Protein Sequencing Market - A Global and Regional Analysis

Global Protein Sequencing Market Industry Overview

Introduction to Protein Sequencing

Protein sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of amino acids in a protein, which is crucial for understanding its structure, function, and role in biological systems. It plays an essential role in fields such as biotechnology, biomedical research, drug discovery, and disease diagnostics. Protein sequencing provides valuable insights into post-translational modifications, protein interactions, and disease mechanisms, enabling advancements in precision medicine and targeted therapies.

The two primary techniques for protein sequencing are Edman degradation and mass spectrometry. Edman degradation is used for smaller proteins, sequentially removing amino acids, while mass spectrometry is widely used for large-scale proteomics due to its high throughput and ability to analyze complex samples. Additionally, the market consists of instruments, reagents, consumables that facilitate the sequencing process, and contract research organizations providing protein sequencing services for various industries. The growing demand for biomarker discovery and drug development continues to drive innovations in this space. 

Market Introduction 

The global protein sequencing market, initially valued at $1,749.0 million in 2023, is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach $2,697.0 million by 2033, marking a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.36%. The growing emphasis on personalized medicine is a major driver for protein sequencing. Understanding the precise amino acid sequence and modifications of proteins is crucial for identifying biomarkers and developing targeted therapies for diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. Protein sequencing is also essential in drug discovery, where detailed knowledge of protein structures enables the identification of potential drug targets. Biopharmaceutical companies rely on sequencing data to develop biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins.

As advancements in technology continue to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of protein sequencing, the market is primed to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ushering in an era of preventive and personalized medicine on a global scale.

Products in this market include instruments such as mass spectrometers and sequence and reagents and consumables essential for protein preparation, digestion, and analysis. These tools are vital for researchers to conduct precise, high-throughput protein sequencing. Additionally, contract research organizations and other service providers play a crucial role in offering protein sequencing services to biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research labs. These services encompass everything from protein identification to complex post-translational modification analysis. With growing applications in biomarker discovery, personalized medicine, and biopharmaceuticals, the demand for products and services in the protein sequencing market has been increasing, particularly in regions such as North America and Asia-Pacific.

Industrial Impact

The industrial impact of the protein sequencing market has been profound, significantly influencing various sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research. In the healthcare industry, protein sequencing enables the identification of biomarkers for early disease detection, leading to more precise diagnostics. It supports the development of personalized medicine, allowing for tailored treatments based on a patient’s unique protein expression profile. In the manufacturing of biologics, ensuring protein integrity and sequence consistency is critical for maintaining product quality. Protein sequencing is used extensively in process optimization and quality control to monitor the purity and structural fidelity of proteins used in biopharmaceutical production. Moreover, the increasing use of sequencing in academic and clinical research has been driving scientific discoveries and expanding one’s understanding of diseases and human biology. Overall, the integration of protein sequencing across these industries has fostered innovation, improved efficiency, and opened new avenues for economic growth and development. The integration of novel sequencing technologies and mass spectrometry has enhanced the scalability and precision of protein sequencing, increasing its industrial application across multiple sectors.

Market Segmentation

Segmentation 1:  By Product and Service
•    Product
•    Service

Product Segment to Lead the Global Protein Sequencing Market (by Product and Service)

In the global protein sequencing market, as of 2023, the product segment held the largest share at 72.37%. This dominance can be attributed to the essential role of products such as mass spectrometry instruments and sample preparation reagents in the sequencing process. 

Segmentation 2: By Application 
•    Biotherapeutics
•    Genetic Engineering
•    Others

Biotherapeutics to Witness the Highest Growth between 2024 and 2033

Based on application, the global protein market was led by the biotherapeutics segment, which held a 69.51% share in 2023. Protein sequencing is crucial in developing and manufacturing biotherapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and vaccines. Sequencing is essential for understanding protein structure, ensuring safety and efficacy, and optimizing manufacturing processes. This application area has been witnessing significant growth due to the rise of precision medicine and the increasing demand for targeted therapies in chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and genetic conditions. The global burden of chronic diseases, particularly cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, has been pushing the demand for biotherapeutics, where protein sequencing plays a key role in the discovery and development of novel treatments.

Segmentation 3: By Sample Type
•    Biological Sample 
•    Tissue Sample 
•    Cultured Cell 
•    Other Samples

Biological Samples Segment to Witness the Highest Growth between 2024 and 2033

Biological samples, which include a wide range of samples from living organisms (such as blood, urine, and saliva), are essential for various applications, including clinical diagnostics, drug development, and personalized medicine. The increasing demand for targeted therapies and personalized healthcare has been driving the growth of this segment. The development of advanced protein sequencing technologies, such as mass spectrometry and next-generation protein sequencing (NGS), has made it easier and more cost-effective to analyze biological samples in the near future.

Segmentation 4: By Technology
•    Mass Spectrometry 
•    Edman Degradation 
•    Other Technologies

Mass Spectrometry Segment to Occupy the Major Market Share between 2024 and 2033

In the protein sequencing market, the mass spectrometry segment will occupy the major market share between 2024 and 2033. Nevertheless, as next-generation sequencing technologies become more established and integrated into research workflows, they will shift market dynamics. Nanopore sequencing enables real-time sequencing of proteins and is particularly appealing due to its ability to provide long-read sequencing capabilities. Although still emerging, nanopore technology will enhance protein sequencing by providing insights into protein structure and interactions that mass spectrometry may not fully capture. This will also lead to increased collaboration and the development of hybrid approaches that leverage the strengths of both sequencing and mass spectrometry.

Segmentation 5: By End User
•    Academic Institutes 
•    Pharma and CROs
•    Biotech, Diagnostics, and Other Companies

Academic Institutes Segment to Hold the Major Market Share between 2024 and 2033

In the global protein sequencing market, as of 2023, the academic institute segment held the largest share at 47.30%. The growth of the protein sequencing market has been fueled by rising investments in proteomics research. For example, Thermo Fisher's Quantitative Proteomics Research Grant Program provides up to $11,000 in mass spectrometry reagents to doctoral and post-doctoral students, promoting innovative research in quantitative proteomics. This initiative highlights private-sector support for academic research. Moreover, collaborations between academic institutions and biotech companies have been driving technological advancements, enhancing research capabilities, and broadening the market.

Segmentation 6: By Region
•    North America
     o    U.S.
     o    Canada
•    Europe
     o    Germany
     o    U.K.
     o    France
     o    Italy
     o    Spain
     o    Rest-of-Europe
•    Asia-Pacific
     o    China
     o    Japan
     o    India
     o    Australia
     o    South Korea
     o    Rest-of-Asia-Pacific 
•    Latin America
     o    Brazil
     o    Mexico
     o    Rest-of-Latin America
•    Rest-of-the-World

The protein sequencing market in the North America region is expected to witness a significant growth rate of 3.81% during the forecast period, marked by the increasing demand for preventative medicine, clinical diagnostics, drug development, and biomarker discovery. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to reach $623.5 million in 2033 from $348.4 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.93% during the forecast period 2024-2033.

Recent Developments in the Protein Sequencing Market

• In September 2024, GenNext Technologies and Agilent announced a collaboration for structural biology research for biopharmaceutical companies. The integration of GenNext’s AutoFox Protein Footprinting System with Agilent’s 6560 Ion Mobility Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry system is to be used for detailed protein structure analysis and biomolecular interaction studies.
• In July 2024, Agilent acquired Sigsense, a company that developed AI-enabled lab operations technology assisting in enhancing and optimizing laboratory workflows.
• In July 2024, Bioinformatics Solutions Inc. announced the release of PEAKS Studio 12 as part of the PEAKS 12 software generation. Leveraging the latest mass spectrometry technology, the offering advances research with proteomics solutions employing deep learning and innovative algorithms that support data analysis for peptide and protein identification and quantification.
• In June 2024, Agilent announced advancements in GC/MS and LC/Q-TOF technology at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry 2024. The new HES 2.0 ion source provides atto-gram-level sensitivity along with a built-in intelligence system to streamline workflows.
• In June 2024, Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced the Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer to advance clinical research. 

Demand – Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities

Market Demand Drivers: 

Advancements in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics: Recent advancements in computational biology and bioinformatics have significantly influenced the protein sequencing market, particularly in drug discovery, proteomics research, and biomarker identification. These technologies utilize sophisticated algorithms, simulations, and extensive biological datasets to improve the design and analysis of protein sequences, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of sequencing methods.

Market Challenges:

Shortage of Skilled Labor: The protein sequencing process entails complex procedures that require a comprehensive understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced analytical techniques. Skilled professionals are essential to operate sophisticated instruments, such as mass spectrometers, to ensure accurate and reliable data acquisition. Moreover, these experts must possess strong computational and bioinformatics capabilities to manage and interpret the substantial volumes of data generated during sequencing. 

Market Opportunities:

Integration of Artificial Intelligence: The integration of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost, with protein sequencing technologies presents a significant opportunity to transform the field of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic decision-making. By employing novel materials, such as solid-state 2D phosphorene nanoslit devices, AI-enhanced models can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of amino acid identification at the single-molecule level, addressing long-standing challenges in high-throughput protein sequencing.

Analyst’s Thoughts

According to Swati Sood, Principal Analyst – BIS Research, “The protein sequencing market is poised for robust growth, driven by technological advancements, decreasing costs, and expanding clinical applications in precision medicine and diagnostics. Analysts anticipate significant opportunities for innovation and investment across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors, leading to improved patient outcomes and accelerated drug development.”