In Vitro Lung Model Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (2D, 3D), By Application (Drug Screening, Toxicology, 3D Model Development, Basic Research, Physiologic Research, Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global In Vitro Lung Model Market was valued at USD 402.43 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 992.70 Million in the forecast period at a CAGR of 16.20% through 2030. In vitro lung models refer to experimental systems that aim to replicate aspects of the structure and function of the human lung in a laboratory setting outside of the living organism. These models are designed to simulate various aspects of lung physiology, pathology, and drug responses for research, drug development, and toxicological studies. In vitro, Latin for "in glass," indicates that these models are studied in controlled environments like cell culture dishes, microfluidic devices, or other laboratory apparatus. In vitro lung models often involve the use of various lung cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and sometimes stem cells. These cells are cultured and manipulated to recreate the cellular diversity found in the human lung. Traditional 2D cell cultures are being increasingly complemented or replaced by more sophisticated 3D culture systems and organoids. These models better mimic the three-dimensional architecture and cellular interactions of the human lung tissue, allowing for a more realistic representation of in vivo conditions. In the lung, the air-liquid interface is critical for proper cell differentiation and function. ALI cultures involve exposing the upper surface of the cell layer to air while maintaining the lower surface in contact with liquid media, closely resembling the physiological conditions in the airways and alveoli.

There is a growing emphasis on personalized medicine, which involves tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient characteristics, including genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and disease phenotype. In vitro lung models allow for the testing of patient-specific responses to drugs and therapies, facilitating the development of personalized treatment regimens for respiratory diseases. Technological advancements in tissue engineering, microfluidics, 3D cell culture, and organ-on-a-chip platforms have significantly enhanced the functionality and complexity of in vitro lung models. These technological innovations enable researchers to replicate the physiological characteristics of the human lung more accurately, leading to more reliable and clinically relevant experimental results. There is growing recognition of the limitations of traditional animal models for predicting human drug responses and toxicities. In vitro lung models offer a humane and ethically acceptable alternative to animal testing, reducing the need for experimental animals and providing more relevant data for human health risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.

Key Market Drivers

Advancements in Technology

Tissue engineering techniques allow researchers to create three-dimensional (3D) lung tissue constructs that more closely resemble the structure and function of the human lung compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems. Recent advancements in coculture conditions involving mesenchymal cells and various extracellular matrix (ECM) components have enhanced the appeal of these systems as models for studying the complex interactions between cell types in chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, ILD, and cystic fibrosis. These advancements also make it feasible to generate models from individuals with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, incorporating elements of the diseased lung microenvironment, including the microbiota and multiple strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Such models could provide valuable insights into how these factors influence a patient’s response to specific drug therapies, potentially transforming treatment strategies. Tissue-engineered lung models incorporate multiple cell types, extracellular matrix components, and spatial organization to mimic the physiological complexity of the lung tissue.

Microfluidic devices and organ-on-a-chip platforms enable the precise control of fluid flow, nutrient delivery, and cellular microenvironments within in vitro lung models. These miniaturized systems replicate key aspects of organ physiology, such as breathing motions, vascular perfusion, and air-liquid interfaces, allowing for more physiologically relevant studies of lung biology, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. 3D bioprinting technology allows for the fabrication of complex 3D tissue structures with spatial control over cell placement, matrix composition, and architecture. Bio printed lung models can replicate the intricate alveolar structures, airway branching patterns, and vascular networks of the human lung, providing researchers with customizable platforms for studying lung development, disease pathology, and drug screening. Advanced in vitro lung models incorporate multiple cell types found in the human lung, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and stem cells. By recapitulating the cellular diversity and interactions present in vivo, these models enable researchers to study complex biological processes, such as inflammation, fibrosis, and immune responses, in a controlled laboratory setting.

Automation, robotics, and high-content imaging technologies have facilitated the implementation of high-throughput screening assays using in vitro lung models. HTS platforms allow for the rapid screening of large compound libraries to identify potential drug candidates, assess drug toxicity, and prioritize lead compounds for further preclinical evaluation, accelerating the drug discovery process. Integration of lung models with other organ systems, such as the liver, heart, kidney, and intestine, enables the study of organ-organ interactions, systemic drug effects, and disease pathogenesis in a more holistic context. Multi-organ systems, also known as body-on-a-chip or human-on-a-chip platforms, provide researchers with valuable insights into drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity in physiologically relevant settings. Advances in imaging modalities, including confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, and live-cell imaging, enable real-time visualization and analysis of cellular dynamics, molecular signaling, and tissue morphology within in vitro lung models. These imaging techniques allow researchers to track cell behavior, monitor drug responses, and quantify biomarker expressions with high spatial and temporal resolution. This factor will help in the development of the Global In Vitro Lung Model Market.

Growing Shift Towards Personalized Medicine

In vitro lung models provide a platform for studying the underlying mechanisms of respiratory diseases at the cellular and molecular levels. By using patient-derived cells, researchers can create personalized lung models that mimic the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of individual patients. A recent study published in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis by Don Ingber and his team at the Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering introduced the CF airway chip—an innovative in vitro model created using patient-derived cells. This chip replicates the key pathological features of cystic fibrosis, providing researchers with a valuable tool to enhance the understanding of CF pathogenesis and facilitate the screening of more effective drug treatments for patients with varying genetic profiles and comorbid conditions. These personalized models allow for the investigation of disease mechanisms, drug responses, and treatment outcomes in a patient-specific context, facilitating the development of targeted therapies tailored to individual patients. In vitro lung models enable researchers to screen potential drug candidates and assess their efficacy and safety profiles in a more personalized manner. By using patient-specific cells and disease models, researchers can identify drugs that are most effective for specific patient populations or genetic subtypes of respiratory diseases. This precision drug screening approach accelerates the drug development process by prioritizing lead compounds with the highest likelihood of clinical success while minimizing the risk of adverse effects in non-responsive patient populations.

Recent advancements in precision medicine for cystic fibrosis (CF) have been driven by the optimization of protocols and the development of novel assays using human bronchial, nasal, and rectal tissues. This progress has been further supported by the shift from two-dimensional monocultures to more sophisticated three-dimensional culture platforms. These advanced models offer the potential to predict clinical efficacy and individual responsiveness to CFTR modulator therapies. In parallel, cutting-edge systems, such as induced pluripotent stem cells and organ-on-a-chip technologies, are being developed to more accurately replicate human physiology for disease modeling and drug testing. In vitro lung models play a crucial role in identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with respiratory diseases. By studying the molecular pathways and cellular interactions underlying disease pathogenesis, researchers can identify biomarkers that correlate with disease severity, progression, and treatment response. These biomarkers serve as valuable diagnostic tools for patient stratification, prognostication, and monitoring of disease progression, guiding the selection of personalized treatment strategies and therapeutic interventions. In vitro lung models facilitate the study of pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variations influence drug responses and treatment outcomes in individual patients. 

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Key Market Challenges

Complexity of Lung Physiology

The human lung is composed of multiple cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and stem cells, organized in a highly structured and interconnected manner. Replicating this multicellular architecture in vitro requires the development of sophisticated model systems that incorporate multiple cell types and mimic the spatial organization and cellular interactions present in the native lung tissue. Lung tissue exhibits heterogeneity in terms of cell composition, tissue organization, and functional specialization across different regions and anatomical compartments. In vitro lung models must capture this heterogeneity by recapitulating the diverse cell populations, extracellular matrix components, and physiological gradients present in specific lung regions, such as the alveoli, airways, and blood vessels.

The lung is subjected to dynamic mechanical forces, including breathing movements, airway dilation, and vascular perfusion, which influence cellular behavior, tissue mechanics, and biochemical signaling. In vitro lung models must incorporate mechanical stimuli and physiological cues to simulate the mechanical properties and dynamic microenvironment of the lung tissue, thereby promoting cell differentiation, tissue morphogenesis, and functional maturation. The air-liquid interface is a critical feature of lung physiology that regulates gas exchange, mucociliary clearance, and immune defense mechanisms in the respiratory tract. In vitro lung models must establish and maintain an air-liquid interface to support the differentiation and function of airway epithelial cells, alveolar type I and type II cells and other specialized cell types involved in gas exchange and lung function. The lung serves as a primary interface between the host and the environment, making it susceptible to microbial infections, environmental toxins, and airborne particulate matter. In vitro lung models must recapitulate host-pathogen interactions, inflammatory responses, and immune cell recruitment in response to microbial pathogens, allergens, and environmental pollutants, allowing researchers to study disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic interventions.

Limited Predictive Capacity

The human lung is a highly complex organ with intricate cellular interactions, dynamic mechanical forces, and physiological gradients that are difficult to replicate in vitro. In vitro lung models often lack the full spectrum of structural and functional features present in the native lung tissue, leading to limitations in their predictive capacity for studying disease mechanisms, drug responses, and toxicological effects. Many in vitro lung models rely on simplified model systems, such as 2D cell cultures or monoculture models, which may not fully capture the complexity of the lung microenvironment. These models may fail to reproduce important aspects of lung physiology, such as multicellular interactions, tissue architecture, and physiological gradients, resulting in discrepancies between in vitro data and clinical outcomes. In vitro lung models often use immortalized cell lines or primary cells isolated from healthy donors, which may not fully represent the cellular heterogeneity and disease-specific characteristics observed in patient populations. Variability in cell sources, culture conditions, and experimental protocols can affect the reproducibility and reliability of experimental results, limiting the predictive capacity of in vitro lung models for personalized medicine and clinical translation.

In vitro lung models rely on surrogate endpoints and functional assays to assess drug efficacy, toxicity, and safety profiles. However, these endpoints may not always correlate with clinical outcomes or accurately predict drug responses in humans. The lack of standardized assays validated biomarkers, and clinically relevant endpoints poses challenges for interpreting in vitro data and translating preclinical findings into clinical practice. In vitro studies conducted in different laboratories or under different experimental conditions may yield inconsistent or conflicting results due to variability in cell culture techniques, reagent formulations, and assay protocols. Inter-laboratory variability and lack of standardization in experimental procedures hinder the reproducibility and reliability of in vitro lung models, limiting their predictive capacity and hindering their acceptance as preclinical testing tools.

Key Market Trends

Rising Focus on Environmental Toxicology

There is growing awareness of the adverse effects of environmental pollutants, airborne toxins, and occupational hazards on human health, particularly respiratory health. The Department of Environmental Toxicology (ENTX) offers faculty and graduate students opportunities for multidisciplinary research and academic collaboration in the fields of environmental, forensic, and human health sciences. The faculty in Environmental Toxicology attract graduate students at both the master’s and doctoral levels, drawing from a diverse range of backgrounds including biological sciences, medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, law, mathematics, pharmacology, physiology, and wildlife biology. Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and combustion byproducts, can contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), require comprehensive risk assessments and toxicity testing of chemical substances and environmental contaminants to protect public health and the environment. In vitro lung models provide valuable tools for evaluating the toxicological effects of environmental pollutants, assessing exposure risks, and informing regulatory decision-making.  

In vitro lung models offer alternatives to traditional animal testing methods for assessing the toxicity of chemical substances and environmental contaminants. These models allow researchers to study the mechanisms of toxicity, identify sensitive endpoints, and evaluate dose-response relationships in a controlled laboratory setting, reducing the need for animal experimentation and providing more relevant data for human health risk assessment. In vitro lung models can be adapted for high-throughput screening (HTS) applications to evaluate the toxicity of large numbers of chemical compounds and environmental samples. HTS platforms enable researchers to rapidly screen potential toxicants, identify structure-activity relationships, and prioritize chemicals for further testing based on their potential to induce adverse effects on lung cells, tissues, and organ systems. In vitro lung models provide mechanistic insights into the cellular and molecular pathways underlying the toxicological effects of environmental pollutants. Researchers can use in vitro models to study the mode of action of toxicants, elucidate key molecular targets, and identify biomarkers of exposure and toxicity associated with respiratory diseases and lung injury.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on Type, 3D segment is projected to experience significant growth in the Global In Vitro Lung Model Market during the forecast period. 3D in vitro lung models more closely mimic the three-dimensional architecture and cellular microenvironment of the human lung compared to traditional 2D cell culture systems. By incorporating multiple cell types, extracellular matrix components, and spatial organization, 3D models better recapitulate the physiological complexity and functionality of the lung tissue, enabling more accurate disease modeling, drug screening, and toxicity testing. 3D in vitro lung models offer improved predictive accuracy for assessing drug efficacy, toxicity, and safety compared to conventional 2D monolayer cultures. The multicellular structure and physiological gradients present in 3D models better replicate in vivo conditions, leading to more reliable and translatable experimental results.

Pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and academic researchers are increasingly recognizing the value of 3D models for preclinical drug development and regulatory decision-making. 3D in vitro lung models have broad applications in respiratory disease research, including the study of pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19. These models allow researchers to investigate disease mechanisms, identify novel therapeutic targets, and evaluate the efficacy of candidate drugs in a physiologically relevant context. The ability to model patient-specific lung diseases using 3D cultures holds promise for advancing precision medicine approaches and developing targeted therapies tailored to individual patients.

Application Insights

Based on Application, Stem Cell Research segment is dominating the Global In Vitro Lung Model Market during the forecast period. Stem cells, particularly pluripotent stem cells (such as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can differentiate into various cell types, including lung epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts. This capability makes them valuable tools for generating complex in vitro lung models that closely mimic the structure and function of the human lung. Researchers are leveraging stem cell technology to develop 3D organoids, lung-on-a-chip systems, and co-culture models for studying lung development, disease pathology, and drug responses. Stem cell-derived lung models offer unique opportunities for disease modeling and drug discovery in respiratory medicine. Researchers can use patient-specific iPSCs to generate lung cells that carry disease-causing genetic mutations, allowing them to study disease mechanisms and test potential therapeutics in a personalized manner. Stem cell-based lung models enable the screening of candidate drugs for efficacy, toxicity, and side effects, leading to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates for respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer.

Stem cell-based in vitro lung models can be adapted for high-throughput screening (HTS) applications, enabling the rapid and cost-effective evaluation of large compound libraries for drug discovery and toxicology studies. Advances in automation, microfluidics, and imaging technologies facilitate the screening of thousands of compounds simultaneously, accelerating the drug discovery process and reducing the need for animal testing. Stem cells play a crucial role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches aimed at repairing and replacing damaged lung tissue. Researchers are exploring the use of stem cell-derived lung cells and biomaterial scaffolds to engineer functional lung tissue constructs for transplantation and disease modeling purposes. Stem cell-based therapies hold promise for treating lung diseases characterized by tissue damage and fibrosis, offering potential regenerative solutions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, North America emerged as the dominant region in the Global In Vitro Lung Model Market in 2024. North America, particularly the United States, boasts a robust infrastructure for biomedical research and development. The region is home to leading academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies that are at the forefront of in vitro lung modeling research. These institutions have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and skilled researchers, enabling them to innovate and advance the field. North America has been a hub for technological innovation in in vitro modeling, including lung models.

Researchers and companies in the region have made significant advancements in tissue engineering, microfluidics, 3D cell culture, and organ-on-a-chip technologies, which have enhanced the complexity and functionality of in vitro lung models. These innovations have contributed to North America's leadership position in the development and commercialization of advanced in vitro lung models. Collaboration among academia, industry, and government agencies has been instrumental in driving progress in the field of in vitro lung modeling in North America. Public-private partnerships, research consortia, and collaborative initiatives facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and resource mobilization, accelerating the development and adoption of innovative in vitro models for drug discovery, toxicology, and disease modeling.

Recent Development

• In May 2023, the lung team at Newcells Biotech developed a Small Airway Epithelial Cell model and an FMT-assay. These cellular lung models offer significant potential across various applications, including fundamental research and drug screening for small airway diseases and fibrosis. They also provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind these conditions, enabling the development of new therapeutic strategies and the evaluation of potential cellular toxicity. Fibroblast activation and matrix protein deposition are key characteristics of fibrotic diseases. The FMT-assay allows for the quantification of these responses within short timeframes, supporting clients in the development of anti-fibrotic compounds. Additionally, our automated cell imaging system enables high-throughput assay processing, allowing for rapid screening of multiple compounds in a cost-effective manner.
• In November 2023, researchers from Zhejiang University successfully created biomimetic alveoli outside the human body that can replicate human breathing. Drawing inspiration from paper cutting, the research team developed an innovative biomimetic controllable strain membrane (BCSM) to mimic the alveolar basement membrane. This breakthrough enabled the creation of an air-blood barrier and facilitated biomimetic respiration, advancing research into cellular mechanisms and drug screening.
• In October 2023, Dr. Abigail Martin and Professor Victoria Hutter, the scientists behind a 3D human lung model designed to evaluate the safety of new drugs without animal testing, secured a USD 2.06 million investment to expand their operations. The funding was provided by the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, managed by Mercia Ventures and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), along with backing from Mercia’s EIS funds and Pioneer Group. This investment will support ImmuONE, their company, in relocating to new headquarters in Milton Keynes and establishing new laboratories in Stevenage to accommodate growing demand. ImmuONE offers a solution for companies developing products such as drugs, chemicals, or cosmetics, helping them meet legal safety requirements for inhalation without relying on animal models, which are often inaccurate in predicting human responses. Unlike current methods that involve invasive lung scraping for human cells or rely on limited human in vitro tools, ImmuONE provides a more accurate and non-invasive alternative to assess inflammation in the airways.
• In August 2024, a research team led by Professor Sungjune Jung and PhD student Yunji Lee from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH, in collaboration with Dr. Meehyein Kim and Dr. Myoung Kyu Lee from the Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), successfully developed artificial lungs. These artificial lungs are designed to study infections and test drugs for respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Their findings were published in the online edition of *Biomaterials*, a leading international journal in the field of biomaterials. The drug development process typically takes 10 to 15 years and exceeds 1 trillion won in costs. This lengthy and costly process is largely attributed to current research platforms, such as 2D cell cultures and animal testing, which often fail to replicate the in vivo environment accurately. To reduce both development time and costs, as well as to improve success rates, models that more closely resemble the human body are essential.

Key Market Players

• Epithelix Sarl
• Mattek Corp.
• Lonza Group AG
• Emulate Inc.
• AlveoliX AG
• Nortis Inc.
• CN Bio Innovations Ltd.
• Mimetas BV
• InSphero AG
• ATTC Global

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global In Vitro Lung Model Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• In Vitro Lung Model Market, By Type:

o   2D

o   3D

• In Vitro Lung Model Market, By Application:

o   Drug Screening

o   Toxicology

o   3D Model Development

o   Basic Research

o   Physiologic Research

o   Stem Cell Research

o   Regenerative Medicine

• In Vitro Lung Model Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  France

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global In Vitro Lung Model Market.

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Global In Vitro Lung Model market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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