Apoptosis: New Growth Opportunities

Report Highlights

• Apoptosis research is a new, booming field. Between the mid-1980's and the mid-1990's, the number of Medline citations containing the words "apoptosis" or "programmed cell death" increased by a factor of ten. This rapid growth has led to widespread availability of commercial kits and reagents for research use, and, more recently, to the formation of pharmaceutical companies devoted to developing apoptosis-modulating drugs. Although still growing at a fantastic rate, the kits and reagents market has become relatively established, while the pharmaceutical market is still in its infancy. Tremendous opportunities exist in both areas.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Apoptosis is a process through which cells initiate their own deaths. Also called cellular suicide and programmed cell death, apoptosis is vital to the development and survival of many organisms, because it allows an organism to rid itself of damaged or unnecessary cells. However, when genetic mutations or other problems alter apoptotic processes, diseases can result. For example, certain mutations can render cells unable to initiate apoptosis -- a condition that can lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation and cancer. Alternatively, mutations that do not allow apoptosis to stop may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, some viruses inactivate genes that control apoptosis, and force cells to remain alive and in service to viral reproduction.

This report discusses pharmaceutical and technological applications of apoptosis. This field promises to bring important new treatments for cancers, neurological conditions, cardiac problems, and other diseases. The report also addresses the state of the market for apoptosis-related research kits and reagents. It also analyzes the latest research on the subject, examines investments in drug development, and forecasts worldwide sales of drugs, kits, and reagents. Market forecasts project sales to the year 2005.

REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY

Apoptosis research is a new, booming field. Between the mid-1980's and the mid-1990's, the number of Medline citations containing the words "apoptosis" or "programmed cell death" increased by a factor of ten. This rapid growth has led to widespread availability of commercial kits and reagents for research use, and, more recently, to the formation of pharmaceutical companies devoted to developing apoptosis-modulating drugs. Although still growing at a fantastic rate, the kits and reagents market has become relatively established, while the pharmaceutical market is still in its infancy. Tremendous opportunities exist in both areas.

Advances in molecular and cellular biology are fueling basic discoveries, while processes like combinatorial chemistry and new therapies such as antisense technology are fueling pharmaceutical discoveries. Current trends indicate that apoptosis-modulating drugs may eventually form a major therapeutic category, especially in the area of cancer therapy.

AUDIENCE FOR THE REPORT

Apoptosis-related drugs, kits, and reagents are a growing segment of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Considerable activity in both industries focuses on licensing and patenting technologies. Many licensing opportunities come from academic laboratories, although in-house development is also common.

This report discusses the structure of the industry, and provides profiles of major companies in each area. The report is directed at decision makers in each industry segment, as well as at individuals and organizations considering investing in apoptosis technology. These people include, but are not limited to the following:

• Venture capitalists
• Merger and acquisition executives
• Market and product management professionals
• Chief scientists and technical officers
• Equipment manufacturers
• Reagent suppliers

SCOPE AND FORMAT

This report is a tool whose purpose is to analyze the emerging industry in apoptosis-related products. The section following this introduction provides a summary of the report and its conclusions. An overview of the market and a brief discussion of relevant scientific principles follow the summary. The ensuing sections analyze current and future market trends. The final chapters address the structures of the apoptosis-related pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. There is also an analysis of patents and their importance.

The appendices of the report contain directories of companies, associations, and conferences, as well as a list of research products and the companies selling them.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The material for this report was gathered from interviews with individuals in the industry, as well as a thorough review of technology gathered from secondary sources. These sources include company annual, 10K and 10Q reports, company literature, trade literature, trade associations, and online sources. Final projections are based on the analysis of information from primary and secondary sources. All dollar projections are presented in year 2000 constant dollars.