Optogenetics is a rapidly developing field that uses light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of specific cells in the brain and other organs. The market for optogenetics is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for innovative treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Several companies are investing in optogenetics, including Coherent, Inc., Scientifica, Thorlabs, Inc., Noldus Information Technology, and Gensight Biologics. The Optogenetics Market is also benefiting from advancements in gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, that enable the precise manipulation of genes in living organisms. In addition, increasing government funding for research in neuroscience and the development of new optogenetic tools and techniques are expected to drive the growth of the optogenetics market in the future.
Key Companies in the Optogenetics Industry:
1. Coherent, Inc.
Coherent, Inc. is an American company that was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. It is a leading provider of laser-based technologies, including ultrafast lasers, fiber lasers, diode lasers, and solid-state lasers, used in a variety of scientific and commercial applications, including optogenetics. Coherent operates in over 20 countries worldwide, including the United States, China, and Germany. In January 2022, Coherent announced the acquisition of Ondax, Inc., a company specializing in laser-based spectroscopy and optical filter technologies.
2. Thorlabs, Inc.
Thorlabs, Inc. is an American company that was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Newton, New Jersey. It is a leading provider of photonics products, including optics, lasers, imaging systems, and optogenetics tools. Thorlabs operates in over 10 countries worldwide, including the United States, Germany, and China. In March 2022, Thorlabs announced the acquisition of Brolis Semiconductors, a Lithuanian company specializing in mid-infrared laser technology.
3. Cobalt, Inc.
Cobalt, Inc. is an American company that was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of gene therapies and optogenetic tools for neurological disorders. Cobalt operates in the United States and Canada. In December 2021, Cobalt announced the completion of a $140 million Series C funding round, which will support the development of its gene therapies and optogenetic tools.
4. Scientifica
Scientifica is a British company that was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Uckfield, England. It is a leading provider of electrophysiology equipment, including micromanipulators, patch clamps, and optogenetics tools. Scientifica operates in over 40 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. In February 2022, Scientifica announced the launch of a new range of optogenetics tools, including a high-power LED light source and an improved fiber optic implant.
5. Laserglow Technologies
Laserglow Technologies is a Canadian company that was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It is a leading provider of laser-based products, including lasers for optogenetics, laser pointers, and laser engravers. Laserglow Technologies operates in over 50 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In October 2021, Laserglow Technologies announced the launch of a new line of green laser modules for optogenetics applications.
6. Regenxbio, Inc.
Regenxbio, Inc. is an American company that was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. It is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of gene therapies for genetic disorders, including optogenetic tools for ophthalmic diseases. Regenxbio operates in the United States and Europe. In January 2022, Regenxbio announced the completion of a $300 million public offering of common stock, which will support the development of its gene therapies and optogenetic tools.
7. Gensight
Gensight is a French biotechnology company that was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Paris, France. It specializes in the development of gene therapies for ophthalmic diseases, including optogenetic tools for vision restoration. Gensight operates in Europe and the United States. In April 2022, Gensight announced the initiation of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its optogenetic therapy for retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss.
8. Addgene
Addgene is an American non-profit organization that was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. It is a leading provider of plasmids, viral vectors, and other molecular biology tools for academic research, including optogenetic tools. Addgene serves over 100 countries worldwide, including the United States, China, and Germany. In November 2021, Addgene announced the launch of a new optogenetics collection, featuring a range of plasmids and viral vectors for light-controlled gene expression and cellular signaling.
9. UPenn Vector Core
UPenn Vector Core is an American core facility that was founded in 1993 and is headquartered at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It specializes in the production and distribution of viral vectors, including those used in optogenetics research. UPenn Vector Core serves academic and industry researchers worldwide. In January 2022, UPenn Vector Core announced the addition of new optogenetics tools to its product line, including a novel AAV vector for light-inducible gene expression.
10. Jackson Laboratories
Jackson Laboratories is an American non-profit organization that was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine. It is a leading provider of genetically engineered mice for biomedical research, including those used in optogenetics studies. Jackson Laboratories serves academic and industry researchers worldwide, with locations in the United States and China. In May 2022, Jackson Laboratories announced the launch of a new mouse model for optogenetics research, featuring enhanced light sensitivity in retinal ganglion cells.
Definition- Optogenetics is a technique that uses light to control the activity of specific cells in living tissue. It involves the use of genetically modified proteins called opsins to make cells responsive to light.
