Epigenetics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Offering (Kits, Reagents, Instruments, Software) Method (DNA Methylation, PCR, Chromatin Analysis, RNA Modification), Application (Oncology, Non-oncology) End User - Global Forecast to 2031

Epigenetics Market Size & Forecast

The Epigenetics Market is projected to reach $6.33 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2024 to 2031. Epigenetics is the mechanism of phenotypic alteration without permanent genotypic change, which occurs through chromatin modification, DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin-regulating proteins, and non-coding RNAs. These modifications play a significant role in developing and progressing several oncological and non-oncological diseases. Thus, epigenetic changes are of value in diagnostic and prognostic terms. On the other hand, with the development of personalized medicines and targeted treatment approaches, treatment strategies targeting abnormal epigenetic changes are becoming a promising area for many diseases.

The growth of the epigenetics market is driven by the rising incidence of chronic diseases due to the rising aging population, the increasing prevalence of cancer, rising pharmaceutical R&D expenditures, the increasing focus on epigenetics in drug discovery & development, and the declining costs of genome sequencing. However, the lack of skilled professionals restrains the growth of this market.

The growing applications of epigenetics in non-oncology diseases and government initiatives supporting large-scale genomic sequencing projects are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market. However, standardization concerns associated with epigenetics procedures and the limited applications of epigenetics in toxicology are major challenges to market growth.

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Epigenetics Market Growth Drivers

Rising Incidences of Chronic Diseases due to Growing Geriatric Population

The rising incidence of chronic diseases due to growth in the global aging population supports the growth of this market. As per United Nations data, the percentage of the population aged 65 years or over is increasing globally. In 2022, about 9.7% of the global population was aged 65 years or over. This number is expected to increase to 11.7% in 2030 and 16.4% in 2050. People from the older population have reduced immunity and weakened body systems, making them susceptible to chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), neurological disorders, cancer, and metabolic disorders, among others. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin changes, can cause these diseases. Thus, epigenetic analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases.

Cancer is a major cause of death and a prominent obstacle to improving life expectancy in every country worldwide. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), new cancer cases are expected to increase from 19.2 million in 2020 to 24.5 million in 2030. In addition, mortalities from cancer are expected to increase from 9.9 million in 2020 to 12.9 million in 2030. Thus, the increasing prevalence of cancer and genetic disorders is expected to boost the adoption of epigenetic solutions in hospitals & clinical settings.

Growing Utilization of Epigenetic Analysis in Disease Diagnostics and Precision Medicine

The utilization of epigenetic analysis is growing in precision medicine. Advancements in epigenetic analysis are changing how doctors diagnose and treat cancer. New targeted cancer treatments that use genomic data to provide patient-specific treatments are known as precision oncology. It involves the molecular profiling of cancer cells to identify targetable alterations, also known as biomarkers. Quick and reliable sequencing of multiple genes at once is possible with epigenetic analysis. Epigenetic analysis has helped develop precision medicine, which involves tailoring treatments based on disease-causing molecular/epigenetic changes in a person’s body. While epigenetic analysis is used in various scenarios, oncologists are currently using it to sequence patients’ biopsy samples to determine the right medicines that can target the abnormalities driving tumor growth.

Epigenetics is increasingly being used for genomic profiling in targeted cancer applications due to the decreasing costs and turnaround times, improvements in bioinformatics analyses, and the harmonization of knowledge bases to facilitate the clinical interpretation of genomic results. Thus, the growing utilization of genetic analysis in disease diagnostics and precision medicine is expected to drive the growth of this market during the forecast period.

Epigenetic Market Opportunity

Government Initiatives Supporting Large-scale Genomic Sequencing Projects

The availability of advanced sequencing technologies has lowered sequencing costs and significantly reduced the time required for genome sequencing. With the availability of safe and accurate genetic tests, governments around the world aim to promote their use for better healthcare management by investing in genomic research. For instance,

• According to a report by the Commonwealth of Australia published in February 2024, the Genomics Health Futures Mission invested USD 500.1 million in genomic research. This investment aims to deliver better testing, diagnostics, and treatment.

• In October 2023, the Government of Canada invested USD 15 million for creating a Pan-Canadian Genome Library which allows easier sharing of genomic data across the country.
• In December 2022, the Government of the U.K invested USD 217 million to boost genomic research.

These initiatives are expected to support the growth of genomic research which is further expected to offer significant opportunities for the growth of the market.

Growing Use of Epigenetics in Non-oncology Applications

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, particularly in developed countries such as the U.S. As per data from the British Heart Foundation, globally, around 620 million people had heart and circulatory diseases as of June 2023, a substantial increase from 530 million in 2019. This increase is attributed to unhealthy lifestyles, growth in the aging population, and improved rates of survival from heart attacks and strokes. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), in 2021, heart disease was the leading cause of mortality in the U.S., accounting for approximately one of every three deaths. Also, a rise in the incidence of CVDs, the prevalence of cigarette smoking and obesity, and decreased participation in physical activities were observed among teenagers in the U.S. The highest number of CVD deaths was recorded in China, followed by India, Russia, the U.S., and Indonesia.

Several epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA, help alter cardiovascular homeostasis and impact cardiovascular or neurological disorders. For instance, the abnormal methylation status of candidate genes is involved in the mechanism and development of cardiovascular diseases. It can be used as a marker to assess cardiovascular disease progression. Also, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in humans show differences in 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels, which are associated with neural processes during the evolution of the human brain. Such epigenetic mechanisms help understand the changes in normal genetic or cellular responses, supporting the early diagnosis & treatment of disorders.

Epigenetics Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Offering: In 2024, the Kits & Reagents Segment to Dominate the Epigenetics Market

Based on offering, the epigenetics market is segmented into kits & reagents, services, and software. In 2024, the kits & reagents segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 69% of the epigenetics market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to the increasing adoption of epigenetics kits & reagents due to innovations and the benefits offered, the increasing prevalence of various chronic diseases such as cancer, and the frequent and repetitive usage of kits & reagents for epigenetic analyses. Kits & reagents are used to study epigenetics through chromatin analysis, histone analysis, DNA methylation, and sequencing, among other methods. Kits are ready-to-use assays that include components such as primers, controls, columns, buffers, beads, inhibitors, and antibodies, depending on the method used for analysis. Reagents are sold separately and can be used in different concentrations depending on the requirements of the procedure/analysis.

By Method: In 2024, the DNA Methylation Segment to Dominate the Epigenetics Market

Based on method, the epigenetics market is segmented into DNA Methylation, Histone Modification, RNA Modification, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Chromatin Analysis, Sonication, and Other Methods. In 2024, the DNA Methylation segment is expected to account for the largest share of the epigenetics market. The segment’s large share is attributed to the increasing incidence of cancer and technological advancements in PCR, sequencing, and chip-based detection, enabling quick execution and sequencing of specific regions of interest at low costs. In addition, the increasing focus on reducing costs associated with lengthy research and product approval processes also supports the segment’s large share. DNA methylation is further sub-segmented into bisulfite conversion, high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis, immunoprecipitation, and other DNA methylation methods.

By Application: In 2024, the Oncology Segment to Register the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period

Based on application, the epigenetics market is segmented into oncology and non-oncology. The oncology segment is expected to register the fastest growth of 16.4% during the forecast period. The segment’s growth is attributed to the rising number of cancer cases, government initiatives to raise awareness about cancer, and advances in cancer research. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), new cancer cases are expected to increase from 19.2 million in 2020 to 24.5 million in 2030. Also, mortalities from cancer are expected to increase from 9.9 million in 2020 to 12.9 million in 2030. Manipulating an epigenetic target on cancer cells can make these cells more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs, including chemotherapy, offering a more personalized cancer treatment.

By End User: In 2024, the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on end user, the epigenetics market is segmented into Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Academic & Research Institutes, and Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories. In 2024, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment is expected to account for the largest share of the epigenetics market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to the rising demand for research-related products, the increasing incidence of chronic diseases, rising R&D expenditure of pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, technological advancements in epigenetics, and the introduction of new epigenetics products for chronic and rare diseases. Epigenetics enables pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies to identify and validate disease interactions and mechanisms that can be used in developing new diagnostic tests and therapies. Epigenetic markers are measurable indicators of a biological state or process that can be used to diagnose, monitor, or predict the progression of a disease and identify changes in gene expression, genetic variations, or epigenetic modifications associated with a particular disease or condition.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of over 50.1% of the epigenetics market. The factors attributed to the large share are the strong focus of local companies on product launches and enhancements, the presence of key players, the established healthcare system, the growing number of chronic diseases, and the rising geriatric population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Population Estimates and Projections, the geriatric population in the U.S. is projected to reach over 80 million in 2040 from 56.1 million in 2020. As this population group is particularly prone to several infectious and chronic diseases due to weakened immune systems, the number of people with chronic diseases is expected to increase.

Epigenetics Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the product portfolio offerings, geographic presence, and key strategic developments adopted by leading market players in this market in the last three to four years. The key players profiled in the epigenetics market are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), New England Biolabs (U.S.), Epigentek Group Inc. (U.S.), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.), 10X Genomics, Inc. (U.S.), Active Motif (U.S.), and Zymo Research Corporation (U.S.).

Epigenetics Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In June 2023, Merck KGAA (Germany) expanded its production capacity for highly purified reagents at a site in Nantong, China. This helped the large-scale manufacturing of high-purity reagents for quality control and testing for biopharma customers, increasing annual output by several thousand tons.

• In March 2023, Illumina, Inc. (U.S.) launched its Illumina Complete Long Read Prep, Human, a high-performance, long read, whole genome sequencing assay compatible with NovaSeq 6000, NovaSeq X Plus, NovaSeq X, and Sequencing Systems. This assay also simplifies workflow with reduced DNA requirements compared to long-read offerings.

• In September 2022, Illumina, Inc. (U.S.) launched its NovaSeq 6000 Dx, the first FDA-registered and CE-marked in vitro diagnostic (IVD) high-throughput sequencer, along with Illumina Complete Long-Reads, XLEAP-SBS Chemistry, NextSeq 1000/2000 Roadmap, and NovaSeq X Series (NovaSeq X and NovaSeq X Plus).
• In February 2022, New England Biolabs (U.S.) partnered with EpiCypher, Inc. (U.S.) to co-develop a library prep kit optimized for performance with their CUTANA CUT&RUN epigenomic assays.

Epigenetics Market: Research Summary

Key questions answered in the epigenetics market report: