FECAL CALPROTECTIN TEST MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Fecal Calprotectin Test Market Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis are becoming more common worldwide. These conditions often involve chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, making the fecal calprotectin test a valuable tool for diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. According to research conducted by Crohn’s and Colitis U.K. in 2022, it was observed that 1 in every 123 people in the UK have either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Non-invasive and convenient testing: The fecal calprotectin test offers a non-invasive alternative to invasive procedures like colonoscopies or endoscopies. It involves collecting a stool sample, which is more convenient and less uncomfortable for patients. The ease of testing encourages more individuals to undergo screening and monitoring, driving market growth.
• Adoption by healthcare providers: Healthcare providers, including gastroenterologists and primary care physicians, are increasingly recognizing the clinical utility of fecal calprotectin tests. They are incorporating these tests into their diagnostic algorithms and treatment plans, leading to a higher demand for the tests.

Fecal Calprotectin Test Market Opportunities

• Emerging markets: The adoption of fecal calprotectin tests is still relatively low in many emerging markets. As healthcare infrastructure improves and awareness of gastrointestinal disorders increases, there is a significant opportunity for market expansion in these regions. Manufacturers and suppliers can focus on penetrating these untapped markets by providing affordable and accessible testing options.
• Home-based testing kits: Introducing home-based testing kits for fecal calprotectin tests can empower patients to monitor their gastrointestinal health in the comfort of their homes. Home-based testing kits would offer convenience, privacy, and ease of use, enabling individuals to collect stool samples and send them to laboratories for analysis. This approach can encourage regular monitoring and compliance with treatment plans.
• Growing government initiatives for colorectal screening: As colorectal cancer is one of the most dangerous and lethal cancers that starts in the colon or in the rectum. The number of colorectal cancer cases is increasing, which has further resulted in the growing government initiatives taken for colorectal screening. For instance, in April 2023, Sysmex Egypt, a provider of a broad range of medical diagnostic products and solutions, launched an Egypt’s presidential initiative on screening programs. The company has been granted full management on the national colorectal cancer screening using fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) with the high-throughput SENTiFIT 270 and SENTiFIT 800 analyzers.

Fecal Calprotectin Test Market Restraints

• Limited reimbursement coverage: In some healthcare systems, the reimbursement coverage for fecal calprotectin tests may be limited or insufficient. This can hinder the widespread adoption of these tests, as healthcare providers and patients may face financial barriers. The lack of adequate reimbursement policies and inconsistent coverage can limit market growth and accessibility of fecal calprotectin tests.
• Variability in test results: Fecal calprotectin test results can exhibit variability due to factors such as sample collection and handling, laboratory techniques, and inter-laboratory variations. This variability can raise concerns about the reliability and consistency of test results. Efforts to standardize protocols, improve testing methodologies, and provide clear guidelines for sample collection and processing can help mitigate this restraint.
• Limited awareness and physician knowledge: While awareness of fecal calprotectin tests is growing, there may still be limited awareness among healthcare professionals, particularly in certain regions or medical specialties. Physicians who are not familiar with the test or its interpretation may be hesitant to order or rely on fecal calprotectin tests in their clinical practice. Increasing physician education and awareness programs can address this restraint and promote broader adoption of the test.