PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1410146
PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1410146
The metagenomics market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.26% during the forecast period.
Metagenomics refers to the scientific investigation of genetic material obtained directly from environmental or clinical samples via sequencing. Metagenomics finds diverse applications across various fields, including environmental research, clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, biotechnology, food and nutrition studies, and other specialized areas. Metagenomics industry growth is primarily driven by improved drug discovery and clinical diagnostics, alongside continuous technological advancements in the field.
Metagenomics is used in drug discovery due to its ability to identify novel microbial genes and natural products that can serve as potential drug candidates. By analyzing diverse microbial communities in various environments, metagenomics enables the discovery of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Favorable government initiative and investments to encourage the exploration of untapped microbial biodiversity has fuelled the interest in drug discovery through metagenomics. For instance, in March 2023, to bolster drug research, commercialization, and manufacturing in the Alberta province, the Canadian government allocated 80.5 million Canadian dollars ($59 million) to the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative.
The metagenomics industry has experienced significant growth owing to continuous advancements in sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics tools which have enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of metagenomics studies. Researchers and industries can now harness these cutting-edge tools to delve deeper into complex microbial communities. For instance, in February 2023, Tecan Group and Oxford Nanopore Technologies formed a collaborative partnership to enhance nanopore library preparation by streamlining the process for high-throughput and automated workflows. The LSK114 represents a significant advancement over conventional sequencing platforms as it enables the sequencing of native, long fragments of DNA.
Metagenomics plays a crucial role in clinical diagnostics due to its ability to provide comprehensive insights into the microbial communities present in the human body. Metagenomics aids in understanding the interplay between these microorganisms and the host's health, leading to improved disease identification, treatment strategies, and personalized medicine. The field of clinical diagnostics is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increased investments from pharmaceutical companies, and the government which is accelerating metagenomics demand. For instance, in November 2021, an investment of $650 million in rapid diagnostic testing was announced by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand access to COVID-19 tests.
The Asia Pacific will account for a significant share of the market due to the region's significant focus on drug discovery and the accompanying investments. For instance, in June 2023, MedChem Australia, a new national medicinal chemistry initiative, received $9.75 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), which aims to foster advancements in drug discovery and strengthen the country's capabilities in the field of medicinal chemistry. Also, in May 2022, the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced an investment of 877.8 billion won ($693 million) in the pharmaceutical industry, aimed at bolstering research and development efforts for new drugs and strengthening the workforce in the sector.
Metagenomic research demands the utilization of cutting-edge laboratory equipment, highly advanced sequencing technologies, and intricate data analysis methodologies, which inevitably results in significant financial outlays. For smaller research institutions and companies, these substantial expenses can pose a major obstacle to embracing metagenomics as a research approach. As an illustration, the cost of whole genome sequencing alone can range from approximately 25,000 Rs (USD 338) to 50,000 Rs (USD 676), further contributing to the challenge of broader adoption in the scientific community.