Baculovirus Expression System Market Size and Trends

The Baculovirus Expression System Market size is expected to reach US$ 660.7 Mn by 2030, from US$ 368.5 Mn in 2023, at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. A baculovirus expression system is a vector-based eukaryotic protein expression system that utilizes an engineered baculovirus to produce recombinant proteins in insect cells. This system provides high protein production yields and correct post-translational modifications for functional protein studies. The key advantages of this system includes high expression levels, proper protein folding and post-translational modifications, rapid generation of vectors, serum-free media capability, and safety.

Baculovirus Expression System Market Trends:

Transition to Serum-free Insect Cell Culture: Earlier insect cell cultures required animal-derived sera for growth and productivity. However, concerns with variability, contamination risks, and ethical issues are driving a shift towards serum-free media. Key players are developing chemically-defined, animal component-free media supporting high-density suspension cultures. Serum-free systems enable more consistent, scalable, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-compliant baculovirus protein expression. This represents a promising trend that is expected to continue gaining momentum. For instance, according to an article published in Frontiers journal ‘Genetic engineering of baculovirus-insect cell system to improve protein production’ in September 2022, as of now, 11 BEVS-derived products have been approved for use including four human vaccines [Cervarix against cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), Flublok and Flublok Quadrivalent against seasonal influenza, Nuvaxovid/Covovax against COVID-19], two human therapeutics [Provenge against prostate cancer and Glybera against hereditary lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD)] and five veterinary vaccines (Porcilis Pesti, BAYOVAC CSF E2, Circumvent PCV, Ingelvac CircoFLEX and Porcilis PCV). The BEVS has many advantages, including high safety, ease of operation, and adaptable for serum-free culture.
Automation and Single-use Technologies: Companies are incorporating automation and single-use technologies to improve process efficiencies, increase productivity, and reduce costs. Automated systems for cell culture seeding, infection, harvesting minimize manual labor and chances of contamination. Prefabricated, single-use bioreactors with advanced sensors enable continuous processing. Implementation of disposable technologies also minimizes validation between production batches. These trends are enhancing the versatility and adoption of baculovirus expression.