Global Molecular Diagnostics Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Growing Incidence of Cancer and Technological Advancements
The global molecular diagnostics market is estimated to be valued at USD 16.33 Bn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.2% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Factors, such as the rising prevalence of infectious diseases and genetic disorders worldwide, are propelling the growth of the market. Furthermore, ongoing technological advancements in molecular diagnostics like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) are enabling efficient disease diagnosis which was not possible earlier.
Market Dynamics:
The growth of the global molecular diagnostics market is driven by the growing incidence of cancer and increasing adoption of molecular diagnostic tests for disease screening. According to WHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Early detection can significantly improve the treatment outcomes and survival rates. Molecular diagnostic tests aid in accurate and early-stage cancer detection. Furthermore, the increasing application of molecular diagnostic techniques in personalized medicine is also fueling market growth. Personalized medicine helps doctors tailor treatment and prevention strategies based on an individual's genetic profile and molecular characteristics of disease.
Growing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases and Cancer
The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as the rising incidence of various cancers is a major growth driver for the molecular diagnostics market. Molecular diagnostic tests allow for early and accurate detection of these conditions, enabling timely treatment interventions that can improve patient outcomes. According to WHO, tuberculosis affected over 10 million people globally in 2018. Similarly, cancer burden has been increasing worldwide with about 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths in 2018. Demand for novel and innovative molecular diagnostics for screening, diagnosis, theranostics, and monitoring of such prevalent chronic and life-threatening diseases is expected to significantly drive the growth of this market.
Technological Advancements in Molecular Diagnostics
Constant innovations and technological advancements in molecular diagnostics are expanding their applications and driving increased adoption. Next-generation sequencing, lab-on-chip microfluidics, digital PCR and isothermal amplification techniques have improved test sensitivity, specificity, speed and automation. Portable and handheld diagnostic devices have enhanced point-of-care testing capabilities. Development of companion diagnostics has enabled personalized treatment decisions. Integration of AI and machine learning is improving data analysis and reporting. Adoption of such advanced molecular testing platforms is fueling market revenues as they offer significant advantages over traditional diagnostics. Furthermore, ongoing R&D investments by industry players to develop new molecular diagnostic solutions for unmet medical needs will contribute to the sustained market growth.
High Cost of Molecular Diagnostic Tests and Instruments
Molecular diagnostic tests and equipment often have a significantly higher cost compared to traditional diagnostic methods like microscopy, culture-based tests and ELISA. This high cost can limit widespread adoption, especially in price-sensitive developing regions. The high capital requirement for setting up modern molecular diagnostic laboratories with advanced instruments also poses challenges. Reimbursement policies often do not adequately cover the actual costs, reducing profit margins for manufacturers. This cost barrier needs to be addressed through various measures like development of low-cost tools, regulatory approvals, and favorable reimbursement frameworks to maximize market potential.
Shortage of Skilled Professionals
The successful implementation of molecular diagnostic technologies requires a specialized workforce with expertise in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and data analytics. However, there exists a significant shortage of trained medical technologists, genetic counselors, and bio-informaticians around the world. Training current professionals and attracting new talent requires major investments and institutional efforts. The lack of skilled human resources hinders optimal utilization of available molecular diagnostic instruments and protocols to derive patient care benefits. Governments and organizations must focus on building specialized training programs to overcome this human resource challenge faced by the industry.
Untapped Emerging Markets
Most of the current molecular diagnostics market dominance can be attributed to developed regions of North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific nations like China, Japan, and South Korea. However, emerging economies in Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa present significant growth opportunities due to their huge population base and increasing healthcare expenditures. Greater awareness, favorable regulations, public-private partnerships, and tailored low-cost solutions could help tap into these lucrative yet untapped emerging market opportunities.
Integration with Digital Health Tools
Pairing molecular diagnostic data with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing and digital healthcare platforms holds immense potential to transform disease management. Integrating genomic and molecular test reports with electronic health records, precision medicine databases, telehealth, and remote monitoring systems can power virtual clinical decision support, population health management, and outcome-based research. Leveraging such digital capabilities can help provide affordable, personalized, and predictive care on a wider scale through molecular medicine. Industry-academia collaborations must drive innovation in this integrated digital health domain.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/molecular-diagnostics-market-1545
Key Developments:
- On 05 August 2024, Baylor Genetics and Baylor College of Medicine have launched the Medical Genetics Multi-Omics Laboratory (MGML). Their first test, Whole Transcriptomic RNA Sequencing (WT RNAseq), identifies disease-causing genes in blood and skin cells that may be missed by other sequencing methods.
- On July 2024, MedGenome has acquired a stake in Odisha-based GenX Diagnostics to enhance its presence in East India. The partnership aims to improve healthcare services by combining diagnostic and genomic expertise. GenX Diagnostics, founded in 2017, operates seven diagnostic centers and 60 collection centers across Odisha.
- On July 2024, Illumina has acquired Fluent BioSciences, a company specializing in single-cell analysis technology, with the deal closing on June 9 and funded with cash on hand. The acquisition, including Fluent’s PIPseq V technology, will enhance Illumina’s single-cell analysis capabilities and integrate into its product portfolio. Illumina plans to build comprehensive solutions from Fluent's technology while continuing to support existing single-cell partnerships
- On July 2024, Roche has completed its acquisition of LumiraDx’s Point of Care technology, following all necessary regulatory approvals. Roche will now integrate LumiraDx’s multi-assay point of care platform and related operations into its global organization.
Key Player:
- Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Illumina, Inc., Hologic, Inc., Agilent Technologies Inc., Qiagen N.V., Myriad Genetics, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Abbott Laboratories, bioMérieux SA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Sysmex Corporation, Danaher Corporation (Beckman Coulter Inc.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Siemens Healthineers AG, Johnson & Johnson, Alere Inc., Cepheid, Gen-Probe Incorporated, and LabCorp (Monogram Biosciences), and Novartis AG
