaceutical industry during the pandemic. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, investment in science has enhanced the pipeline and several clinical trials have been initiated. Over the pandemic, activity in interventional studies grew steadily. The pharmaceutical industry developed a new way of conducting trials for the management of ongoing clinical trials during the pandemic.
The pandemic has also created new growth opportunities, with an increasing focus on mRNA vaccine development and investigations for several COVID-19 treatment options. However, sample handling, supply chain, and logistics play a significant role in the sample sent to clinical labs. These samples are highly sensitive and require fast logistics with temperature control, thereby maintaining sample stability to get the most accurate results.
The rise of small- and medium-scale central laboratories is intensifying the competition globally. The presence of small- and medium-scale central labs is highly prominent in developing regions such as the Asia Pacific. These laboratories are becoming critical in the management of clinical trials globally owing to the availability of central laboratory services at 20%-35% lower prices, when compared to Europe and the U.S. Furthermore, the lower cost of conducting clinical trials in the developing economies facilitates the selection of central laboratories present in these regions, which can be attributed to lower logistic costs and presence near the trial location.
Central Lab Market Report Highlights:
The genetic services segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the increasing significance of genetic analysis in clinical studies.
Strategic acquisitions are one of the factors influencing the changing dynamics of the market. For instance, players are acquired by medium and large-scale enterprises for enhancing their global reach and entering new business segments.
By end-use, the pharmaceutical companies held the largest market share of 44.78% in 2024, attributable to an increasing number of interventional studies and investment into research.
North America dominated the global market in 2024 with a share of 40.82%, the increasing need for genetic testing in clinical trials related to personalized healthcare in disease areas, such as diabetes & cancers.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
1.2. Segment Definitions
1.2.1. Service
1.2.2. End Use
1.2.3. Regional scope
1.2.4. Estimates and forecasts timeline.
1.3. Research Methodology
1.4. Information Procurement
1.4.1. Purchased database
1.4.2. GVR's internal database
1.4.3. Secondary sources
1.4.4. Primary research
1.4.5. Details of primary research
1.5. Information or Data Analysis
1.5.1. Data analysis models
1.6. Market Formulation & Validation
1.7. Model Details
1.7.1. Commodity flow analysis (Model 1)
1.7.2. Approach 1: Commodity flow approach
1.7.3. Volume price analysis (Model 2)
1.7.4. Approach 2: Volume price analysis
1.8. List of Secondary Sources
1.9. List of Primary Sources
1.10. Objectives
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Outlook
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.2.1. Service Outlook
2.2.2. End Use Outlook
2.2.3. Regional outlook
2.3. Competitive Insights
Chapter 3. Market Variables, Trends, & Scope
3.1. Market Segmentation and Scope
3.2. Market Lineage Outlook
3.2.1. Parent Market Outlook
3.2.2. Related/Ancillary Market Outlook
3.3. Market Dynamics
3.4. Market Drivers
3.4.1. Rising R&D investment in clinical trial
3.4.2. Escalating demand for novel drugs
3.4.3. Outsourcing of central lab work
3.4.4. Reducing the cost of drug research
3.5. Market Restraint Analysis
3.5.1. Logistics and sample handling
3.6. Business Environment Analysis
3.6.1. SWOT Analysis; By Factor (Political & Legal, Economic And Technological)
3.6.2. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
3.6.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis
Chapter 4. Central Labs Market: Service Estimates & Trend Analysis
4.1. Central Lab Market: Service Movement Analysis