Antibody Testing Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The global antibody testing market was valued at approximately US$ 7,260.00 million in 2021 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 11,578.47 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028.

The expansion of the antibody testing market can be primarily attributed to several key factors, including the escalating number of Covid-19 cases globally, the rising incidence of chronic diseases, and an increasing elderly population. Nevertheless, the market may face challenges due to the inherent limitations of antibody screening tests throughout the forecast period.

Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins, also known as immunoglobulins, produced by the immune system to protect the body from harmful invaders. An antibody test is a method used to detect the presence of these antibodies in the bloodstream. The body generates antibodies in response to infections, such as COVID-19, or following vaccinations, like the flu shot, which is essential for developing immunity against viruses. These tests are often referred to as serology tests. They play a crucial role in diagnosing autoimmune diseases and in ruling out other conditions that may present similar symptoms. Additionally, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a specific type of autoantibody produced when the immune system fails to differentiate between the body?s own cells and foreign entities.

The global antibody testing market is significantly influenced by the surge in Covid-19 cases, the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, and the growing population of older adults. Furthermore, enhanced government support is propelling the growth of antibody testing, which in turn impacts the overall development of the market.

Since the World Health Organization declared the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) a public health emergency in late January 2020, there has been a strong call from healthcare professionals and researchers for extensive and rapid testing to implement measures that can curb the virus's spread. Over time, both real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and antibody tests have become essential tools for managing the pandemic. Antibody detection is vital for the differential diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, performed using patient serum or plasma with reagent red cells. Identifying specific antibodies against viral, bacterial pathogens, and parasites is crucial for determining appropriate therapeutic interventions. Antibody testing is fundamental for executing effective public health strategies aimed at mitigating the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and should be integrated into critical clinical utility cases to support global return-to-work initiatives.

Antibody detection kits are instrumental in predicting the prognosis and identifying COVID-19 infections. These kits assess whether an individual has developed antibodies in their bloodstream to combat SARS-CoV-2, indicating prior exposure to the virus or an active infection. To facilitate the management of the COVID-19 crisis and enhance patient screening, numerous companies are supplying rapid antibody detection kits to healthcare professionals, hospitals, and laboratories. Consequently, the rising number of coronavirus cases and increasing government approvals for antibody test kits are significant contributors to the growth of the global antibody testing market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges worldwide, particularly in developing nations, where it has disrupted imports and global trade. As of now, no definitive treatment for COVID-19 has been established, creating substantial opportunities for the antibody testing market. The US FDA has recently authorized the use of plasma therapy for critically ill COVID-19 patients, further highlighting the market's potential. In the long term, the antibody testing market is expected to experience significant growth, as many companies have received emergency use authorization for their newly developed antibody tests, which will contribute to future demand.

In terms of product segmentation, the global antibody testing market is divided into kits, chemicals & reagents, and consumables. In 2021, the kits segment held the largest market share, driven by numerous manufacturers such as Abbott, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, and Bio-Rad Laboratories, along with a high adoption rate of kits in various research applications. This segment is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Additionally, the kits segment is further categorized into serological test kits, immunoglobulin kits, and lateral flow assay kits, with serological test kits commanding the largest market share in 2021.

Based on indications, the global antibody testing market is classified into pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, oncology, endocrine diseases, and others. The infectious diseases segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing prevalence of viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis. The incidence of HIV has notably risen in recent years, with data from the US Department of Health & Human Services indicating that approximately 38,700 Americans were newly infected with HIV in 2016. Furthermore, Public Health England reported that in 2017, around 101,600 individuals were living with HIV in the UK, with approximately 4,363 new cases and 428 AIDS-related deaths.

Regarding end users, the global antibody testing market is segmented into hospitals, academic & research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, and biopharmaceutical companies. The diagnostic laboratories segment held the largest market share in 2021 and is projected to achieve the highest CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period.

Key organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Heart Association, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics have been referenced as primary and secondary sources in the preparation of this report.