Epigenetics Represent Paradigm Shift in Genomics: Big Growth Ahead

March 14, 2016

Wellesley, Mass., March 14, 2016 – The study of epigenetics represents a paradigm shift in that it suggests a complex entanglement of genetic and non-genetic factors determine human development.   BCC Research reveals in its new report that large-scale investment in R&D, coupled with growing demand for epigenomic medicines across various application areas, characterize this vibrant market.

Epigenomics is the study of modifications that occur to the genetic material of a cell, known as the epigenome. Epigenomics studies modifications that do not cause changes in the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are heritable, mitotically and meiotically, and they cause modifications in gene expression. An epigenotype is the constitution of epigenetic marks at a locus for a given time point and cell type.

Global market revenues, which totaled $4.7 billion in 2015, should reach nearly $12.1 billion in 2020, demonstrating a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6%. North America, which dominates the global market, is projected to reach $4.6 billion in 2020 with a five-year CAGR of 19.9%, thanks to highly developed technology and rapid advancement in cancer drug research.

Asia-Pacific should experience the highest growth rate among regions due to rapid technological advancement and increasing demand for epigenomic drugs. Also, the region’s large population, coupled with growing infrastructure development, should drive growth. The market, valued at $813.1 million in 2014, is expected to reach $2.8 billion in 2020 with a five-year CAGR of 22.8%.

Epigenetics is challenging the basic concepts regarding human inheritance. It demonstrates that changes occurring beyond the DNA will affect that which is inherited. Some modifications in the nucleotides affect gene expression without altering fixed DNA sequences. These changes are effective in the developmental process, as well as in memory, emotional responses, aging, immunity, reproduction and cancer

Key growth factors include improved infrastructure in growing economies, more awareness among the public and health care practitioners, a higher disposable income and increasing medical reimbursement rates. The steady increase of aging populations, one of the biggest market drivers, increased the demand for epigenetic drugs. Academic and biotechnology institutions are collaborating with drug companies to provide better and newer insights into this burgeoning field.

Epigenetic personalized medicine for cancer treatment accounted for a significant share of the global market. Lung cancer held the largest share of the cancer treatment segment, accounting for more than 24% of the market. The growing popularity of the biomarker segment is expected to positively impact market growth, as well. DNA methylation for cancer detection accounted for the largest share of the segment, whereas chromatin remodeling is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.

“Epigenomic drugs are currently used mostly for cancer, but they are also used for non-oncology indications, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, personalized medicine and neurodegenerative disorders,” says BCC Research analyst Vijay Laxmi. “The steady increase of aging populations is one of the biggest drivers for epigenomic drugs. Cancer and aging are closely correlated, which has led to an increase in the demand for epigenetic drugs.”

Personalized Medicine and Epigenomics: Technologies and Global Markets (PHM044C) analyzes the market by segments and subsegments for emerging opportunities in biomarkers, diagnostics and therapeutics. Analyses of global market drivers and trends, with data from 2014, 2015, and projections of CAGRs through 2020 also are provided.

Editors and reporters who wish to speak with the analyst should contact Steven Cumming at steven.cumming@bccresearch.com.

Personalized Medicine and Epigenomics: Technologies and Global Markets( PHM044C )
Publish Date: Mar 2016    

Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research.