According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the global protein expression market is experiencing significant growth, with its size estimated at USD 3,184.8 million in 2023 and projected to reach USD 7,774.8 million by 2030, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% between 2024 and 2030.
This growth is primarily driven by the increasing importance of protein-based therapeutics and the substantial investments by biopharmaceutical companies in research and development (R&D). The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the necessity of understanding gene expression in patients to comprehend disease pathogenesis and genetic factors.
Key Insights
Rising Interest in Protein Biologics
Biologics, such as vaccines, blood components, and therapeutic proteins, are pivotal in treating chronic conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and heart diseases. In 2021, the FDA approved 50 new drugs, 14 of which were biologics, including hormones, monoclonal antibodies, pegylated proteins, and enzymes, all requiring protein translation. Additionally, treatments like sotrovimab and tocilizumab received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 prophylaxis, highlighting the growing number of biologics under development and driving demand for protein expression consumables, instruments, and reagents.
Emergence of Microfluidics Technology
The advent of microfluidics, which involves manipulating fluids at the microscale, presents new opportunities in protein expression. Microfluidic devices enable the precise control of small fluid volumes, essential for protein expression processes. These devices allow for the fabrication of miniature channels and chambers where proteins can be expressed, facilitating rapid screening of numerous health conditions. Recent studies indicate that Droplet-Based Microfluidics (DBM) is effective in developing cell factories capable of producing and releasing foreign proteins. At the single-cell level, Microfluidic Antibody Capture tools are being utilized to measure both protein translation and phosphorylation. This technology has the potential to revolutionize protein manufacturing, making it faster and more cost-effective.
Dominance of Therapeutic Applications
In 2023, the therapeutic application segment leads the protein expression market and is expected to maintain its dominance in the coming years. Protein therapeutics offer several advantages over traditional medicines, including better target specificity, high efficacy, and a lower risk of adverse effects. They can also be used for protein replacement therapies in cases of protein deficiencies. The strong interest of companies in developing protein-based therapeutics is a major driver for this segment, as these drugs often have shorter approval periods and stronger patent protection.
Prokaryotic Expression Systems Leading the Market
Based on the expression system, the prokaryotic category holds the largest market share. The primary advantage of prokaryotic systems is their ability to produce substantial amounts of recombinant protein quickly and cost-effectively. However, the mammalian expression systems category is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR in the coming years due to their capability to produce proteins transiently or in fully formed cell lines, making them preferable for vaccine development.
Reagents as Leading Offering
In 2023, reagents account for the largest share based on offering. Reagents are essential in significant volumes for proper protein folding and conformation during expression. The increasing demand for protein expression in proteomics and genomics research, along with the booming biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, drives the market in this category. Additionally, the demand for reagents is growing among companies that produce antibodies, to whom pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical businesses are increasingly outsourcing protein expression and production.
The protein expression market's robust growth trajectory is fueled by advancements in biologics, emerging technologies like microfluidics, and the expanding applications of protein therapeutics. As research and development efforts intensify, the industry is poised for continued innovation and expansion in the coming years.
Comments