The global aptamers market was valued at USD 1.94 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.54% from 2023 to 2030. This rapid growth is being driven by significant advancements in the development, purification, and drug delivery systems for targeting and eliminating harmful cells, which have garnered the attention of researchers. Aptamers possess several competitive advantages over traditional antibodies, including smaller molecular size, lower immunogenicity (reduced immune response), reduced manufacturing costs, and fewer side effects. These benefits are encouraging research and development (R&D) efforts in the creation of new aptamers, fueling market expansion.
Despite considerable research, no highly effective treatments for COVID-19 have been identified, partly due to the virus's extensive genetic mutations. However, biotechnological approaches, including the use of aptamers, hold promise in combating COVID-19 infections. Nucleic acid-based aptamers and peptide aptamers are believed to offer potential therapeutic solutions for the virus, and various government initiatives are supporting the development of novel treatments for COVID-19. For example, in September 2020, the Department of Community & Economic Development awarded USD 320,000 to Aptagen LLC to fund research and development of a novel COVID-19 treatment. This investment reflects the growing recognition of aptamers' potential in addressing unmet medical needs.
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Aptamers are also proving valuable in diagnostics. Using SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) technology, aptamer-based diagnostic kits and assays can develop high-affinity neutralizers and bioprobes for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and other COVID-19 biomarkers. These innovations are expected to further drive market growth. For example, in December 2021, Achiko AG received approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Health for its COVID-19 diagnostic kit, Aptamex. Aptamex is a second-generation, cost-effective diagnostic tool based on DNA aptamer technology, representing an emerging solution in healthcare diagnostics.
Type Segmentation Insights:
The aptamers market is segmented into nucleic acid aptamers and peptide aptamers. In 2022, the nucleic acid aptamers segment dominated the market, holding a 78.19% share, and is expected to exhibit the highest growth during the forecast period. Many companies are actively exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of nucleic acid aptamers for treating various disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For instance, in June 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted IVERIC BIO (formerly Ophthotech Corporation) a written agreement under the Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) for the design of its phase 3 clinical trial, GATHER2. The trial aims to assess the efficacy of Zimura, a nucleic acid aptamer-based drug, for patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD. This FDA approval is expected to significantly bolster the growth of the nucleic acid aptamer segment.
The peptide aptamer segment is anticipated to experience substantial growth, with a projected CAGR of 22.77% from 2023 to 2030, driven by its broad applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. For instance, in August 2021, scientists from the Engineering Center for Microtechnology and Diagnostics developed an innovative biosensor for multiparametric express testing in the preclinical diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases. This testing uses next-generation biochips, which are based on a peptide aptamer marker system and molecular recognition technology. The researchers designed peptide aptamers using data from the Data Bank and Protein 3D software. The introduction of such advanced products in the market is likely to increase the utilization of peptide aptamers, contributing to the segment's growth.
In summary, the aptamers market is poised for rapid expansion due to the advantages of aptamers in therapeutic and diagnostic applications, advancements in technology, and ongoing R&D efforts. The market's growth is further supported by government initiatives, regulatory approvals, and the increasing use of aptamer-based solutions in areas such as COVID-19 treatment, diagnostics, and the management of other medical conditions.
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