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Table Of Content
July 2025
The global hERG screening market size is calculated at USD 1.29 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach around USD 3.32 billion by 2034, accelerating at a CAGR of 11.10% from 2025 to 2034. The North America market size surpassed USD 452.40 million in 2024 and is expanding at a CAGR of 11.23% during the forecast period. The market sizing and forecasts are revenue-based (USD Million/Billion), with 2024 as the base year.
The global hERG screening market size accounted for USD 1.16 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.29 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 3.32 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 11.10% from 2025 to 2034. The rising development of innovative drug formulations is driving the global hERG screening market.
Artificial Intelligence is enhancing the capabilities of hERG screening technologies by enabling more accurate and high-speed predictions of hERG channel inhibitions. AI's role in analyzing vast datasets and detecting complex patterns enables more efficiency in the hERG screening technology. The growing emphasis on in silico modeling is driving the integration of AI with hERG screening services. Additionally, the ongoing FDA guidelines for AI credibility in drug submissions increased AI acceptance in the life science industry. Companies are focusing on adopting hybrid models to combine silico and in vivo approaches, making significant opportunities for AI entry in hERG screening research and development.
The U.S. hERG screening market size was exhibited at USD 316.68 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 924.54 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 11.31% from 2025 to 2034.
What Made North America the Dominant Region in the hERG Screening Market in 2024?
North America dominated the global hERG screening market by capturing the largest share in 2024. This is mainly due to its well-established research infrastructure and the presence of leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. North America has experienced rapid growth in drug development activities due to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and heart conditions. North America has been investing heavily in research & development, fueling research activities and the formulation of novel products. Stringent regulations like the FDA and EMA have mandated the use of hERG screening technologies in a critical step in drug approvals. Additionally, the ongoing emphasis on technological advancements is further adding to the market growth.
The U.S. is a major contributor to regional market growth due to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the country and demand for new drug formulation. The U.S. is a hub for advanced research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Robust innovations in R&D, focus on technological advancements, and growing integration of hERG screening technologies with broader safety pharmacology panels are driving the market.
Asia Pacific hERG Screening Market Trends
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, driven by the increasing number of cases of chronic heart conditions and inflammatory disorders. There is a strong focus on technological advancements and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML in drug discovery, which is likely to fuel the market growth. Additionally, the outsourcing of the drug discovery and development process by North American and European pharmaceutical companies is increasing the adoption of hERG screening technologies.
China is a major player in the market, contributing to growth due to the ongoing advances in pharmaceutical and research & development infrastructure. Government investments and funding for local research institutions are fostering the adoption of advanced technologies and services, including hERG screening.
India is emerging as a significant player due to its expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The increasing investments and funding for research & development, as well as collaboration between research institutions, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, are contributing to the market growth.
Europe hERG Screening Market Trends
Europe is expected to experience notable growth in the market, driven by its increased drug development activities and stringent regulatory requirements. Factors like increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and ongoing emphasis on technological advancements are further contributing to the market growth. Counties like Germany and the UK are leading the market due to the presence of some of the well-known pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and robust R&D infrastructure. Additionally, strict regulations regarding drug safety are driving the adoption of hERG screening technologies in drug development.
The hERG screening market refers to the global industry involved in testing drug candidates for their potential to block the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel. This ion channel, encoded by the KCNH2 gene, plays a crucial role in regulating cardiac repolarization. Inhibition of hERG channels by certain compounds can lead to QT interval prolongation and life-threatening arrhythmias such as Torsades de Pointes (TdP). Hence, hERG screening is a crucial component of preclinical cardiac safety pharmacology, mandated by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, EMA, and ICH (specifically under ICH S7B/E14 guidelines). The expanding research & development infrastructure, government support, investments in R&D activities, and companies' collaborative approaches for novel drug formulations and technological advancements are improving the efficiency and accuracy of the hERG screening process to treat rising heart disease.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 3.32 Billion |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 1.29 Billion |
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 1.16 Billion |
| Market Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 11.10% |
| Dominating Region | North America |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2034 |
| Segments Covered | Assay Type, Technology, Service Type, End User, Application, Scale of Operation, and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
Increased Number of Drug Candidates Entering Clinical Trials
The increased number of drug candidates entering clinical trials is the major factor driving the growth of the market. The need for the hERG screening process has been increasing to assess cardiac safety and potential cardiotoxic effects. The growing demand for cardiac safety assessments is driving the need for early-stage drug discovery to identify potential components that lead to adverse cardiac effects. The research initiatives have increased the adoption of hERG screening technologies for drug development to assess cardiac safety and meet regulatory requirements. The increased prevalence of heart disease has boosted the number of clinical trials, driving the expansion of hERG screening services.
High Cost
The high costs associated with installing and maintaining comprehensive screening equipment like automated patch-clamp systems are major challenges for the adoption of hERG screening technologies in smaller pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. This equipment is expensive, making it challenging for budget-limited companies. The products used in hERG screening, like precision recombinant hERG potassium ion channel members, are also expensive, making it difficult for the adopt and use of hERG screening products. Additionally, this system needs specialized expertise, further adding to the hERG screening cost.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements like high-throughput screening and automated patch assay techniques are enabling faster and more efficient hERG screening of components. The cutting-edge technologies, like automated patching, are offering more accurate results and reducing false negatives. These technologies are enabling better decision-making in drug development, enhancing productivity, and reducing costs. The increased adoption of automated patch clamp systems and high-throughput screening is becoming prior in various pharmaceutical companies. Companies are focusing on providing novel products and services, such as GLP-certified hERG screening services and automated hERG screening suites.
What Made Functional Assays the Dominant Segment in the hERG Screening Market in 2024?
The functional assays segment dominated the market in 2024. The dominance of functional assays stems from their crucial role in early-stage drug development and reducing late-stage attrition by cardiac toxicity. Functional assays assess the drug candidates on the hERG potassium channel. The hERG potassium channels are crucial for cardiac repolarization and arrhythmia prevention. The utilization of advanced functional assays that have been developed with automated patch-clamp technology has increased to enhance throughput and reduce costs.
Which Technology Dominate the hERG Screening Market in 2024?
The automated electrophysiology platforms segment dominated the market in 2024 due to their vital role in offering stable and high-quality recordings at physiological tempers, providing sophisticated alternatives for conventional manual path-clamp technologies. Automated electrophysiology platforms increase throughput and allow early identification of potential drug liabilities. Technological advancements like third-generation automated patch-clamp systems are offering a high success rate of hERG screening services, supporting segmental growth.
The high-throughput screening (HTS) segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period due to the high acceptance of HTS in drug development. It accelerates the identification of drug candidates and enhances drug discovery. High-throughput screening (HTS) technologies evaluate large compound libraries for potential hERG channel interactions. This technology enhances the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of hERG assays, which makes them more accessible and affordable.
Why Did the Outsourced Screening Services Lead the hERG Screening Market in 2024?
The outsourced screening services segment led the market in 2024 and is likely to sustain its growth trajectory in the coming years. This is mainly due to the increased need for outsourcing high-volume structure-activity screens in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Pharmaceutical companies are rapidly adopting outsourced screening services while integrating the expertise and specialized infrastructure of CROs for hERG screening. Leveraging outsourced screening services with contract research organizations (CROs) enables companies to reduce the cost of maintaining and purchasing advanced hERG screening technologies like automated patch-clamp systems.
The in-house screening segment is expected to expand at a notable growth rate throughout the forecast period due to the increasing demand for high-throughput screening and automated patch-clamp system technologies. Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in research and development, driving the need for in-house screening capabilities. The in-house screening allows pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to perform efficient and sophisticated drug safety testing, helping to reduce costs associated with expertise and equipment.
How Does the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Segment Dominate the hERG Screening Market?
The pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment dominated the market in 2024 due to increased adoption of hERG screening services among these companies. These companies integrated the hERG screening technologies into their drug development pipelines to assess the potential cardiotoxicity of new drug candidates. The pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies are investing in research & development activities, driving the need for comprehensive hERG screening technologies.
The contract research organizations (CROs) segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the upcoming period, driven by increased demand for outsourced screening services from pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies. Contract research organizations (CROs) provide capacity, specialized expertise, and affordable solutions for hERG screening. The increased need for outsourced hERG screening services is contributing to the segment's growth.
Why Did the Preclinical Safety & Toxicology Segment Dominate the hERG Screening Market in 2024?
The preclinical safety & toxicology segment dominated the market in 2024 due to the increased utilization of hERG screening technologies in the preclinical safety & toxicology process. The toxicology testing is essential in preclinical research, helping to assess candidate safety profiles and make better decisions. The hERG screening enables pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies to detect potential safety risks early and reduce adverse reaction risks.
The regulatory submission studies segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR over the projection period, driven by the increased demand for hERG screening services. These services play a crucial role in assessing cardiac safety and are mandated by several regulations, like the FDA and EMA. Regulatory strict guidelines on cardiotoxicity and growing pharmaceutical pipelines have increased the adoption of the hERG screening services. The adoption of the comprehensive in vitro proarrhythmia assay (CiPA) is high in regulatory submission studies.
How Does the Preclinical-Scale Screening Segment Dominate the hERG Screening Market in 2024?
The preclinical-scale screening segment dominated the market in 2024 due to the crucial role of hERG screening services in the early detection of potential cardiac risk in the drug development process. Pharmaceutical companies are prioritizing the use of the hERG channel in preclinical studies to reduce the risk of drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias, reduce failures, and delay later in drug development.
The high-throughput screening scale segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR in the market over the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to the increasing demand for affordable and rapid screening solutions. The high-throughput screening scale enables rapid assessment of large chemical libraries from biological targets and allows the primary screening process. Technological advancements like ultra-high-throughput screening (uHTS) scales are gaining traction for screening millions of components rapidly, supporting segmental growth.
By Assay Type
By Technology
By Service Type
By End User
By Application
By Scale of Operation
By Region
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