Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2022-2028)

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences. The polymerase chain reaction enables investigators to obtain the large quantities of DNA that are required for various experiments and procedures in molecular biology, forensic analysis, evolutionary biology, and medical diagnostics. The rise in demand for advanced diagnostics and growing application in clinical diagnostics is expected to increase the demand for polymerase reaction tests. For instance, in August 2022, GenScript USA launched a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) monkeypox test for research lab use. The kit is based on RT-PCR technology and PCR amplification in one-step.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 9% owing to the increasing application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in research and forensic laboratories. Major companies in the market growing focus on gene-based research and the launch of new and innovative technologies. For instance, in July 2021, PathStore, a France-based multinational company launched the COVID-19 RT-PCR test priced at ₹299 (USD 3.65), the lowest so far among the private sector diagnostic industry.

Based on type, the polymerase chain reaction market is segmented into real-time RT-PCR, conventional PCR, digital PCR, and others. The digital PCR segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Digital PCR is widely used for molecular detection with accurate quantification. Moreover, advancements in digital PCR technology and rises in product launches propel the segment. For instance, in July 2021, Stilla Technologies launched an access program for the industry's first six-color digital PCR system. The new dPCR platform offers high multiplexing and sensitivity for advancing cancer & liquid biopsy studies, cell & gene therapies, infectious disease & COVID-19 research, and environmental testing.

Based on application, the polymerase chain reaction market is segmented into infectious diseases, cancer, inherited disorders, and others. The cancer segment held a significant market share in 2021. The rising prevalence of cancer is the significant factor responsible for the growth of the market as PCR techniques are used in various gene-based studies which provide physicians with more data about the causes of cancer and change the way some forms of the disease are treated. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, there will be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 608,570 cancer deaths in the U.S..

Based on end-users, the market is fragmented into hospitals & clinics, pharmaceutical & biotechnology industries, academic & research labs, and others. Among these, hospitals & clinics are expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the rising incidences of various infectious and chronic diseases coupled with the rapid incorporation of PCR techniques in clinical diagnostics globally. Also, the clinical applications of PCR technologies are vast and offer opportunities to improve healthcare across the breadth of medical specialties.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) industry, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in the countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. Europe is the second dominant region due to the increasing prevalence of cancer cases that require an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, the increase in research and development activities for advancement in PCR technology and the rise in collaboration agreements among companies for development boosts the growth of the polymerase chain reaction market. For instance, in January 2022, Qiagen, a leading developer of diagnostic devices, entered into collaboration with Atila BioSystems and Actome GmbH to provide non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) solutions to QIAGEN's dPCR and licensing & co-marketing agreement.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., QIAGEN, Agilent Technologies Inc., Standard Biotools, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck & Co. Inc., Abbott, Promega Corporation, Takara Bio Inc.