Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market Size, Share, Growth & Forecast 2034

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Industry Perspective:

The global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market size was worth around USD 2.3 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 4.6 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.1% between 2025 and 2034.       

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Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 7.1% over the forecast period (2025-2034).
• In terms of revenue, the global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market size was valued at around USD 2.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.6 billion by 2034.
• The increasing aging population is expected to drive the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market over the forecast period.
• Based on the product, the antibodies segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the projected period.
• Based on the application, the diagnostics segment holds the major market share.
• Based on the end use, the hospitals and diagnostic laboratories segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period.
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market: Overview

Immunohistochemistry is a technique used to determine the presence and quantity of specific cellular proteins. IHC detects protein expression by utilizing specifically labeled antibodies that attach to the proteins of interest. The antibody is combined with the tumor's biological components. After a specific period of time, the mixture is washed, leaving only the antibodies that are bound to their protein targets. The presence of antibodies can be identified by examining the sample under a microscope, as areas with bound antibodies would seem different in color from areas without antibodies.

Samples with more protein bind more antibodies and so appear darker. This allows the test to determine not only whether a protein is present, but also its relative abundance. The test findings are determined by the intensity of the staining and the percentage of cells stained. IHC is a popular procedure because it is inexpensive, does not require specialized equipment, and is generally highly accurate. The market growth is driven by several variables, such as the growing prevalence of cancer, an increasing aging population, technological advancements, growing R&D, and increasing healthcare spending. However, the lack of a skilled workforce is a major challenge for the industry's expansion.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

Why does the rising prevalence of cancer drive the immunohistochemistry market growth?

The immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is growing rapidly owing to the high prevalence of cancer globally. As a result, there is a growing demand for precise diagnostic tools and biomarkers in oncology and personalized therapy. The rise in cancer cases is directly proportional to the rise in the use of IHC, which makes it feasible to discover cancer quickly and undertake more accurate histological tests to find the best treatment options for each patient. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that in 2022, the cancer cases were 20 million and are predicted to increase to over 35 million by 2050. Thus, the aforementioned stats drive the demand for this testing equipment.

Restraints

Why does the lack of skilled professionals hinder the immunohistochemistry market growth?

A lack of trained workers is an important issue for the immunohistochemistry (IHC) sector. This affects the accuracy, efficiency, and overall acceptance of tests in both clinical and research contexts. A lot of countries say that there aren't enough pathologists and lab technicians. For instance, in Pakistan, there is only one histopathologist for every 450,000 people. In some pathology departments, more than 30% of the jobs are open. This lack of skilled workers leads to mistakes in diagnoses, longer wait times, and smaller hospitals outsourcing difficult tests, all while pushing the growth of digital pathology and automated technology. Therefore, the lack of experienced specialists remains a significant obstacle to market growth. This makes it hard to use IHC effectively in precision medicine, even though there is more demand for it because of cancer diagnoses and other growing clinical needs.

Opportunities

Why does the rising product innovation offer a potential opportunity for the growth of the immunohistochemistry industry?

The immunohistochemistry (IHC) market has seen a lot of new products come out that focus on improving the accuracy and speed of diagnoses and making individualized therapy possible. Some of the most important improvements are automation, AI integration, multiplexing, and open-system platforms. PathAI, a world pioneer in AI-powered pathology, launched two groundbreaking AI solutions in May 2024: PathExplore ™ Immuno-Oncology Profiling (IOP) and IHC Explore 1™. These tools give cancer medication developers and clinical researchers AI-powered information.

The combination of the two products enables the remarkable single-cell and spatial resolution of the tumor microenvironment from routine pathology samples. This makes it easier to find biomarkers and understand how treatments work for the next generation of cancer treatments. The Explore™ product's expansion goes hand in hand with the quick rise of AI-pathology in diagnostics and biopharma.

Challenges

Why do the regulatory and validation hurdles pose a major challenge to market expansion?

The immunohistochemistry (IHC) business is subject to numerous regulations and validation challenges that hinder the launch and adoption of new technologies. This makes it harder and more expensive for the industry to grow. The rules for IHC goods are very tight, especially in important markets like the US and Europe. Before they can be sold, they must be thoroughly tested for antibody specificity, repeatability, and therapeutic utility.

For instance, the FDA has strict rules for clinical-grade testing and companion diagnostics. These tests and diagnostics must be very similar to the drugs they are meant to work with to be approved for use in the market. Changes in the rules governing digital pathology and AI use in diagnostics make it more challenging to adhere to regulations and adjust schedules and investment needs for product development.

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Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market: Report Scope

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market: Segmentation

The global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) industry is segmented based on product, application, end-use, and region.

Based on the product, the global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is bifurcated into antibodies, equipment, kits, and reagents. The antibodies segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the projected period. Antibodies play an important role in illness diagnosis and drug testing. Monoclonal antibodies, as well as antibody-related products such as Fc-fusion proteins, antibody fragments, and antibody-drug conjugates, are now the most commonly used in the business. Antibodies are employed in a variety of disciplines, including pathology, neuropathology, and hematopathology, making them an important component in IHC applications.

Based on the application, the global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) industry is bifurcated into cancer, diagnostics, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus, nephrological diseases, and research. The diagnostics segment holds the major market share. IHC tests are routinely used to diagnose a wide range of chronic ailments, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and renal disorders. The increased frequency of chronic diseases is projected to drive additional expansion in the diagnostics segment.

Furthermore, advances in IHC technology and an increasing emphasis on early detection are likely to drive an additional increase. As more healthcare institutions implement IHC testing, its importance in personalized treatment is projected to grow. The growing demand for accurate, efficient diagnostic instruments will fuel further expansion in the diagnostics application category.

Based on the end use, the global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is bifurcated into hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, research institutes, and others. The hospitals and diagnostic laboratories segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. The vast number of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests done in hospitals is what leads to this development. As the healthcare industry changes, the need for institutions with better diagnostic tools is expanding. Also, hospitals are investing capital into new, high-tech facilities since they need more accurate and quicker diagnostic services. This is expected to lead to even greater growth in this area. As diagnostic technology keeps becoming better, hospitals and diagnostic labs are likely to see more business.

Immunohistochemistry Market: Regional Analysis

Why does North America dominate the immunohistochemistry market over the projected period?

North America is expected to dominate the global immunohistochemistry market over the projected period. This substantial share of revenue is due to the presence of key companies in the market, the ease of obtaining IHC solutions, and the increasing adoption of new IHC devices. Also, the regular introduction of new IHC technologies into the market helps it flourish. Companies are working hard to grow their businesses, which helps the region stay on top of the worldwide market.

For instance, in May 2025, Foundation Medicine, Inc., a genomics company that wants to change how cancer is treated, said it had added MET IHC testing with the VENTANA® MET (SP44) RxDx assay to its immunohistochemistry (IHC) test offerings. This test is now available as an add-on to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) test orders for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Foundation Medicine's IHC tests work with its CGP tests by employing antibodies to find certain proteins in tissue samples. This helps doctors make better judgments about how to treat their patients.

Foundation Medicine's new MET (c-Met) IHC solution helps doctors find patients who can benefit from a first-in-class MET-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) for NSCLC patients with too much c-Met protein. About 25% of NSCLC cases have c-Met overexpression; therefore, this new drug is a good choice for people who can take it. Thus, this is expected to drive growth in the North American Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market: Competitive Analysis

The global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is dominated by players like:

• Merck KGaA
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Danaher Corporation
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Cell Signaling Technology Inc.
• PerkinElmer Inc.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.
• Bio SB
• Agilent Technologies Inc.
• ICON plc
• Charles River Laboratories
• HSRL Holdings LLC
• Bio SB
• Sino Biological Inc.
• Abcam Limited

The global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is segmented as follows:

By Product

• Antibodies
• Equipment
• Kits
• Reagents

By Application

• Cancer
• Diagnostics
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Infectious Diseases
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Nephrological Diseases
• Research

By End Use

• Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Research Institutes
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa