Protein Assays Market by Type (Dye-based, Copper-based) Technology (Fluorescence, Absorbance, Colorimetric) Offering (Reagent, Kit, Instrument) Application (R&D, Drug Discovery, Diagnostics) End User (Pharmaceutical, Hospital) – Global Forecast to 2031

The Protein Assays Market was valued at $2.14  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $4.36  billion by 2031, from an estimated $2.34  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Protein Assays Market Size & Forecast

Protein assays are used for the measurement of protein in samples or biological fluids with the use of detergents, dyes, or reagents. The purpose of the assay is protein quantification—that is, to determine the concentration or amount of an array of proteins or specific proteins. There are different types of protein assays on the basis of their sensitivity and specificity, including Bradford Protein Assay, Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Assay, Lowry Protein Assay, and others. Protein assays vary in their chemical basis for detecting protein-specific functional groups. Some assay methods detect peptide bonds, but no assay does this exclusively.

The growth of this market can be attributed to various factors, such as the increasing pharmaceutical R&D expenditures, rising use of protein assays in drug discovery & development, growth in the food & beverage industry, and rising use of protein assays in clinical diagnostics tests. However, the high cost of protein assay equipment restrains market growth.

Furthermore, increasing focus on proteomics research and the use of protein assays in personalized medicine is expected to offer market growth opportunities. However, the shortage of skilled professionals and high chances of error with complex samples are major challenges for the market’s growth.

Increasing Demand for Protein Assays in the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry

The global pharmaceutical industry is experiencing rapid growth. This growth is attributed to various factors, such as patent expirations, the introduction of new drugs, improved accessibility to medicines in remote areas, and high investments in R&D. For instance, in 2022, the investments and funding by venture capitalists in biotech and pharma companies in the U.S. increased to USD 30.7 billion from USD 18.7 billion in 2019 (Source: National Venture Capital Association). Additionally, in 2021, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) member companies invested USD 102.3 billion in research and development (Source: 2022 PhRMA member annual survey).

Protein assays are used for the quantification of protein in a given sample. The assays are also used to standardize the results of pharmaceutical preparation obtained from another method. Pharmaceutical companies increasingly prefer protein assays as they do not require any hazardous reagents, obtain faster results, and are easy to perform at room temperature.

In the biotechnology industry, protein assays are one of the most widely used scientific methods. Protein assays are used for the determination of protein concentration in the sample, which is necessary for protein purification, molecular biology, cell biology, and other research applications.

Rising Use of Protein Assays in Clinical Diagnostic Tests

Chronic diseases pose a significant burden across many countries. According to the United Health Foundations (U.S.), in 2022, 29.3 million adults, representing 11.2% of the population, reported having three or more chronic conditions. In 2020, the global prevalence of chronic diseases was estimated at 57%. According to the International Diabetes Federation, globally, the number of people with diabetes aged 20–79 reached 537 million in 2021, increasing from 425 million in 2017. This number is projected to reach 643 million by 2030.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing the need to develop novel therapies for the treatment of chronic diseases. Protein assays are used in the laboratories to determine the protein concentration of biological samples, which then can be further processed by other technologies. The rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing the adoption of protein assays in diagnostic & pathology laboratories as the determination of protein quantitation is a prerequisite for many of the molecular diagnostic tests for early disease diagnosis, thereby driving the market.

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Key Findings in the Global Protein Assays Market Study:

Among all the Offerings, in 2024, the Reagents & Kits Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on offering, the protein assays market is segmented into reagents & kits and instruments & accessories. In 2024, the reagents & kits segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. Continuous advancements in terms of the development of reagents and kits, high adoption and recurring consumption of protein assay kits, and wide availability of consumables support the segment’s large share. The increasing adoption of protein assays in clinical diagnostics due to rising disease prevalence is further contributing to the market growth.

Among all the Types, in 2024, the Dye-based Assay Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on type, the global protein assays market is segmented into dye-based assay, copper-based assay, and other assay types. In 2024, the dye-based assay segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to its higher preference for simplicity, speed, and sensitivity. Dye-based assays enable accurate and quick quantification of protein quantification, owing to which these assays are widely used in clinical diagnostics and research applications.

Among all the Technologies, in 2024, the Absorbance-based Protein Assay Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on technology, the protein assays market is segmented into fluorescence-based protein assay, absorbance-based protein assay, and colorimetric-based protein assay. In 2024, the absorbance-based protein assay segment is expected to account for the largest share of the protein assays market. Absorbance is the simplest detection method that offers simplicity and broad applicability. Absorbance assays are applied to a wide variety of samples, making them ideal to use in research applications. Absorbance assays are non-destructive and can be used for subsequent analysis. These factors support the largest share of absorbance-based assays in the market.

In 2024, the Drug Discovery Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on application, the global protein assays market is segmented into research & development, drug discovery, clinical diagnosis, label claims, and other applications. In 2024, the drug discovery segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to increased spending on pharmaceutical R&D, the need to develop new therapies owing to increasing disease prevalence, and supportive initiatives for drug research. An increase in pharmaceutical research initiatives drives the adoption of protein assays. Protein assays facilitate an understanding of disease biology and enable the development, production, and quality assurance of protein-based therapeutics, owing to which their demand is higher in pharmaceutical R&D for drug discovery & development.

Among all the End Users, in 2024, the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market

Based on end users, the protein assays market is segmented into pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, hospitals & diagnostic laboratories, food & beverage companies, and other end users. In 2024, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment is expected to account for the largest share of the protein assays market. The largest share of the segment is attributed to the significant investments in research and development (R&D) activities and infrastructure development by pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies. The funding for research laboratories is increasing due to the rising demand for new drugs and therapies, which is driving the demand for protein assays. For instance, global pharmaceutical R&D expenditure is expected to reach USD 213 billion in 2026 from USD 179 billion in 2020 (Source: International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA)).

North America: Largest Regional Market

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the protein assays market. North America's significant market share is attributed to several factors, including substantial R&D investments by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for drug and biomarker development, growing prevalence of chronic diseases, increased healthcare expenditure, the presence of key market players in the region, and favorable government initiatives supporting research and development. For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in 2022, the National Institute of Health (NIH) allocated USD 45 billion for biomedical research. The surge in R&D spending by pharmaceutical companies is anticipated to drive the demand for protein assays, which are crucial for qualitative and quantitative protein testing in the pharmaceutical sector.

Protein Assays Market: Competitive Analysis

The report offers a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the product offerings and geographic presence of leading market players and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past few years. The key players operating in the global protein assays market are Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), Abcam plc (U.K.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Promega Corporation (U.S.), Cell Signaling Technology, Inc. (U.S.), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), and Novus Biologicals (U.S.).

Protein Assays Market Report Summary:

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