Market Trends of Molecular Weight Marker Industry
The RNA Marker Segment is Expected to Show Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period
RNA molecular weight markers are synthetic chains of defined lengths that are used to determine the molecular weight of RNA species. These markers are typically prepared by in vitro transcription of linearized plasmids using RNA polymerases in separate reactions. They are then dissolved in a storage buffer, such as EDTA, and have a shelf life of up to 2 years when stored at -80 °C. Markers are usually stained to make them detectable on gel electrophoresis, with the most commonly used dye being ethidium bromide. RNA markers are commonly used as size standards in northern blotting and RNA gel electrophoresis.
The demand for RNA markers in research, particularly in studies involving denaturing acrylamide gel electrophoresis, underscores the growing importance of molecular weight markers. For instance, according to an article published by PLOS One Journal in August 2022, a study was carried out for both in vitro and in vivo mapping of RNA structure. During this study, denaturing acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the pool of p-labeled cDNAs and the corresponding sequencing RNA ladders were used, highlighting the importance of RNA markers in research.
In addition to their increasing usage in genomic research, major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are investing more in research and development activities, which is expected to boost the segment for RNA markers. The government of New South Wales in Australia allocated USD 119 million over 10 years to RNA R&D to support a pipeline of projects for piloting at the facility, as published in December 2022.
Overall, the increasing investment in R&D in genomic research, including cancer genomics, and the growing focus on genomics technologies research are expected to drive the growth of the RNA marker segment.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
The North American market for molecular weight markers is heavily influenced by the presence of numerous large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the United States, as well as the growing burden of various infectious and chronic diseases and the rising investment in research and development (R&D).
In November 2023, the Canadian Cancer Society projected that 247,100 individuals would be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. This anticipated increase in incidence could be attributed to Canada's aging and expanding population. Therefore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases is expected to result in increased research and development activities, driving the growth of the molecular weight markers market in the region over the forecast period.
In September 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allocated USD 90 million to the Pathogen Genomics Centers of Excellence (PGCoE) network. The PGCoE network is intended to foster and enhance innovation and technical capacity in pathogen genomics, molecular epidemiology, and bioinformatics to better prevent, control, and respond to microbial threats of public health importance. Such investments in genomics are expected to increase the usage of molecular weight markers during the forecast period.
Major players in the market have been working on novel growth strategies in recent years to gain a higher market share during the forecast period. For instance, in August 2022, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., a well-known manufacturer of molecular weight markers, completed the acquisition of all the outstanding shares of Curiosity Diagnostics Sp. z.o.o. from Scope Fluidics SA. Such advancements in the market are expected to enhance the company's product portfolio and technological capabilities, thereby driving growth in the molecular weight marker market through expanded offerings and increased market reach.
As a result, the aforementioned factors, such as increased investment in research and development and a rising prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, are expected to drive the growth of the market.
