TRENDS & PERSPECTIVES
According to a report released by Kalorama Information (New York City), “Molecular Diagnostics,” the worldwide market for molecular assays is estimated to have reached $3.7 billion in 2007. This market is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate of 11% and generate $6.2 billion in revenues by 2012. The report identified the following issues that could affect growth in this market and that molecular diagnostics manufacturers should consider.
Changes in healthcare delivery. Significant changes in healthcare delivery herald a new era in diagnostic testing needs. On one hand, this new era requires sophisticated, sensitive assays for infectious disease management, disease detection, and drug treatment decisions. On the other hand, such tests should be user-friendly and cost-effective. Such needs bode well for miniaturized molecular test platforms.
Demand for faster test turnaround. There is growing demand for faster test turnaround time from sample collection to results availability.
Large menus. There is also a demand for a large menu of tests available on a single platform since molecular tests must account for variability in test targets. Such tests must have high sensitivity for analytes in very small concentrations, be quantitative, and use small whole blood, urine, saliva, and CSF samples.
Ease of use of systems. In addition, there is a demand for test systems that are easy to use by both nonlaboratory and laboratory personnel. This is especially crucial for the growing use of diagnostic assays in the physicians’ office setting, multidisciplinary medical clinics, and small to mid-sized hospitals.
Multiplex systems. The combination of these issues creates a market for multiplexed, rapid, user-friendly test platforms such as microarrays, liquid bead arrays, and other user-friendly technologies.
Clinical molecular testing primarily remains a phenomenon in the developed world. Although, some more-industrialized second-tier countries such as Australia, Israel, Brazil, China, and India have strong molecular test industries. Nonetheless, at least 80% of the molecular assays conducted are concentrated in the developed world, in particular North America and Western Europe. Moreover, Europe has demonstrated stronger market growth, 15% versus 13% in North America.
Additional information about this report is available via Kalorama’s Website at www.kaloramainformation.com.
