Research Antibodies Market

Market Overview

The global research antibodies market size was valued at USD 6.2 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 8.75 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.03% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Antibodies are immune system proteins produced in reaction to the emergence of a foreign body (known as an antigen). Several antibody applications include fundamental research, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Antibodies used for research are employed to detect an unconjugated primary antibody, which is then employed to target antigen. Research laboratory procedures like western blotting and others depend on research antibodies, which are essential instruments in these procedures.

Molecular detection and analysis are made easier with the help of antibodies and related reagents because of their high specificity and sensitivity. This enables researchers to make inferences about immune system pathways, disease occurrence, and therapeutic targets. Scientists utilize research antibodies as crucial detection methods. Antibodies can be utilized to mark and identify particular proteins present in the sick cell at a particular stage of the disease life cycle while attempting to understand why a cell function has gone wrong.

Highlights

• Primary antibodies dominate the product segment
• Monoclonal antibodies dominate the type segment
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominate the end-user segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Investment in R&D

Many prominent biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies have increased their R&D efforts to develop innovative antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies. Increasing focus on R&D and developing new products is expected to propel long-term growth in the business. For instance, in 2016, Novartis invested USD 9 billion in research and development, whereas Pfizer invested USD 7.9 billion in the same year to develop novel products and technologies.

Additionally, research antibodies are complex and sophisticated structures that are increasingly used in research and academic institutions and major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, thus attracting investments in R&D for developing advanced generations of antibodies. The frequency of cancer and other chronic diseases has increased the demand for R&D in research antibodies, thereby driving market expansion.

Growing Stem Cells and Neurobiology Research

Government initiatives working in the direction of promoting cell therapeutics research are widening the market's growth prospects. Due to extensive research, the number of diseases treated with stem cells has increased from 27 in 2005 to 82 today. CIRM's funding of USD 271 million for stem cell research created 12 research spaces in California, which further brought in approximately USD 543 million in funding for stem cell research. In addition, the increase in collaborations between research institutes and various public and private entities to promote cell research has considerably boosted the market. For instance, the federal government of Canada disclosed USD 20.0 million in funds to the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, a cell regeneration research facility to improve cell therapy manufacturing challenges.

Market Restraint

Stringent Government Regulations

High growth in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries has been boosting the market. One of the factors restraining the market's growth is the presence of stringent guidelines during the development and research of antibodies to ensure high-quality products. Incorporating cGMP and aseptic processing in all FDA-regulated laboratories has made approval of research antibody products relatively complex. In order to curb contamination, products are validated on various parameters, thereby lengthening the approval process. Stringent guidelines issued by animal welfare organizations concerning the derivation of antibodies from animal sources may hamper market growth.

Market Opportunities

Growing Products Launches by Industry Participants

Market participants are working on product approvals, which are anticipated to expedite the expansion of the global market for research antibodies over the forecast period. For instance, on January 21, 2020, Tepezza (TM) (teprotumumab-trbw), a therapeutic monoclonal antibody for the treatment of thyroid eye disease, was approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Similarly, Horizon Therapeutics plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing medications (TED).

In addition to proptosis (eye bulging), diplopia (double vision), impaired vision, discomfort, inflammation, and facial deformities, TED is a rare, severe, and eyesight-threatening autoimmune illness. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the U.S. has only approved Tepezza as a treatment for TED. Such factors are expected to create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global research antibodies market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global research antibodies market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. The key countries included in North America are the U.S. and Canada. The presence of many biotechnology and biopharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutes, and huge economic development are major factors propelling the North American research antibodies market. The North American antibody industry is anticipated to be propelled by the introduction of novel products in antibodies. In addition, the research antibodies product manufacturers focus on developing, commercializing, and distributing advanced products to cater to the needs of researchers and healthcare professionals. High healthcare expenditure in North America also drives the research antibodies market.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. The considerable share attained by the region is a consequence of the increased number of research activities over recent years. The consistent increase has encouraged researchers to use advanced reagents and antibodies to expedite research, thus contributing to market growth. Programs such as Affinomics launched by the European Union (EU) that encourage the adoption of recombinant technologies are one of the major factors responsible for broadening growth prospects over the previous years. A growing number of initiatives by clinicians and researchers to promote awareness of the availability of various types of antibodies suitable for specific research requirements is also responsible for expediting growth across this region. In addition, antibody production guidelines issued by public organizations ensure high-quality research antibodies, thus resulting in greater reliance on researchers and clinicians, thereby contributing to the overall demand for research antibodies over the coming years.

In Asia-Pacific, Japan, China, and India are prominent contributors to the research antibodies market. The regional market is projected to showcase the highest growth owing to the large presence of clinical research organizations and biopharmaceutical firms in this region. Developing economies, big biotechnology companies, and the prevalence of chronic diseases are other factors boosting the market growth in the region. Market expansion is further fueled by major pharmaceutical companies' increasing research investments. Furthermore, increasing disposable income in developing nations will attract more key players. A large target population base in emerging countries like India and China is estimated to boost the research antibodies market in the region.

Latin American region consists of key countries such as Brazil and Mexico. Rapidly developing economies and healthcare infrastructure in this region are the major factors expected to propel the overall Latin America research antibodies market during the forecast period. In addition, the availability of advanced diagnostics and therapeutic treatments at lesser costs than in other developed regions makes Brazil and Mexico opportunistic for medical tourism, which is estimated to drive the demand for advanced research antibody products for diagnostics and therapeutics applications.

In the Middle East and Africa, the key country considered region includes South Africa. The regional disease burden, expanding penetration of health insurance, and increasing privatization has led to positive conditions for the research antibodies market in the Middle East and African countries. Rising government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure in South Africa and other African countries are expected to boost the demand for cell-based therapy and diagnostics products, facilitating increased research in the region.

Segmental Analysis

The global research antibodies market is segmented by product, type, technology, source, application, and end-user.

Based on the product, the global research antibodies market is bifurcated into primary and secondary antibodies. 

The primary antibodies segment is the most significant contributor to the market share and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.31% over the forecast period. The dominant share of primary antibodies can be attributed to the increasing development of primary antibodies using rabbits, goats, mice, and other species as hosts. Likewise, owing to the use of primary antibodies for frequently researched targets, the segment is predicted to grow exponentially. Moreover, the availability of a comprehensive range of primary antibodies, such as conjugated primary antibodies, validated antibodies, recombinant antibodies, and flow cytometry antibodies, is also increasing the adoption of primary research antibodies, thus accounting for a substantial share.

Based on type, the global research antibodies market is divided into monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. 

The monoclonal antibody segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. In the preceding years, the demand for monoclonal antibodies has increased significantly due to a rise in genomics research projects requiring technologically advanced genetic platforms. In addition, monoclonal antibodies are considered highly significant in identifying small groups such as acetyl, phosphor, methyl, or other groups due to protein posttranslational modifications critical during research procedures. A monoclonal antibody recognizes a specific epitope on the target protein. Monoclonal antibodies provide the advantage of being highly specific with less propensity for nonspecific binding.

Based on technology, the global research antibodies market is bifurcated into immunohistochemistry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, and others. 

The western blotting segment is the most significant contributor to the market share and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.71% over the forecast period. The rising prevalence of HIV has led to huge demand for antibodies in western blotting tests. According to CDC, as of 2016, around 36.7 million people were living with HIV globally. Western blot is always preferred over enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting HIV antibodies in the patient's blood due to its increased accuracy. In addition, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies support enormous R&D expenditures, which include R&D activities necessitating western blot tests. With increasing R&D investments, the demand for these tests is also anticipated to increase shortly.

Based on the source, the global research antibodies market is segmented into mouse, rabbit, goat, and others. 

The mouse segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. The growing use of murine monoclonal antibodies in the market drives the growth of the research antibodies market globally. Mice have been predominantly used in the production of antibodies. The structural similarities in mice and human antibodies are the prime reason for their high adoption. Cost-effectivity and the ability to multiply quickly are factors aiding the growth of this segment. In addition, mice have a shorter lifespan than other host species, making them ideal for studying aging mechanisms and drug efficacy. Mice are extremely useful for researching complex diseases due to their similarities with humans. Thus, research on hypertension and atherosclerosis is mainly conducted using mice as host species.

Based on application, the global research antibodies market is divided into infectious diseases, oncology, immunology, neurobiology, stem cells, and others. 

The oncology segment dominates the global market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.71% over the forecast period. Oncology is anticipated to witness considerable CAGR as a consequence unprecedentedly growing cancer-afflicted patient population. Cancer is the second leading cause of high mortality rates, thus exemplifying the high clinical urgency to expedite research and diagnosis for cancer. In addition, key players such as Merck Millipore have dedicated antibodies for cancer research and the study of different stages of cancer. Antibodies adopted in cancer research and diagnosis facilitate the generation of reliable output data from proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic studies that are crucial for disease progression studies.

Based on end-user, the global research antibodies market is segmented into academic and research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and contract research organizations. 

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment owns the highest market share and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Increased use of assays in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies drives the research antibodies market. Moreover, the increasing incidence of cancer and autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes has increased the demand for these antibodies for treatment and diagnostics. In addition, antibodies and other consumables are used during the treatment and development stages in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Increasing R&D activities by these companies is thus expected to propel the market during the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• April 2023- Astellas Pharma and Twist Bioscience partnered to assist the former with discovering antibodies for immunotherapies.
• April 2023- Innate Pharma SA revealed that it had signed an exclusive license contract with Takeda. Under the terms of the agreement, Innate allows Takeda exclusive global rights to research and develop antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) using a panel of selected Innate antibodies against an undisclosed target, with a primary focus on Celiac disease.