Real-time PCR, or quantitative PCR, is an established method for sensitive and rapid nucleic acid quantification in various biological samples. Real-time PCR, or quantitative PCR, is an established method for sensitive and rapid nucleic acid quantification in various biological samples. Endpoint PCR, also known as conventional PCR, entails amplifying a PCR reaction mixture in a tube using a thermocycler until the required number of cycles has been completed. A portion of the tube's contents is analyzed by gel electrophoresis, and the results are stained with ethidium bromide. Digital PCR is a highly precise method for detecting and quantifying high-sensitivity nucleic acids.
Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases, Infectious Diseases, and Genetic Disorders Drives the Global Market
PCR for rapidly detecting infectious diseases facilitates practical intervention and appropriate treatment. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is driving up demand for qPCR equipment. The increase in cases is anticipated to increase the number of preventive examinations, thereby fostering market expansion. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of genetic disorders is propelling market growth. According to a report published by the CDC in 2016, congenital heart defects were the most prevalent congenital disability in the United States, affecting roughly 1% of births annually. In numerous regions, breast and ovarian cancer incidence is rising alarmingly. Therefore, the increased prevalence of various diseases drives the market expansion for qPCR and dPCR.
Technological Advancements in PCR Creates Tremendous Opportunities
PCR has recently witnessed technological advancements in sensitivity, accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Market leaders are focusing on releasing innovative and cutting-edge PCR test apparatus. Bio-Rad Laboratories, for instance, introduced droplet digital PCR Genome Edit Detection Assays in July 2017 to quantify the efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9 or any other genome using droplet digital PCR technology. This technology has acquired popularity in recent years.
In addition, major players are updating various tests for their qPCR instruments by implementing R&D initiatives to develop kits to control the incidence of emerging diseases or by engaging in partnerships with other kit-producing companies. Examples include introducing the cobas HPV test in the cobas 4800 by Roche Diagnostics and the BD GeneOhm MRSA ACP assay by Becton, Dickinson, and Company, used with Cepheid's SmartCycler. These factors create market expansion opportunities.
North America is the most significant global real-time PCR (qPCR), endpoint PCR, and dPCR market shareholder and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Increasing investments in gene-based research and the presence of significant market participants such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., and Agilent Technologies are among the key factors driving the market's expansion. Technological developments, such as microfluidic PCR in droplets, on-chip, off-chip thermocycling, and on-chip integration, are anticipated to be among the market's most influential rendering drivers. In addition, product advancements in qPCR, such as the QuantStudio 5 real-time PCR system, are used in forensic laboratories for human identification. The current pandemic, which has increased demand for qPCR and dPCR products and favorable regulatory guidelines for launching COVID-19-related products, is also anticipated to drive market expansion soon.
Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and genetic disorders and rising investments in genomics and proteomics are anticipated to expand the regional market. In addition, government funding, increased genetic counseling programs conducted by governments, and increased healthcare sector investments are high-impact rendering market drivers. The SARS-COV-2 outbreak has also increased the demand for diagnostic tests in the region. This, along with favorable regulatory policies, is expected to assist manufacturers in developing and launching COVID-19-related products in the region, thereby accelerating market growth soon. Nonetheless, the European economic crisis and disparate reimbursement policies may inhibit the expansion of this market in Europe.
The key players in the global real-time PCR (qPCR), endpoint PCR, and dPCR market are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Agilent Technologies, bioMérieux SA, Microsynth AG, GE Healthcare, Stilla, JN Medsys, and Fluidigm Corporation.