Upstream Bioprocessing Market to Achieve $105.46 Bn by 2034

Upstream Bioprocessing Market Companies, Trends and Developments

The global upstream bioprocessing market was evaluated at US$ 24.15 billion in 2023 and is expected to attain around US$ 105.46 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 14.34% from 2024 to 2034. The upstream bioprocessing market is growing as the biopharmaceutical industry uses upstream processing to produce a variety of products including therapeutic proteins, enzymes, antibiotics, vaccines, and biologics. The market needs to develop products and meet the increasing demand for life-saving therapies.

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Market Overview

The upstream bioprocessing market is growing rapidly as bioprocessing solutions and services help advance and accelerate research and improve cell culture media and upstream process development plus pilot-scale and manufacturing. However, the main purpose of bioprocessing equipment is to enable cell growth using small numbers of cells from various cell lines. The upstream bioprocess refers to the initial stage of growing bacteria/organisms from bacteria or mammalian cells in bioreactors.

Upstream bioprocessing involves screening and identification of microorganisms, preparation of culture media, and growth of bacteria in bioreactors. Upstream bioprocessing is the first stage of biopharmaceutical production, such as culturing cells or microbial cells to develop proteins. This process involves many steps to achieve the desired result. Biopharmaceutical companies can increase the efficiency of their manufacturing processes, reduce production costs, and produce quality products that comply with international standards.

For instance,

• In August 2024, Merck, a leading technology company, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Mirus Bio for approximately $600 million (approximately €550 million), subject to approval and satisfaction of other closing provisions hereof. This acquisition is a significant step in Merck’s mission to provide solutions for every step of vector development.

Market Trends

• In September 2022, President Biden signed the Executive Order (E.O.) on "Promoting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation to Achieve a Safe, Secure, and Sustainable American Bioeconomy", leading the growth of the upstream bioprocessing market.
• In November 2024, the government announced the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, a strategic plan to take India to the next era of industrialization through advanced biomanufacturing. Enhancing India’s biomanufacturing capabilities by integrating science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing will enable institutions, universities, startups, and industries in India to participate in innovation, thereby supporting the growth of the upstream bioprocessing market.
• Companies are actively working to reduce waste generation by using more efficient processes and materials, using sustainable packaging, and exploring ways to reuse or recycle waste, which is leading the growth of the upstream bioprocessing market.

What is the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Upstream Bioprocessing?

AI integration with upstream bioprocessing is time-saving and cost-effective. From cell culture and optimization to flow processing, bottom-up and upstream processing, the seamless integration of AI and deep learning across the entire bioprocessing value chain will increase the efficiency and power of bioprocessing. It facilitates the integration and analysis of complex data, deciphers “hidden” patterns, and creates predictive models for optimization. Deep learning-based DNN tools are accurate even without large datasets, which is driving the growth of the upstream bioprocessing market.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Increasing Demand for Upstream Bioprocessing from Biopharmaceutical Industry

The upstream bioprocessing market for the biopharmaceutical industry has experienced significant growth due to its significant role in the production of important biological substances such as therapeutic proteins, enzymes, antibiotics, and blocked vaccines. The quality and efficiency of upstream processing directly affect the efficiency, quality, and cost of life-saving products, making it important to meet the global demand for biopharmaceuticals.

As upstream processes lay the foundation for downstream processing, any deviation in factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient supply can negatively affect cell or microbial culture health, leading to reduced productivity or contamination. This creates a need for technology and innovation to precisely control growth, which in turn ensures the production of good biological products. As pharmaceutical companies strive to develop effective and safe solutions, the need for reliable, efficient, and safe therapeutic solutions is also driving the growth of the market.

Opportunity

Seed Train Intensification for Enhanced Efficiency

Seed culture intensification brings significant opportunities for the upstream bioprocessing market by streamlining the cell preparation process for bioreactor seeds, ultimately reducing costs, increasing production time, and reducing the risk of infection. By utilizing high-density working cell banks, aliquoted into single-use bags for efficient cryopreservation, this approach ensures that cryopreserved aliquots serve as reliable working cell banks for inoculating intermediate bioreactors in the seed train. This innovative strategy facilitates the rapid scale-up of cell production while maintaining consistent product quality. The integration of advanced technologies, such as the XCell ATF Device, enables the generation of ultra-high-density cell cultures at optimal stages during cell expansion, significantly enhancing manufacturing flexibility, process throughput, and risk mitigation. As companies seek to lower manufacturing costs and improve overall process efficiency, seed train intensification opens new opportunities for growth within the upstream bioprocessing market.

• In September 2023, Sartorius and Repligen announced the upstream processing intensification system. Sartorius Biostat stirred tank reactor (STR) bioreactors now feature Repligen’s XCell alternating tangential flow (ATF) upstream intensification technology designed to simplify seed train and nitrogen perfusion implementation for biopharmaceutical manufacturers.

Challenges in Cell Culture and Fermentation Optimization: Market’s Limitations

The development of the upstream bioprocessing market is limited by many challenges, especially cell culture and fermentation optimization. Achieving high cell and product yields in bioreactors is important, but not easy due to factors such as cell turnover, limited oxygen exchange, and poor feed quality. Sterility control is also important to prevent contamination and ensure the safety and cleanliness of biopharmaceutical products. In addition, the high cost and long-term use of biopharmaceutical production pose serious problems.

As companies scale from lab-scale to commercial-scale, the challenge of optimizing processes to deliver consistent products and results becomes even more challenging, outright prohibitive. These issues highlight the need for continuous innovation and optimization to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process.

Regional Insights

Global Competitiveness and Established Industries: North America to Sustain as a Leader

North America dominated the upstream bioprocessing market in 2023 as North American scientists are responsible for many research projects on novel biotechnologies, and many scientists in the industry have received training at the National Institutes of Health and other government funding agencies. The second key to business growth and competitive success is the ability to secure needed capital. North America's leadership in the emerging bioeconomy is increasingly critical to America’s global competitiveness, security, and economic growth.

America’s current and future place in the bioeconomy through effective investments in research, technology translation, business research, and training have also offered supplements to the market.

Advances in biotechnology have transformed the world, making possible everything from life-saving vaccines to everyday products like food and biofuels. These innovations have combined the power of engineering with knowledge of nature to advance the American economy. Basic biological research is the engine that drives growth in all areas of the bioeconomy, which has led to the growth of the upstream bioprocessing market.

For Instance,

• In November 2024, Duoning Biotechnology Group (“Doning”) acquired Branca Bunños Ltd. and announced a collaboration agreement with ("Branca Bunños"). Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the development, optimization, and use of transfection reagents to provide biopharmaceutical customers with the latest innovations through shared resources, thereby improving the efficiency of the biopharmaceutical upstream biological process.

Rising Government Support and Innovation Drive Growth in Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is expected to grow over the forecast period to be the largest region in the market as investments in biomanufacturing development and use continue to improve the quality of drugs at lower costs and faster to meet the increasing demand in the Asia Pacific region. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important industries mainly due to regulatory and product control and safety, and innovation is often achieved through acquisitions of small companies and start-ups.

The government should encourage businesses in China, South Korea, and Singapore to invest in pharmaceutical research. The government has created many schemes to finance new start-ups and contribute to their significant growth in Asia Pacific. Government leaders and international collaboration also play a significant role in stimulating this momentum, leading to the growth of the upstream bioprocessing market.

Segmental Insights

By Product

The bioreactors/fermenters segment dominated the industry, accounting for the largest market share as bioreactors are the main source of upstream bioprocessing. Cell proliferation occurs in these cells and better products are produced. Bioreactors have different types of operations depending on the biological process being conducted, biomaterials used and products being required. Whereas cell culture products segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period due to the promotion of cell culture media and development of high-end technologies including measurement and manufacturing. From high-quality cell culture products to scalable single-use systems

By Workflow

The cell culture segment accounted for the largest market share as cell culture remains one of the most important bioprocessing tools. Cell culture systems produce higher titers while reducing processing times. Bioprocessor cell culture products enhance the production of monoclonal antibody products, vaccines, and gene/cell therapy modalities. Whereas the media preparation segment is projected to witness the fastest growth rate in the forecast period it involves the creation of media compositions to promote the growth and proliferation of desired cells or microorganisms.

By Use Type

The multi-use systems segment dominated the market with the largest share multi-use systems require a one-time investment, are suitable for larger bioprocess equipment, and can control pH and oxygen, leading to a wide range of applications of these systems. Whereas single-use segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to SUT’s waste streams include bioreactor waste, mixers, tubes, pipes, component connections, standards, filters and cables, and probes/sensors.

By Mode

The in-house segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share as it involves nutritious culture medium, temperature control, and ensuring that cells have the required quantity and resources to grow and multiply. Whereas the outsourced segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period due to the increase in outsourcing of bioprocess development can be attributed to various macro and micro level drivers.

Top Companies in Upstream Bioprocessing Market

• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
• Merck KGaA
• Corning Incorporated
• Sartorius AG
• Eppendorf AG
• Danaher
• Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
• Applikon Biotechnology
• PBS Biotech, Inc.
• Lonza
• VWR International, LLC
• Meissner Filtration Products, Inc.
• Repligen Corporation
• Entegris
• Kuhner AG

Latest Announcements by Market Leaders

• In November 2024, Thermo Fisher is expanding its operations in India through a bioprocess design center. Biotech giant Thermo Fisher Scientific is building a bioprocess manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
• In 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim will refine its animal health bioprocess technology business and make a bigger impact on environmental sustainability to reduce its footprint.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, MilliporeSigma, the life sciences business of Merck KGaA in the U.S. and Canada, Darmstadt, Germany, announced that the company’s life sciences division has completed the acquisition of Mirus Bio for approximately $600 million (approximately €550 million), following regulatory approvals and fulfillment of other closing conditions.
• In September 2023, Repligen Corporation, a life sciences company focused on leadership in bioprocess technologies, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Metenova AB (Metenova), a privately held company headquartered in Mölndal, Sweden. There is a growing need for commercial-grade magnetic stirring systems for use in upstream and downstream applications. Expands Repligen’s liquid management portfolio to complement single-use bag offering.

Segments Covered

By Product

• Bioreactors/Fermenters
• Cell Culture Products
• Filters
• Bioreactors Accessories
• Bags & Containers
• Others

By Workflow

• Media Preparation
• Cell Culture
• Cell Separation

By Use Type

• Multi-use
• Single-use

By Mode

• In-house
• Outsourced

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America