Microcephaly Market

Market Overview

The global microcephaly market size is expected to grow at a CAGR 8.6% during the forecast period 2019–2026.

The Microcephaly is a rare medical condition that results into smaller head size than the infants of same age and sex. In most of the cases, it is congenital (present during birth) or acquired (developed postnatal). People born with microcephaly or with acquired microcephaly suffer from movement & balance, hearing loss, vision problems, seizures, dwarfism, poor motor function, and feeding problems such as difficulty in swallowing. However, the exact cause of microcephaly is unknown but some of the potential causes are exposure to HIV or Zika virus infection, herpes, and syphilis. Apart from this, exposure to radiations, intake of drugs and alcohol, smoking, malnutrition, and exposure to toxic metals such as arsenic and mercury are also believe to be responsible for causing this condition.

Global rise in the demand for microcephaly treatment, increasing awareness among people regarding microcephaly, and availability of effective treatment options are driving the global microcephaly market. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prevalence of microcephaly in the U.S. was 2–12 in 10,000 births in 2017. Outbreak of Zika virus infection in the developed regions including North America and Europe is one of the main causes of microcephaly. For instance, as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 5%–10% births in the U.S. are diagnosed with Zika virus infection. Moreover, 13.5% of women were addicted to smoking in the U.S. in 2016. In addition, 1 in 2 childbearing women was reported drinking alcohol in 2013.

Regional Analysis

By geography, the global microcephaly market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to dominate the global microcephaly market owing to the ongoing research and development activities for developing diagnosis and treatment options for microcephaly condition. More than 1,300 women across 44 states in the U.S. were reported positive with Zika virus infection in 2016. Moreover, approximately 35 pregnant women are suffering from Zika virus every week in the U.S.

Latin America is projected to be the second highest share grosser in global microcephaly market owing to high prevalence of Zika virus infection in the region. According to a report published in Public Library of Science, approximately 217,000 cases of Zika virus infection were registered in Latin America by August 2017.

Europe microcephaly market is expected to experience growth over the forecast period 2019–2026 owing to the presence of renowned and major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the region.

Asia Pacific microcephaly market is anticipated to be the fastest growing, owing to robust outbreak of Zika virus in India. In some of the major states of India, Zika virus infection is more common, thus the prevalence of microcephaly is also high. This, in turn, is supporting the demand for microcephaly treatment.

The Middle East & Africa microcephaly market is expected to grow at a steady pace owing to the increased risk of Zika virus outbreak with rising inflow of tourists. Constant development in the healthcare infrastructure and growth in healthcare expenditure are projected to influence the microcephaly market in the Middle East & Africa to some extent.

Segmental Analysis

The global microcephaly market is segmented by type, diagnosis, end user, and region.

By Onset Type

The market is segmented into congenital and postnatal. The congenital segment is expected to hold major share of the market owing to environmental, hereditary, and habitual factors including malnutrition, alcohol consumption, women smoking, and exposure to Zika virus infection.

Based on Diagnosis

The market is segmented into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), head computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound test, and other tests. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segment is likely to account for the largest share, owing to growing number of pregnant women suffering from Zika virus infection and effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of microcephaly. This is estimated to be followed by head computed tomography (CT) scan.

On the basis of End User

The market is segmented into diagnostic centers, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. The hospital segment is forecasted to grow at a healthy CAGR due to growing efforts of governments and private organizations to strengthen the hospital infrastructure and services in the developing regions including Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Recent Developments

The Jae Jung Lab of the University of Southern California has conducted research and tested 74 pregnant women for the Zika virus infection. Out of all 74 pregnant women, 30 were infected with Zika virus, which was confirmed by prenatal blood screening. According to the Jae Jung Lab, microcephaly can be avoided with prenatal blood screening of pregnant women.

As of October 2016, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is working with Becton, Dickinson, and Company in Puerto Rico for the development and validation of diagnostic assays for Zika virus on the BD MAX system, a fully automated real-time molecular testing platform by Becton, Dickinson and Company.