Spheroids Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Method, By Source, By Application (Developmental Biology, Personalized Medicine, Regenerative Medicine), By End Use, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030
The global spheroids market size is expected to reach USD 2.46 billion by 2030 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22.7% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market has gained significant traction due to the growing demand for advanced 3D cell culture models that offer more physiologically relevant conditions than traditional 2D cultures. Spheroids, which better mimic the cellular architecture, nutrient gradients, and microenvironment of tissues in vivo, are increasingly used in drug screening, disease modeling, toxicology testing, and regenerative medicine. Their application spans a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, and metabolic diseases, as researchers and pharmaceutical companies prioritize more accurate preclinical models to improve drug development success rates and reduce late-stage failures.
Another major driver is the integration of spheroids into high-throughput screening (HTS) systems, enabling pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to evaluate large compound libraries with greater predictive value. The market is also fueled by developing novel tools and technologies such as low-attachment plates, hanging drop systems, and microfluidic platforms that simplify spheroid generation and improve reproducibility. In addition, increased funding from government agencies and private investors has supported the expansion of 3D culture research in academic and commercial settings.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of spheroid models, particularly in virology and immunology research. As researchers sought models that more closely represented human tissues, spheroids proved valuable for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms, host immune responses, and antiviral drug efficacy. The pandemic highlighted the limitations of conventional 2D cultures and animal models in rapidly understanding complex diseases, leading to increased investment in 3D culture technologies, including spheroids. This shift also supported long-term market growth as laboratories increasingly adopted advanced culture systems to future-proof research infrastructure.
Post-pandemic, the momentum around spheroids has continued, driven by a global push toward more ethical and efficient preclinical testing strategies. Regulatory agencies and research institutions increasingly recognize the value of spheroids and other 3D models in reducing animal testing while improving translational outcomes. Furthermore, the rise of personalized medicine and the use of patient-derived cells to form disease-specific spheroids are opening new opportunities for customized drug development and therapeutic testing. Together, these factors are shaping a robust outlook for the market in the years ahead.
Spheroids Market Report Highlights:
The multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 28.91% in 2024 and is expected to have the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. MCTS closely replicates the in vivo tumor microenvironment, enabling more accurate cancer research and drug screening. Their ability to model tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance drives their adoption in oncology-focused studies.
The hanging drop method segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 31.34% in 2024 and is expected to have the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. This simple and cost-effective technique facilitates uniform spheroid formation without scaffolds, ideal for controlled experimental setups. Its ease of use and compatibility with high-throughput systems support widespread research adoption.
The cell line segment accounted for a larger revenue share of 56.64% in 2024. Cell lines are a major market driver because they provide a standardized, reproducible, and cost-effective resource for generating 3D spheroid models across a wide range of research applications.
The regenerative medicine segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Spheroids enhance tissue engineering by promoting cell-cell interactions and mimicking native tissue structures. Their role in developing functional tissue constructs makes them essential in regenerative therapies.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 46.33% in 2024. These industries utilize spheroids for predictive toxicology, efficacy screening, and disease modeling. The demand for human-relevant, scalable 3D models drives their integration into R&D pipelines.
North America dominated the market due to its well-established regulatory frameworks and healthcare infrastructure. These facilitate the clinical translation and adoption of spheroid-based products, further propelling market growth.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Corning Incorporated, Merck KGaA, Lonza, InSphero AG, Greiner Bio-One International GmbH, 3D Biotek LLC, CN Bio Innovations, Kuraray Co., Ltd., and Tecan Group Ltd. are some of the market players operating in the market.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
1.1.1. Type
1.1.2. Method
1.1.3. Source
1.1.4. Application
1.1.5. End Use
1.2. Research Methodology
1.3. Information Procurement
1.3.1. Purchased database
1.3.2. GVR's internal database
1.3.3. Secondary sources
1.3.4. Primary research
1.3.5. Details of primary research
1.4. Information or Data Analysis
1.4.1. Data analysis models
1.5. Market Formulation & Validation
1.6. Model Details
1.6.1. Commodity flow analysis
1.7. List of Secondary Sources
1.8. List of Primary Sources
1.9. Objectives
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Outlook
2.2. Segment Snapshot
2.3. Competitive Landscape Snapshot
Chapter 3. Spheroids Market Variables and Trends
3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
3.1.1. Parent market outlook
3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook
3.2. Market Dynamics
3.2.1. Market driver analysis
3.2.1.1. High adoption of spheroids in drug discovery
3.2.1.2. Technological advancements
3.2.1.3. Rising demand for tissue engineering & organ transplantation
3.2.2. Market restraint analysis
3.2.2.1. Challenges associated with 3D cell culturing
3.2.2.2. Ethical issues associated with spheroid cultures
3.3. Spheroids Market Analysis Tools
3.3.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
3.3.2. PESTEL Analysis
3.3.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis
Chapter 4. Type Business Analysis
4.1. Segment Dashboard
4.2. Global Spheroids Market: Type Movement Analysis
4.3. Global Spheroids Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Type, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)
4.4. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS)
4.4.1. MCTS market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030
4.5. Neurospheres
4.5.1. Neurospheres market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030
4.6. Mammospheres
4.6.1. Mammospheres market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030
4.7. Hepatospheres
4.7.1. Hepatospheres market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030
4.8. Embryoid bodies
4.8.1. Embryoid bodies market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030
Chapter 5. Method Business Analysis
5.1. Segment Dashboard
5.2. Global Spheroids Market: Method Movement Analysis
5.3. Global Spheroids Market Size & Trend Analysis, by Method, 2018 to 2030 (USD Million)
5.4. Micropatterned Plates
5.4.1. Micropatterned plates market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030