Life Science Research Market

Biomimix operates in the $18 billion life science tools and services market comprised of key segments such as genomics, proteomics, cell biology, analytical chemistry, bioprocess development and bioinformatics. The global proteomics market is projected to reach $6.1 billion by the year 2015, driven by increasing adoption in life sciences research in both developed and emerging markets. The shift towards proteomics from genomics facilitates technological advancements, which are aimed at providing assistance to drug discovery researchers by offering enhanced throughput, resolution, and sensitivity, compared to conventional protein research tools.

Proteomics has become the spotlight for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, offering new avenues to precision medication and customized diagnosis and treatment. In the post genomic era, proteomics technologies are expected to play a crucial part in the fields of medicine, molecular diagnostics, and drug discovery. Some of the most commonly employed technologies include protein analysis by mass spectrometry and 2D gel electrophoresis for separation of proteins. In the field of medicine, proteomics are expected to benefit from the personalization of medicine as well as from the combination of diagnostics and therapeutics. In the overall proteomic technologies market, protein biochip and bioinformatics technologies are expected to witness the maximum expansion and development, while neurological disorders and cancer are likely to emerge as the key application areas.

In the case of cell biology, future growth will be fueled by accelerated drug discovery through high-throughput and high-content analysis, functional cell-based assays, and RNAi-based applications. Noticeable shifts are also emerging among the consumers and buyers of these products. As Pharma shifts from a one-size-fits all approach to individually tailored therapeutics, the impact on the tools segment will be significant.

The slowdown in mainstream customer spending has been offset by explosive growth in applied markets and home-brew testing both in the U.S. and overseas. Companies are trying to extend their core competency as tools and reagent providers for home-brew tests to mainstream clinical diagnostic players. Eventual market penetration and success will depend on their ability to understand market dynamics, develop commercial and regulatory expertise, and provide accurate and reliable tests.

Geographically, North America and Europe dominate the life science tools market. Growth is estimated to be flat in North America due to NIH cutbacks and slowdown in Pharma. Europe will exhibit moderate growth due to increases in CRO/CMO and applied market testing. We expect significant growth opportunities in India and China. The quest for leadership in this market has spurned a flurry of M&A activity, none of which necessarily predicts market leadership. Despite the recent formation of global powerhouses, the life science tools market is still highly fragmented and is likely to consolidate further.