Global Biochip Markets: Microarrays and Lab-on-a-Chip

Report Highlights

• The global market for biochips increased from $1,637.5 million in 2006 to an estimated $2,115.6 million by the end of 2008. It should reach $3,840.7 million in 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%.
• DNA microarrays dominate the market today, expected to be worth $947.3 million in 2007, followed by lab-on-a-chip (LOAC), expected to be worth $625.8 million in 2007.
• The largest market segment for biochips is in drug discovery and development.

INTRODUCTION

Biology is following a path that is reminiscent of the early electronics industry: a miniaturization and large-scale integration process that will revolutionize life science research, drug discovery and development, medical diagnostics and biotechnology. The ongoing miniaturization and large-scale integration process is encompassed in devices known as biochips, including microarrays and lab-on-a-chip microfluidic devices. Biochips represent a diverse group of nanotechnologies that can be expected to exert a significant impact in life science research, diagnostics and medicine.

DNA microarrays are already an established technology generating substantial revenue derived from gene expression, SNP analysis and gene resequencing. The first DNA microarray has recently been approved by the FDA for in-vitro diagnostic applications, and significant market growth can be expected in this application area. Protein microarrays are gaining prominence in the marketplace, while future, emerging array technologies including tissue/cell and glycomics arrays are increasing in importance. Lab-on-chip devices are also making rapid progress in important pharmaceutical and diagnostics market segments.

BCC previously examined the biochip industry in 2004. Given the rapidly advancing bio- and nano-technologies associated with this business, it is timely to re-examine the biochips business.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Descriptions of various biochips including current and potential applications
• The current market status of biochip products, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 to 10 years
• Technological issues, including the latest advances
• A discussion of driving forces in the biochip industry on a global basis, including large-scale integration, research initiatives and drug discovery
• An examination of biochip companies and industry alliances.

METHODOLOGY

BCC presents an analysis of each of the key market segments that will be commercially important during the next 5 years: research tools, drug discovery and development, diagnostics, DNA sequencing, biodefense, food safety, and forensics.

Based on our analysis, we evaluate the potential applications of biochips in each of the major market segments, and forecast sales revenues for 2008 through 2013.

For research tools and drug discovery and development, the study presents a forecast from 2008 through 2013 for each of the important products and technologies. For diagnostics, the report forecasts from 2008 through 2013 the demand for microarrays and lab-on-a-chip devices by analysis type. Finally, this study forecasts from 2008 through 2013 the market for LOAC devices by end use segment.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC surveyed life science companies and research institutions to obtain data for this study. Included were research tools firms, diagnostics firms, drug firms, microarray and lab-on-a-chip companies, and leading microarray research institutions. We also spoke with users of in-vitro personalized medicine devices. In addition, we compiled data from secondary sources including industry, trade, and government.