Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can form complex secondary and tertiary structures and bind to targets with high selectivity and affinity. They bind specifically to cell-surface proteins and have therapeutic potential as clinical diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Aptamers can recognize targets ranging from small molecules and peptides to proteins and complex multi-protein structures. They are isolated through an in vitro selection process called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX). Key application areas of aptamers include diagnostics, therapeutics, research & developments and other industrial applications. The high specificity and affinity of aptamers enable their use in molecular recognition, targeted drug delivery, and in vitro and in vivo imaging. Owing to their non-immunogenic nature and versatility, aptamers are expected to emerge as an alternative to antibodies.
The global aptamers market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6265.49 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and growth in healthcare R&D spending are some of the major drivers expected to boost the growth of the global aptamers market over the forecast period. As per Cancer Research UK, globally around 17 million new cancer cases were recorded in 2020 which is projected to grow by nearly 50% to 29.5 million new cases by 2040. With the rising cancer burden, demand for targeted therapeutics and precision medicine will significantly drive the aptamers market. Furthermore, aptamers being non-immunogenic, stable under physiological conditions, and having high binding affinities present lucrative opportunities for application in clinical research and development. Some of the ongoing clinical trials using aptamers for treatment of macular degeneration, blood clotting, cancer, and inflammatory disease indicate a positive outlook. Also, growing collaborations between research institutes and pharmaceutical companies for development of novel aptamers further augur well for market growth over the forecast period. However, high development costs and therapeutic efficiency challenges may hamper market growth to some extent.
Segment Analysis
The global aptamers market is segmented by type into DNA-based aptamers, RNA-based aptamers and XNA-based aptamers. Among these, DNA-based aptamers segment dominates the market currently due to its high affinity as compared to RNA-based or XNA-based aptamers. DNA aptamers are chemically more stable and are able to withstand extreme temperature and pH conditions.
PEST Analysis
Political: Government initiatives regarding healthcare reforms and increasing healthcare expenditure globally supports market growth.
Economic: Increasing R&D expenditure by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies aids market expansion.
Social: Growing applications of aptamers in therapeutics, diagnostics and other industrial sectors drives the demand.
Technological: Advancements in SELEX technology helps in development of novel aptamers with better specificity and affinity.
Key Takeaways
The Global Aptamers Market Size is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2023 to 2030 supported by increasing applications of aptamers in therapeutics, diagnostics and other industrial areas. The global aptamers market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6265.49 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.
Regionally, North America is anticipated to dominate the market over the coming years supported by strong government funding and presence of key players.
Key players operating in the aptamers market are ContiTech Australia Pty. Ltd., Endless Belt Service Pty Ltd., Fenner Dunlop Australia Pty Ltd, Flexible Steel Lacing Company (Flexco), Kinder Australia Pty Ltd., Mato GmbH & Co. KG., Minprovise Pty Ltd, Nepean Engineering & Innovation Pty Ltd., Reliable Conveyor Belt Pty. Ltd., Rema Tip Top Australia, Forbo Siegling PTY. Ltd., and others. Key players are focusing on strategic collaborations, partnerships and new product launches to gain competitive edge in the market.
