Amino Acids: Highlighting Synthesis Applications

Report Highlights

• The worldwide market for amino acids for synthesis is projected to rise at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 7% through 2009 from $713 million to $1 billion.
• The greatest worldwide growth and the sector of the amino acids market with the highest return is the amino acids for synthesis market.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications account for just over half of the total, but are rising fastest at an AAGR of 9.8%.
• Amino acids for the synthesis of artificial sweeteners is poised to grow at an AAGR of 3.8% to $427 million through 2009.

INTRODUCTION

The amino acids for synthesis market is a small part of the large fine chemicals market. Further, synthesis applications for amino acids constitute a market that is separate and distinct from nutrition and animal feed. In this market, different amino acids are emphasized and their manufacturing methods tend to be different as well.

The greatest worldwide growth and the sector of the amino acids market with the highest return is the amino acids for synthesis market. This is particularly true for synthesis applications in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as more drugs enter into discovery and into the market that are protein based.

This report updates an earlier BCC report on the same topic that was published in February 1999. Several new applications for amino acids for synthesis have emerged since then. New technologies and a tremendous increase in patent applications impacting this market have created a need for an updated analysis

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• Identification of synthesis applications of amino acids in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
• A review of current supply sources of amino acids for synthesis applications
• Quantification of the dollar amount of amino acids being used for these applications
• Market forecasts through 2009
• An overview of amino acid synthesis technology
• Profiles of leading synthesis companies.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Information included in this report is derived from correspondence with company representatives, representatives from the U.S. department of commerce, trade association reports, company reports, and government agency statistics. An extensive literature search was performed on trade publications and on related books and articles.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Kecia Brown holds a B.S. in Chemistry and a MPH degree with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She has participated in medical research and in public health projects at universities and public health agencies. Ms. Brown has also worked in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as a medical writer.