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February 2025
The APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market size is calculated at USD 1.38 billion in 2024, grew to USD 1.68 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 10.01 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 21.93% between 2025 and 2034. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders, growing research and development activities, and technological advancements drive the market.
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Viral vectors are modified viruses designed to deliver genetic material into cells. Plasmid DNA is a small, circular, extra-chromosomal, double-stranded DNA molecule physically separated from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. Viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing is an important breakthrough in biotechnology and research. Viral vector manufacturing is a process of creating necessary carriers that transport therapeutic genes, while plasmid DNA manufacturing facilitates the production of DNA constructs. Hence, they are used for genetic manipulation in gene editing, gene therapy, and vaccines.
The rising incidences and prevalence of chronic disorders such as cancer, genetic disorders, and metabolic disorders boost the market. The growing research and development activities lead to advancements in viral vectors and plasmid DNA. The increasing investments and favorable regulatory frameworks drive the use of plasmid DNA in viral vector production for gene therapy. New product launches support the development of novel therapeutics using viral vectors and plasmid DNA. Favorable government policies and suitable manufacturing infrastructure augment the market.
Artificial intelligence (AI) introduces automation in viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing, enhancing efficiency and reproducibility. AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms overcome several challenges faced by traditional manufacturing processes. AI-enabled predictive analytics can detect defects during manufacturing, enabling manufacturers to prevent potential errors. AI and ML simplify the task of manufacturers by reducing their overall burden. They minimize human intervention, decreasing manual errors. They can also detect the presence of contamination in viral vectors. AI and ML can play a vital role in the research of viral vectors and plasmid DNA and their significant applications in biotechnology. AI can detect gene targets and confirm their therapeutic significance by analyzing extensive molecular and genomic information.
Personalized Medicines
The major growth factor of the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market is the growing demand for personalized medicines. Precision medicine is a type of therapeutic developed based on a patient’s characteristics and genetic profiling. It helps to prevent, diagnose, and treat a medical condition. It is creating opportunities to understand the disease pathogenesis and identify new molecular targets, accelerating the pace of discovery for novel therapeutics. Favorable government policies and increasing investments support the development of precision medicines. Precision medicines include targeted therapies such as cell and gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies, etc. The growing genomics and proteomics research also promotes the market. Viral vectors and plasmid DNA are essential components for producing gene therapy. Hence, large-scale manufacturing of viral vectors and plasmid DNA is essential, augmenting market growth.
Scalability Issues
The major challenge of the market is the scalability issues faced during the manufacturing of viral vectors and plasmid DNA. Difficulty in large-scale production is mainly due to traditional cell culture methods. Adherent cell cultures used to produce viral vectors are prone to contamination risk, affecting the safety and quality of vectors. The need for complex purification processes to remove unwanted components like empty viral capsids also poses significant challenges.
Environmental Sustainability
The future of the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market is promising, driven by the growing need for environmental sustainability. Numerous manufacturers across APAC countries are concerned about the negative environmental impact of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing. Owing to these concerns, several government organizations have launched initiatives and imposed stringent guidelines to protect the environment. The Chinese government recently launched the “Beautiful China” initiative to reduce carbon pollutants by 2027, reach peak carbon emissions by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. These efforts encourage manufacturers to adopt single-use technologies in viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing. Implementing single-use technologies in the manufacturing processes reduces the environmental burden, resulting in a high level of safety and cost. It also decreases resource efficiencies, enabling manufacturers to effectively produce viral vectors and plasmid DNA.
By vector type, the adeno-associated virus segment held a dominant presence in the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a non-enveloped virus that can be engineered to deliver DNA to target cells. It is widely preferred as it is comparatively safe and inert, i.e., does not introduce pathogenicity in living organisms. Additionally, it has low immunogenicity and causes no cytotoxicity. Due to all these advantages, it is commonly used as a vector for human gene therapy. The increasing development of novel gene therapy products and advanced drug delivery systems augment the segment’s growth.
By disease, the cancer segment held the largest share of the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. The rising incidences and prevalence of cancer and its complexity promote the development of novel biologics. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 million people are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer in the South East Asia region annually. The growing research and development activities and favorable government initiatives to treat cancer boost the segment’s growth. Several companies are developing cell and gene therapy products and vaccines for cancer prevention, increasing the demand for viral vectors and plasmid DNA. Government organizations also support the manufacturing and distribution of cancer vaccines to increase their accessibility.
By workflow, the downstream processing led the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. Downstream processing includes purification and fill finish of viral vectors and plasmid DNA. It offers the opportunity to increase yield and throughput. Purification is essential in manufacturing as viral vectors and plasmid DNA are more prone to contamination. Some common techniques include ultrafiltration/diafiltration and intensified chromatography. Technological advancements fuel the segment’s growth.
By application, the vaccinology segment registered its dominance over the global APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. Vaccines help the immune system create antibodies during a bacterial or viral attack and protect the body from diseases. Regulatory bodies conduct immunization programs to increase awareness among the general public. The WHO launched the Immunization Agenda 2030 to encourage people to vaccinate themselves for good health and well-being. In 2023, 84% of children globally received the third dose of vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The rising incidences of viral and genetic disorders also promote the development of novel vaccines.
By end-use, the research institutes segment held the major share of the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market in 2024. The growing research and development activities and the presence of skilled professionals propel the segment’s growth. The ongoing biotechnology research in research institutes is supported by funding from several government and private organizations. Researchers continuously need vectors and plasmid DNA to conduct multidisciplinary research related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture, and food.
The viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing is driven by several factors in China. The improvements in regulatory frameworks and increasing investments, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions are the major growth factors of the market in China. The NMPA approved a total of 22 biological drugs in 2023 and 93 biological products in 2024. This rising trend facilitates the development of novel biological therapeutics, increasing the demand for viral vectors and plasmid DNA. China’s total biopharma R&D expenditure will reach around $15 billion by 2023, marking a significant milestone in the healthcare sector.
The burgeoning pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in India, owing to the increasing number of startups and investments, drive the APAC viral vector and plasmid DNA manufacturing market. The presence of suitable manufacturing infrastructure in India encourages foreign manufacturers to set up their manufacturing facilities. This results in an increase in foreign direct investment in biotechnology. Favorable government policies also contribute to market growth. The Indian government’s “Make in India” policy supports indigenous manufacturing of viral vectors and plasmid DNA.
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The presence of key players and the rising adoption of advanced technologies fuel the market in South Korea. SK Pharmateco plays a vital role in producing viral vectors for cell and gene therapy in South Korea. New product launches and increasing investments also support market growth. As of 2023, 3 new gene therapy products are approved by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The South Korean government announced an investment of 34 trillion won ($23 billion) to help companies develop cutting-edge technologies in battery and biotech sectors due to rising geopolitical tensions and competition from China.
Shadiq Aksaya, President Director of Bio Farma, commented that collaboration with CEPI will enable manufacturers in LMIC to acquire manufacturing capabilities. He said that this collaboration is the justification for the company’s commitment to global health and Indonesia’s contribution to achieving vaccine equity during outbreaks, particularly in the ASEAN region. He added that the company is eager to explore mutually beneficial opportunities to overcome challenges and improve quality of life.
By Vector Type
By Disease
By Workflow
By Application
By End-Use
By Geography
February 2025
February 2025
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