PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1511854
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1511854
The global flow cytometry market size is expected to reach USD 7.01 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.96% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Technological advancements in the technique are introducing new and improved analytical tools, which include the development of microfluidic flow cytometry for Point-of-Care (PoC) testing. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of cancer, immunodeficiency disorders, and infectious diseases is driving the industry. In addition, increasing R&D investments in biopharmaceutical, life science, and biotechnology research activities have led to high demand for flow cytometry instruments. In recent years, a key focus has been on the development of portable microfluidic flow cytometry devices for PoC testing.
Microfluidics and flow cytometry together make a useful tool to measure multiple characteristics of biological samples. For instance, the easy availability of several microfluidics and miniaturized detectors have enabled the creation of microchip-based cytometers, such as optofluidic cytometer, imaging cytometer, and impedance cytometer. The development of microfluidic flow cytometry devices, which are cost-effective, portable, and compact, is beneficial. They are affordable in developing economies, such as Asia & Africa, and are enabling rapid growth in PoC testing applications. Furthermore, improvements in fluorescent dyes and the increasing utility of benchtop cytometers for academic research settings are expected to drive the industry.
Developments in multicolor flow cytometry are accelerating the adoption of the technique in novel drug development activities. For instance, in January 2020, DxFLEX, CE-IVD, a 13-colour clinical flow cytometry system was launched by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences in Europe. Similarly, easy cellular analysis by simultaneous evaluation of several parameters allows extensive use of such devices for contract research purposes. The COVID-19 pandemic also spurred innovations in the technique, as evidenced by the launch of new products in this domain. For instance, in July 2021, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. launched CoviRisk-TBNK, a simple blood test to detect the risk status of a COVID-19 hospitalized patient.
It helps analyze patients' need for ICU facilities or ventilation and aids in the reduction of stress on healthcare resources. The test is a flow cytometry-based lymphocyte subset assay and is IVD-approved. Such innovations are anticipated to fuel industry growth in the near future. Moreover, flow cytometry is a significant tool in listing and characterizing immune cells, and is also helpful in recognizing and validating underlying genetic defects. The technique is also used to observe and monitor the immune response of patients after stem cell transplantation, and hence, organ transplantation plays an important role in boosting industry growth. According to the WHO, around 50,000 stem cell transplantations are performed globally every year, and this number is expected to grow in the near future, broadening the scope of applications for the technique.
On the other hand, instruments are highly expensive, and hence, buyers in several developing countries may not be able to afford technologically advanced flow cytometry equipment. These instruments may cost over USD 100,000 and pose significant budgetary constraints for small- & mid-sized hospitals and clinical laboratories. However, some manufacturers, such as Sony, are trying to launch newer instruments using software to automate a number of processes. Such developments would not only improve the usability of the technique but also help bring down the average instrumentation cost-under USD 100,000-in the near future.