Fetal Bovine Serum Market - Forecast(2025 - 2031)

Fetal Bovine Serum Market Overview:

The Fetal Bovine Serum Market size is estimated to reach $X Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is a nutrient-rich blood product derived from bovine fetuses, widely used as a supplement in cell culture media for research and biopharmaceutical applications, playing a crucial role in producing vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and supporting studies in regenerative medicine and genetic research across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. The growth of the FBS market is primarily driven by increasing demand from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, where FBS is essential for research in drug development, stem cell research, and vaccine production. The rise in non-invasive diagnostic methods and the increasing application of cell culture technologies across industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and cosmetics further propel the market. Additionally, the ongoing advancements in personalized medicine and regenerative therapies are creating significant opportunities for FBS in the field of medical research and therapeutics. Furthermore, the growing need for advanced cell-based therapies and tissue engineering, along with increased research into infectious diseases, has further boosted the demand for high-quality FBS, ensuring its continued prominence in scientific applications.

Technological innovations in serum production are significantly shaping the market, as advancements in automation and cell culture technology improve the efficiency and scalability of serum-based applications. One notable example of these innovations is the collaboration announced in May 2024 between Multiply Labs and Wilson Wolf focuses on the automation of Wilson Wolf’s G-Rex bioreactors, which are used in cell-based therapies. This partnership aims to streamline the manufacturing process, increase production efficiency, and reduce costs associated with the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell culture. Additionally, the growth of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) is driving significant demand for fetal bovine serum (FBS), as these organizations play a crucial role in the research and development of new drugs, therapies, and biopharmaceuticals. CROs provide essential services such as preclinical testing, clinical trial management, and laboratory research, all of which often rely on cell culture techniques that use FBS for growing cells in laboratory settings.A notable example of this trend is the September 2024 collaboration between Ori and Charles River Laboratories, an influential contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) aiming to showcase the benefits of its automated cell therapy platform, which has the potential to revolutionize the production of cell-based therapies. This partnership emphasizes the importance of technological innovation in cell culture and manufacturing processes, further increasing the reliance on high-quality cell culture media, including FBS, for growing cells efficiently.

Market Snapshot: 

Fetal Bovine Serum Market- Report Coverage:

The “Fetal Bovine Serum Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Fetal Bovine Serum Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

During Covid-19, the FBS market showed resilience as the demand for FBS increased especially in vaccine development and diagnostics. The growing focus on vaccine research and drug development during COVID-19 led to a higher demand for FBS in laboratory applications boosting the market's recovery. Furthermore, the pandemic highlighted the importance of advanced cell culture techniques and regenerative medicine, leading to renewed interest in FBS as a key component in these sectors. 

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had a notable impact on the Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) market, primarily through disruptions in global supply chains. As both countries are important players in livestock production, the conflict led to challenges in sourcing livestock used in FBS production. The war exacerbated shortages and delays in the availability of FBS, particularly in regions dependent on European and Russian exports. Furthermore, the economic sanctions and political instability added uncertainty to trade relationships, making it difficult for suppliers to meet the growing demand for FBS in research and pharmaceutical applications.

Key Takeaways:

•   North America is Leading the Market:

North America accounted for the largest market share in 2023, driven by the region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, significant biopharmaceutical investments, and strong regulatory support for innovative medical therapies. The United States, in particular, has been a major contributor to this growth, with regulatory approvals and advancements in stem cell-based therapies, among other factors, fostering an expanding demand for fetal bovine serum (FBS) in research and production. In November 2024, StemCyte Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of StemCyte International Ltd., received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Biologics License Application (BLA) for REGENECYTE, a vital cord blood stem cell therapy for patients with blood and immune system disorders. This approval marks StemCyte as the 15th company to receive BLA approval in 2024 and the first U.S.-based biotech company to secure a biologics license for cord blood stem cell therapy, further showcasing the region’s leadership in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Additionally, in November 2024, the FDA approved obecabtagene autoleucel (Aucatzyl) for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This approval marks the first indication for obe-cel, a CAR T-cell therapy, underscoring the growing role of stem cell-based treatments in addressing complex cancers. As these approvals illustrate, North America continues to drive the development and application of stem cell therapies, which in turn is fueling the demand for high-quality cell culture products like FBS, consolidating the region’s dominance in the market.

•    Cell Culture is Leading the Market

Cell culture is leading the market for fetal bovine serum (FBS) due to its critical role in the production of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and various therapeutic products. Cell culture techniques are essential for culturing mammalian cells, which are used to produce proteins, antibodies, and other biologics. As biopharmaceutical companies expand their research and manufacturing capabilities, the demand for FBS in cell culture applications continues to rise. For instance, in March 2024, Novartis announced a significant investment of $272 million at its locations in Kundl and Schaftenau, Austria, to advance the continuous supply of biopharmaceuticals. This investment aligns with the company’s strategy of expanding its cell culture technology to enhance the production of biologics. Such initiatives highlight the growing reliance on cell culture techniques and the essential role FBS plays in providing the necessary nutrients for cell growth and protein production in biopharmaceuticals. Similarly, in July 2024, Merck launched its first Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant manufacturing line for cell culture media (CCM) in China, with an investment of approximately €6.6 million at its Life Science Center in Nantong. This facility is designed to support the growing demand for high-quality cell culture media in the Asia-Pacific region. Merck's investment further emphasizes the increasing importance of cell culture technologies in the production of biologics, driving the demand for FBS in research and commercial manufacturing. 

•    Biopharmaceutical Companies to Register the Fastest Growth

Biopharmaceutical companies are expected to register the fastest growth in the fetal bovine serum (FBS) market, driven by the increasing demand for cell culture media in drug development and production. The growing biopharmaceutical sector relies heavily on FBS to culture cells used in the production of vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and other biologic drugs. In April 2024, FUJIFILM announced plans for a $1.2 billion investment in a major U.S. manufacturing facility. The proposed additions to the cell culture manufacturing facility are set to make the site one of the largest cell culture biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) facilities in North America. This new investment at the Holly Springs facility will include the addition of 8 x 20,000 L mammalian cell culture bioreactors by 2028, further expanding production capabilities for bulk drug substances. As biopharmaceutical companies continue to scale up production to meet global demand for biologic drugs, the need for high-quality FBS is expected to grow, fueling market expansion. This growing investment in cell culture technologies highlights the critical role FBS plays in supporting the development of life-saving medications and therapeutics.

•    Growing Use in Vaccine Development and Research to Boost the Market

FBS provides essential nutrients and growth factors for culturing cells used in vaccine production, making it an indispensable component in the development of vaccines for infectious diseases. As global health priorities evolve, the demand for FBS in vaccine research is increasing, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases and global pandemics.In November 2024, a World Health Organization (WHO) study identified 17 priority pathogens for vaccine development, signaling a global effort to assess pathogens based on regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance risk, and socioeconomic impact. This includes long-standing priorities such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB), which together lead to 2.5 million deaths annually. The identification of these pathogens underscores the ongoing need for vaccine development, where FBS plays a crucial role in culturing the necessary cells for research and vaccine production.Additionally, in July 2024, Brazil’s Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz became the latest partner in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) network of vaccine manufacturers in the Global South. This partnership aims to enhance vaccine production capacity, particularly in response to emerging infectious diseases and future pandemic threats. By increasing vaccine production capabilities in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz will contribute to more equitable and rapid responses to global health crises, further increasing the demand for FBS in vaccine development. These efforts highlight the critical role of FBS in supporting the global vaccine manufacturing infrastructure and the ongoing need for quality serum in the face of public health challenges.

•    Ethical Concerns and Animal Welfare Issues to Hamper the Market

Ethical concerns and animal welfare issues present a significant challenge in the fetal bovine serum (FBS) market. FBS is derived from the blood of unborn calves, typically collected during slaughter, raising concerns about the treatment of animals involved in the production process. These ethical dilemmas have led to growing scrutiny from animal rights organizations and the general public, questioning the sustainability and morality of using animal-derived products in research and biotechnology. For example, a major concern is the practice of collecting FBS from pregnant cows, which often involves the slaughter of the mother and the unborn calf. This process raises significant animal welfare concerns, particularly regarding the conditions under which the cows are raised and the ethical implications of using fetal blood for commercial purposes. Organizations like PETA and The Humane Society have consistently raised objections to the practice, calling for alternatives to FBS that do not involve animal harm. These challenges are pushing the industry toward innovation, with researchers and companies aiming to find viable solutions that do not compromise the progress of medical research while promoting animal welfare and sustainability.

Key Market Players: 

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Fetal Bovine Serum Market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:
1.    Corning Incorporated
2.    Merck KGaA 
3.    Cytiva
4.    Takara Bio Inc.
5.    Thermo Fisher Scientific 
6.    Bovogen Biologicals Pvt Ltd
7.    PAN-Biotech
8.    HiMedia Laboratories 
9.    Capricorn Scientific 
10.    Nucleus Biologics LLC

Scope of the Report: