July 2024
The global research grade proteins market size is calculated at US$ 1.13 in 2024, grew to US$ 1.31 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 4.81 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 15.57% between 2025 and 2034. Proteins are used in various research activities for disease analysis and drug development, and biomedical research, which is why research-grade proteins are in high demand.
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Proteins that have been manufactured and refined to exacting standards of quality and purity especially for use in scientific research are known as research-grade proteins. Molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and drug discovery are just a few of the many experimental and analytical fields in which these proteins are essential. For examining the structure, connections, and function of proteins as well as for creating new treatment approaches, they are essential resources. Proteomics and genomics advancements, growing applications in drug development, the adoption of advanced research tools in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, and increased awareness of innovative technologies are some of the major trends anticipated during the forecast period.
A new branch of biotechnology called protein engineering has the potential to completely transform a number of industries, including medication development, food security, ecology, antibody design, and more. Protein engineering has significantly accelerated thanks to machine learning (ML) models, especially those based on natural language processing (NLP), and accumulative protein databases. Furthermore, more potent structure-based ML-assisted protein engineering techniques are now feasible because to developments in topological data analysis (TDA) and artificial intelligence-based protein structure prediction, including AlphaFold2.
Growing number of clinical trials
In 2024, the clinical trials environment went through a radical change driven by new regulations, patient-centricity, and technological developments. By improving data analysis and expediting study participation, AI and ML are transforming clinical trials. Mobile applications, wearables, and telemedicine are examples of digital health technology that may be utilized to run studies remotely, lowering participant burden and increasing geographic reach. Blockbuster medical products are being made from recombinant proteins that have withstood the tribulations of clinical trials and process development. Mutational techniques are being used to enhance antibodies, growth factors, and enzymes. Proteins made in transgenic animals are now available, and methods for drug development and testing have improved.
Complex & strict regulatory standards
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are two regulatory bodies that have set stringent standards and regulations for the production, quality assurance, and characterization of proteins, including research-grade proteins. According to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), meeting regulatory standards can be difficult and resource-intensive. For quality assurance and regulatory compliance, accurate record-keeping and data integrity are crucial. A crucial factor to take into account is maintaining the integrity of study data. These difficulties can impede the research grade proteins market's expansion.
Customized protein solutions
By offering specialized protein solutions that meet the changing demands of academics and industry experts, the research grade proteins market offers significant potential. Businesses can serve niche markets by customizing protein products to meet specific needs, providing distinctive and customized reagents for a range of applications. Because of this personalization, scientists may obtain proteins that are made to precisely match experimental requirements, leading to more accurate and trustworthy results. By concentrating on creating and supplying customized protein solutions, market participants may establish a niche for themselves and build enduring partnerships with academic institutions and biopharmaceutical businesses.
By product, the cytokines & growth factors segment held the largest share of the research grade proteins market in 2024 and is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Growth factors are complicated chemicals that are essential for a variety of functions, including cell division, growth, and proliferation. The use of growth factors for a variety of therapeutic therapies has been covered in several publications. Growth factors are essential to the creation of new medicinal medications. Regenerative medicine has also made great use of them.
By host cell, the mammalian cells segment held the largest research grade proteins market share in 2024. Mammalian cells have been utilized in recent years to produce viruses, recombinant proteins, antibodies, viral-subunit proteins, and vectors for gene therapy. Mammalian cell systems have been employed in commercial biotechnology and have also been utilized to study basic elements of transcription, translation, gene replication, and post-translational protein processing. For the production of mammalian proteins with the highest native structure and activity, a mammalian host system is the ideal expression platform.
By host cell, the bacterial cells segment is anticipated to achieve the fastest growth rate in the research grade proteins market during the predicted timeframe. The most widely used expression technology for recombinant protein synthesis is bacterial expression. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other bacterial expression systems are commonly employed to produce recombinant proteins because of their ease of use, quick growth, and high yield.
By end-use, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment dominated the research grade proteins market in 2024. Research-grade proteins are essential to these businesses' attempts to find and develop new drugs. Proteins play a key role in the development and testing of novel medications particularly biologics and biosimilars. To ensure the safety and efficacy of possible therapeutic molecules, researchers at these organizations use research-grade proteins to examine cellular pathways, look into illness processes, and evaluate the efficiency of drugs. In pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, where even minute changes can have a significant impact on the results of drug development, the accuracy and dependability of research-grade proteins are crucial.
North America dominated the research grade proteins market in 2024. Important roles are being played by the U.S. and Canada. Due to significant expenditures in research and development, the U.S., which has a thriving biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector leads the market in growth. The increased need for premium proteins is mostly caused by large research institutes, biotech businesses, and pharmaceutical conglomerates. Canada also contributes significantly, thanks to its booming bio-sciences industry and solid university research foundation. Further supporting the region's supremacy are sophisticated technical infrastructure, a strong regulatory environment, and a proactive attitude to implementing cutting-edge research-grade protein solutions, all of which work together to establish North America as a major center in this expanding sector.
Asia Pacific is estimated to host the fastest-growing research grade proteins market during the forecast period. Growing knowledge of cutting-edge technology, the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and an increased need for advanced diagnostics and potent treatment options are all factors contributing to this faster rise. Furthermore, research facilities and biotechnology infrastructure are being invested in by the region's growing economies. The region's potential is further enhanced by the growing number of clinical trials devoted to cancer research and medication development, positioning it as a crucial sector for expansion in the years to come.
According to an official at a related event, the 20th Clinical Trials Day, China is increasing its funding for drug clinical trials, which is helping to speed up its new medication development. An industry analysis states that there was continued expansion in China, with 3,358 clinical trials of pharmaceuticals filed in 2021, 3,410 in 2022, and 4,300 in 2023. Based on data, 184 cancer medications have made it to market thanks to clinical research conducted at the hospital; these represent almost 70% of all cancer medications made in the country.
For instance,
In September 2024, the reputable creator and supplier of premium recombinant proteins, Axio BioPharma, declared that it is currently taking on recombinant protein production projects. Justin Byers, the founder and CEO of Axio BioPharma, stated that the goal at Axio BioPharma is to be the go-to partner for businesses developing innovative biologics. They are dedicated to advancing the creation of life-saving treatments through creative manufacturing methodology.
By Product
By Host Cell
By End-use
By Region
July 2024