23 Jul, 2026
According to Straits Research, the global protein assays market size was valued at $2.17 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $2.42 billion in 2026 to $5.71 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 11.34% during the forecast period 2026–2034.
Proteins are one of the four essential macromolecules for life. Protein assays can be used as an initial protein capture step prior to structural analysis, as a preliminary step before further protein manipulation in the research and development process, or as the final stage of detection in a clinical laboratory as part of a diagnostic technique. There are various types of protein assays and variations on the principal techniques. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, major biological supply companies typically publish in-depth guides outlining the particulars of each protein assay.
The rising incidence of chronic and infectious illnesses, including cancer, influenza, HIV, and tuberculosis, is expected to lead to a higher need for the development of novel medications. This will stimulate protein identification and interpretation research, ultimately driving the protein assay market. A WHO report from April 2021 stated that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 71%, or 41 million deaths annually. Similarly, GLOBOCAN 2020 estimated 19,292,789 newly diagnosed cancer cases and 9,958,133 cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020. Thus, the surging prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases contributes to expanding the market for protein assays.
In recent years, virtually all laboratories conducting protein research have developed and adopted several new techniques. For instance, in November 2020, NanoString Technologies Inc., a leading supplier of life science tools for discovery and translational research, introduced GeoMx DSP Protein Assays for next-generation sequencing (NGS) readout, enabling multi-analyte analysis for nCounter and NGS readout.
The GeoMx DSP Protein Assays for NGS readout include over 50 immuno-oncology-focused targets. These assays will provide the GeoMx Cancer Transcriptome Atlas users with protein content designed for NGS readout. The multiplex performance of these novel protein assays was evaluated on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and fresh frozen tissue. Such technological advances are anticipated to generate market expansion opportunities.
North America is the most significant global protein assays market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 11.56% during the forecast period. The North American region is anticipated to hold a significant share of the protein assay market during the forecast period because of the presence of a large pharmaceutical market, huge investment in the drug development and discovery initiative by a few of the largest pharmaceutical companies headquartered in the region, the high prevalence of chronic illnesses, and the presence of a solid healthcare infrastructure in the region. According to the company's annual report, the research and development expenditures of the United States-based Pfizer, Inc. increased from USD 9,393 million in 2020 to USD 13,829 million in 2021.
Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses in the region is anticipated to stimulate the market. In April 2021, the Canadian Cancer Society reported that cancer was the leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths. This is anticipated to increase the demand for testing, leading to the expansion of protein assays in the region.
Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.76% over the forecast period. Increasing instances of infectious diseases, a rise in product launches, and a rise in strategic initiatives are all expected to stimulate regional market expansion. According to March 2021 estimates from the Global Cancer Observatory, approximately 628,519 new cancer cases were diagnosed in Germany in 2020, with 252,061 cancer-related deaths. In addition, developing and investing in diagnostics, genomics, proteomics, and other fields where protein assays play a significant role in enhancing accuracy and reducing costs, will contribute to expanding the market under study. As per the 2021 report of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the total funding for pharmaceutical industry research and development in Germany in 2019 was approximately EUR 8,466 million, up from EUR 7,816 million in 2018. This data shows that increasing pharmaceutical research and development expenditure in Germany can positively impact the market's growth over the years.
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