This Frost & Sullivan research service titled European PCR Reagent Market for Research Applications and Clinical Diagnostics offers forecasts from 2010 to 2017. It analyses market drivers and restraints and industry challenges. Revenue forecasts and end-user analysis are also discussed. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following applications: PCR reagents used and supplied for clinical diagnostics, research application and applied testing sectors.

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Market Overview

Innovative Features Widen Application Base and Boost Revenue

Novel next-generation polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reagents engineered for clinical diagnostics have rapidly increased the scope and usage of PCR reagents for pathogen and disease detection. Significant market growth, since 2007, can be attributed to the patent expiry of Taq polymerase. With its expiry, PCR reagents have been made available for more common use, increasing consumption levels.

“There is rising demand for PCR reagents in diagnostic testing for pathogen detection,” notes the analyst of this research. “Innovative product features are, moreover, expanding the customer base, resulting in higher revenue generation.” Clinicians are utilising PCR to conduct routine medical diagnostic tests and reveal important information such as the identification of biomarkers. This may reveal the early signs of development of cancer, tumours, heart disease and many more. In the area of life sciences research, PCR reagents are being deployed in human disease research, genetic analysis, pharmaceutical drug discovery development, pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics. Next-generation PCR enzymes have been engineered to suit the specific requirements of these varied applications.

Price Pressures Threaten Revenue Growth

Intensifying price pressures due to increased competition presents a major challenge to market expansion. The cost of the PCR reagents is a major concern, especially when research is being carried out in an academic laboratory. Due to the cost issue, researchers prefer the use of home-brewed reagents rather than purchasing reagents that are at the high end. Companies that fail to address the issue of pricing at the appropriate time, stand to lose their competitive advantage. Many companies have entered into alliances with thermal cycler manufacturers and are using this strategy to market their brands.

The requirement of licenses is stifling the entry of new entrants into in vitro diagnostics. This situation threatens to dampen revenue growth. “The key technologies are patent protected, which prevents the free growth of the market,” explains the analyst. “As the Tier 1 participants have already acquired patents, new participants have to be creative to expand their usage in terms of improved speed, processing and robustness, resulting in consistency of high amplification efficiency required for accurate relative quantification, regardless of amplicon length or complexity.”

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following application segments in this research:

• Applied testing
• Clinical diagnostics
• Research application