Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Standard PCR, Real-time PCR, and Digital PCR), By Product (Instruments and Reagents & Consumables), By Indication (Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Genetic Disorders, and Others), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industries, Diagnostic Centers, and Academic & Research Organizations), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global polymerase chain reaction (PCR) market size was USD 7.10 billion in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.80 billion in 2021 to USD 13.75 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 8.4% in the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with PCR witnessing a positive demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a stellar growth of 52.3% in 2020. The sudden fall in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most important, powerful, and widely used techniques in modern biology. It is a molecular technique for in-vitro amplification and generating millions of copies of a specific region in a DNA strand. The rise in prevalence of infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic diseases and the rise in the adoption of devices for the diagnosis of such diseases is the key factor responsible for elevating the polymerase chain reaction market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, increasing research and development activities in advanced molecular biology, forensic science, demand for personalized medicines, and genetic engineering are projected to drive the market growth during the forecasted timeframe.

COVID-19 Pandemic Escalated Product Demand Spectacularly

With the sudden emergence of COVID-19 pandemic globally, need for accurate diagnosis of the disease spurred magnificently in countries. The technique came out to be the most reliable resource for clinical diagnosis. This led to never-ending demand for products such as reagents, assays, and instruments from the corners of the world. Diagnostic companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Qiagen among others witnessed splendid revenue growth during the year 2020. For instance, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Life Science business segment reported 77.5% revenue growth as compared to the year 2019. Therefore, rise in number of polymerase chain reaction test conducted, increasing COVID-19 prevalence, and numerous launch of products is anticipated to drive the market value of the global market during the forecast period.

LATEST TRENDS

Shift of Healthcare Providers from Real-time to Digital Technology to Fuel Market

The shift from real-time to digital diagnostic techniques of various diseases has been pivotal in the advancement of Polymerase Chain Reaction devices. Real-time technology has been widely implemented for clinical testing but a lack of standardization and relatively poor precision has hindered its usefulness. On the other hand, digital technology provides highly precise and direct quantification which increases its adoption for the diagnosis of various diseases. The launch of advanced systems for diagnosing diseases have led to shift of healthcare professionals towards digital devices. For instance, in July 2021, Stilla Technologies announced the launch of 6-Color Digital PCR Access Program. The program offers high multiplexing and detection ability to study cell & gene therapy, cancer, infectious diseases, and COVID-19 research. This is projected to further propel this industry during the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Advancements in Techniques to Accelerate Market Growth

Polymerase chain reaction is an enzyme-driven process for amplifying a short region of DNA in vitro. Despite this power of amplification, limitations in its supporting hardware to hinder the technology from reaching its full potential. Technological advancements and growing demand for innovative devices have led to the introduction of miniaturization of the devices in the market. These miniaturized devices offer various clinical benefits to patients and healthcare providers. The introduction of innovative devices by the key market players is anticipated to drive the global market during the forecast period. For instance, in November 2019, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. announced the launch of QX ONE Droplet Digital PCR System, designed for drug development and manufacturing quality control, as well as other highly critical testing environments.

Growing Prevalence of Tuberculosis and Other Infectious Diseases to Fuel Demand Globally

Tuberculosis is among the most common infectious diseases, which is significantly prevalent in emerging countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, an estimated 10 million people globally were suffering from tuberculosis and also this technology has been endorsed for rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, replacing the standard sputum smear microscopy method. China, India, and Indonesia were among the countries with a higher proportion of the population suffering from the condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 3.7 billion people (67% of the population) globally are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The growing prevalence of these infectious diseases is leading to the higher demand for the products for diagnosis, and thus poised to accelerate the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Assays Coupled with Lack of Awareness in Emerging Nations to Hamper Growth

Despite the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases globally certain factors that are limiting the adoption of devices for the diagnostic application. One of the major factors restraining the growth of this market is the lack of awareness about the technology market in low-income countries. In addition, high cost of assays conducted in emerging nations is likely to decrease the adoption of the devices resulting in limiting the market growth. For instance, according to the Skytrax statistics 2021 report, a test in Kansai, Japan cost around USD 404 as compared to New York, U.S. that cost around USD 179. Thus, higher cost of the assays is anticipated to lower the uptake of the test during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Rapid Demand for Real-time Devices to Help Proliferate Market Growth

Based on type, the global market is segmented into standard, real-time, and digital PCR.

The real-time segment dominated the global market share in 2020. Increasing demand owing to the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the growth in the sales of the companies. Additionally, technological advances coupled with new product launch by the key players have been instrumental in the dominance of real-time devices in the global market. For instance, in November 2019, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. announced the launch of iQ-Check Aspergillus Real-Time PCR Kit, a quick and precise alternative for detection of Aspergillus in Cannabis and Cannabis-infused products.

Digital PCR segment is projected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Introduction of new product launches by market players and shifting patient preference towards products based on digital technology are factors projected to fuel the demand for this type and promote the global market growth during the forecast period.

By Product Analysis

Strong Sales of Reagents and Consumables Owing to Increased R&D

In terms of product, the market includes instruments and reagents & consumables.

Reagents and consumables segment dominated the market owing to their high usage in assays. Increasing prevalence of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are contributing to the growing demand for reagents and consumables across the globe. Continuous improvements in the DNA or RNA amplification has led to greater demand for these technologies in the market. For instance, in March 2021, PCR Biosystems announced the launch of IsoFast Bst Polymerase reagents for rapid amplification of nucleic acid.

However, the instruments segment is expected to grow at a slower pace. Technologically advanced instruments and their increasing adoption are some of the factors attributable to this growth.

By Indication Analysis

Clinically Proven Effectiveness of the Technology in Infectious Diseases to Aid Dominance of Segment

In terms of indication, the market is segmented into infectious diseases, oncology, genetic disorders, and others.

Among them, the infectious diseases held the leading position in the global polymerase chain reaction market. Proven effectiveness of the technology in diagnosing infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza among others is primarily attributable for the higher sales of products in the global market. For instance, according to Worldometer statistics, more than 236 million COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed till October 2021. Moreover, this technology has been endorsed by WHO for rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, replacing the standard sputum smear microscopy method. This will further propel the demand for the products during the forecast period.

Growing prevalence of cancer in countries globally owing to the changes in lifestyle patterns is contributing to the adoption of this technology by number of hospitals and diagnostic centers. In addition, launch of sophisticated technologies to provide accurate diagnosis is expected to drive the growth of the segment by 2028.

By End User Analysis

Higher Adoption of Devices by Diagnostic Centers to Enable Dominance of Segment

Based on end-users, the global market segments include hospitals & clinics, pharmaceutical & biotechnology industries, diagnostic centers, and academic & research organizations.

Among them, the diagnostic center segment held the dominating share of the market. Growing number of diagnostic centers focusing on the use of advanced methods for diagnosis of various diseases is likely to drive the segment growth. Moreover, adequate reimbursement policies provided by these centers are the major factors responsible for increasing the popularity of diagnostic centers.

The segment is projected to continue its dominance by expanding at a significantly high growth rate during the forecast period. Growing use of this technology in drug development and other research activities will augment the growth of the products in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North America to Hold Largest Market Share due to Rising Awareness Among Patient Pool

The global polymerase chain reaction market size in North America was valued at USD 2.94 billion in 2020. The leading position is attributable to the growing prevalence of infectious diseases coupled with adequate reimbursement policies for the devices. In addition, increasing awareness among the patient population about availability of advanced products for effective diagnosis is another factor responsible for the region enjoying the dominant market share.

Europe is the second largest region due to rising incidence of chronic diseases demanding precise diagnosis. For instance, according to GLOBOCAN 2020, Europe reported around 4,398,443 new cancer cases. In addition, growing merger and acquisitions in the region is majorly contributing to the market value during the forecast period.

The market in Asia Pacific is estimated to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Increased adoption rate of the devices coupled with presence of a large and underpenetrated market are projected to drive the Asia Pacific market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, rapid launch of products in the region owing to the growing demand for advanced assays is likely to facilitate the higher revenue growth in the region. For example, in June 2020, Singapore based Lucence Diagnostics announced the launch of SARS-CoV-2 RNA RT-PCR test indicated for diagnosis of COVID-19 infections.

The market in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to witness a substantial growth owing to the lesser adoption rate and launch of products. However, the efforts in developing healthcare infrastructure is expected to boost the product demand during the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Diverse Portfolio of Leading Players and Strong Focus on Partnerships and Acquisition to Strengthen Their Market Position

The competitive landscape of the global polymerase chain reaction industry’s growth indicates the emergence of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., QIAGEN, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, and Agilent Technologies, Inc. as the leading players. A diversified product portfolio of real-time and digital PCR, along with constant innovations by the companies leading to new product launches, are prominent factors responsible for the dominance of the companies. For instance, in April 2021, Bio-Rad laboratories Inc., announced the launch of Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay in Europe for clinical diagnosis of coronavirus. Moreover, a strong emphasis on partnerships and acquisition strategies in the market is likely to help attract high revenue in the forthcoming years.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (California, U.S.)


• QIAGEN (Hilden, Germany)


• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Basel, Switzerland)


• Agilent Technologies, Inc.  (California, U.S.)


• Abbott (Illinois, U.S.)


• Eppendorf AG (Hamburg, Germany)


• Sysmex Inostics (Hyogo, Japan)


• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Massachusetts, U.S.)


• BD (New Jersey, U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2021 - PathStore announced the launch of COVID-19 RT-PCR test in India at a lowest price as compared to other companies. This test is aimed at maximizing COVID-19 diagnosis to ensure timely treatment.


• July 2021 - QuantuMDx, a U.K based company announced the launch of Q-POC. The product is a rapid point-of-care PCR diagnostic system aimed at detection of SARS-CoV-2.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over the recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation