Gene Amplification Technology addresses applications, such as molecular biology research, gene therapy, drug discovery, forensic identification and diagnosis, and is one of the rapidly growing markets in the area of life sciences. Molecular diagnostics and the Human Genome Project (HGP) have been the major growth drivers for gene amplification technology over the years. The industry continues to be affected with issues such as patent expiry, and competitive advantages associated with the existing and emerging technologies. Aging population, and the increasing incidence and prevalence of age-related diseases press the need for new diagnostics. Genetic testing is one such solution that makes use of gene amplification technology, which bodes the potential larger role that gene amplification technology could play in the area of diagnostics. With the growing improvements in the diagnostics market, DNA diagnostic technologies are set to achieve superior efficiencies and improved activity in numerous application areas, including healthcare, biomedical research, toxicology, bioremediation, forensics and personnel identification, environmental monitoring, quality control in the food industry, animal husbandry, and agriculture.
Polymerase Chain Reaction represents a major technique in the gene amplification space, with substantial penetration in the market. The market has been witnessing significant growth rate over the years, and has successfully weathered the recent economic downturn posting accelerated growth even during the period. Continued growth in the market, despite the external pressure, bodes well for the future growth of this technology in terms of market opportunities. Growth in the PCR market is, however, threatened in the wake of increasing application and the development of alternative technologies. Some of the alternative technologies existing in the market include Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) and Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR). Growth in the PCR market, in the foreseeable future, is projected to be mainly driven by qPCR technique, closely followed by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR). Fuelled by the introduction of novel PCR instruments for the detection of several critical diseases, PCR continues to dominate the gene therapy market. Qualitative PCR is used for applications, such as monitoring gene expression levels and viral load. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is a powerful tool for gene expression analysis because of its sensitivity, speed, ease of use, and versatility.
Burgeoning demand for molecular diagnostics in clinical settings is expected to drive the miniaturization of DNA-amplification technologies. Popularly known as DNA-amplification-on-a-chip, the technology encompasses a microfluidic device with sensors, heating aids, and a reaction container. Being portable, the device can be used in a doctor’s clinic or at a patient bedside. The technology is still in development and many companies are actively conducting research to develop a final solution/process for commercial use.
Global market for gene amplification technologies is led by the US, which is also the fastest growing market worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Gene Amplification Technologies. Segment wise, PCR continues to dominate the gene therapy market, supported by roll out of several novel PCR instruments used for detecting most critical diseases. PCR allows amplification of genetic material in large quantities, and also enables the diagnosis of widespread diseases such as HIV. However, growth in the gene amplification technologies market would be driven by other gene amplification technologies, which are forecast to display stronger growth worldwide.
Major players profiled in the report include Abbott Laboratories; Becton, Dickinson and Company; bioMérieux; Bio-Rad Laboratories; Cepheid; Life Technologies Corporation; QIAGEN N.V; Roche Diagnostics; Rubicon Genomics; and Takara Bio, Inc.
The research report titled "Gene Amplification Technologies: A Global Strategic Business Report" announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the gene amplification technologies market, current market trends, key growth drivers, new product innovations/launches, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for the global gene amplification technologies market for the years 2009 through 2017. The study also provides historic data for an insight into market evolution over the period 2003 through 2008.