PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1529802
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1529802
The global neonatal toxicology market size is expected to reach USD 514.05 million by 2030, at a projected CAGR of 10.6% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The rising prevalence of neonatal disorders, such as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to maternal drug use, drives the demand for neonatal toxicology testing and treatments. In addition, the development of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as mass spectrometers, improves the detection and management of toxic exposures in neonates, thereby propelling market growth.
This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for effective neonatal toxicology solutions. Over the past several decades, there have been significant advancements in drug screening tools, which now provide more accurate and precise results than ever before. Traditionally, drug testing has been performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). This method has several advantages: it is relatively inexpensive, easy to perform in a general laboratory, and has a rapid turnaround time. Moreover, the long-standing use of ELISA has resulted in the availability of multiple commercial antibodies validated for use in various human tissues. For certain tests, such as detecting cocaine metabolites in urine, ELISA is a reliable method. However, for other drug and tissue combinations, there is a relatively high incidence of both false positives and negatives.
In addition, Mass General Brigham, Massachusetts' largest healthcare system, in April 2024 announced a significant shift in its approach to reporting suspected abuse or neglect in cases where a baby is born exposed to drugs. This policy change, now adopted by systems like Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and Boston Medical Center, signifies a broader trend toward more compassionate and evidence-based responses to substance use during pregnancy. Rather than reporting every instance of drug exposure at birth, these health systems will only report if there is reasonable cause to believe the infant is at risk of physical or emotional injury. This approach reflects a growing consensus that punitive measures lead to worse medical outcomes for both parent and child and disproportionately impact families of color and those with low socioeconomic status. This evolving policy landscape has profound implications for the neonatal toxicology testing industry. The shift away from punitive approaches towards more supportive and rehabilitative measures is expected to drive changes in the demand and utilization of neonatal toxicology tests.
With revised state laws in places like Connecticut, New Mexico, Washington, and Colorado and pending legislation in Massachusetts to protect mothers on prescribed medications for substance use disorder, the criteria for conducting toxicology tests may become more refined. This could lead to more targeted testing, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that testing is conducted only when truly necessary. In addition, as the market shifts towards supportive care, there is significant potential for growth in emerging technologies that offer comprehensive and minimally invasive screening solutions. This includes advancements in technologies like high-resolution mass spectrometry and innovative biomarkers that can provide more detailed insights into neonatal exposure and health without extensive invasive procedures.