The market for digital PCR (dPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) is projected to expand from approximately US$ 8,976.99 million in 2022 to around US$ 18,230.74 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% during the period from 2022 to 2030.
This growth in the dPCR and qPCR market can be attributed to several factors, including the rising prevalence of genetic and infectious diseases, increased funding for gene synthesis, and ongoing advancements in PCR technology.
In recent years, molecular techniques, particularly PCR, have emerged as vital diagnostic tools in healthcare. This method allows for the precise diagnosis of a variety of infectious diseases and is regarded as essential for both research and clinical diagnostics. PCR facilitates the amplification of millions of DNA copies from a single DNA strand, enabling early disease detection and playing a crucial role in managing health crises. The reproducibility of PCR results across different laboratories has led to its global acceptance. The adoption of PCR techniques is also gaining momentum in developing nations. According to a 2016 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on establishing PCR laboratories in developing countries, WHO is providing essential technical support to set up these facilities in all 11 member states of the South East Asia region. These laboratories are crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare and utilize various PCR technologies, including Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), Multiplex PCR, Real-time PCR, In-situ PCR, and Digital PCR (dPCR), tailored to their specific needs. Given its rapid, straightforward, and highly specific disease screening capabilities, the dPCR and qPCR market in developing regions is poised for significant growth during the forecast period.
Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) represents an innovative approach to digital PCR, employing water-oil emulsion droplet technology. In this method, the sample is divided into approximately 20,000 droplets, with amplification of the target DNA occurring within each droplet. ddPCR then digitally quantifies the nucleic acid targets in these individual droplets, providing high precision and absolute quantification of target DNA molecules, which broadens its application in both diagnostics and research. In contrast, qPCR quantifies DNA based on the cycle threshold (CT) and requires external calibrators, making it susceptible to inaccuracies in amplification. ddPCR, however, counts target DNA directly without needing a calibration curve. This advancement allows researchers to delve into complex genetic landscapes, identify and validate new disease associations, and heralds a new era in molecular diagnostics. Consequently, the rise of ddPCR is expected to be a significant trend in the dPCR and qPCR market moving forward.
Insights Based on Application
The dPCR and qPCR market is categorized by application into research, clinical, and forensic applications. In 2022, the clinical application segment dominated the market and is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Molecular biology techniques have transformed disease diagnosis, becoming integral to laboratory diagnostics. dPCR and qPCR methods are now employed in diagnosing various conditions, including diabetes, infectious diseases, and cancer. For example, real-time PCR technology, such as the RIDA GENE kits, is designed for diagnosing gastrointestinal infections, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections, and more. The ability of these molecular techniques to provide early, sensitive, and specific diagnoses is expected to drive growth in the clinical application segment throughout the forecast period.
Real-time PCR technologies are also utilized to identify mutations in genes, aiding in cancer diagnosis. dPCR is particularly effective in detecting tumor markers in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples, such as those found in sputum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and plasma. It excels in identifying single-nucleotide polymorphisms within wild-type sequences, with common applications including the detection of mutations in genes like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), KRAS, and ESR1.
Moreover, advancements in technology are providing new molecular markers for cancer diagnosis and treatment. In April 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched 37 CE-IVD-marked real-time PCR assay kits for its QuantStudio Dx series, aimed at detecting a variety of infectious diseases.
Insights Based on End User
The dPCR and qPCR market is also segmented by end user, which includes hospitals and diagnostic centers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, research laboratories and academic institutions, forensic laboratories, and clinical research organizations. In 2022, hospitals and diagnostic centers held the largest market share and are expected to experience the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. These facilities are pivotal in providing advanced treatment options under the supervision of highly trained professionals. The advantages of dPCR and qPCR, such as their high sensitivity and specificity, facilitate the early and accurate detection of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Additionally, hospitals are equipped to offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for both acute and chronic conditions, leading to a higher adoption rate of PCR techniques in these settings. The ongoing expansion of healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets, coupled with the rising incidence of infectious diseases and an increasing number of hospital admissions, has heightened the demand for rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools. The growing need for timely and effective disease diagnosis and treatment, along with the increasing number of dPCR product launches for diagnostic purposes, further propels market growth. Public awareness regarding the benefits of these technologies for clinical diagnostics is also on the rise.
Furthermore, diagnostic laboratories are outfitted with advanced equipment that streamlines the workflow and management of various samples. For instance, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. offers a range of PCR instruments, including the QuantStudio 5, QuantStudio 6 Flex, QuantStudio 7, QuantStudio 12k, QuantStudio 3D, and the QuantStudio Absolute Q AutoRun dPCR Suite. Similarly, companies like Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Fluidigm Corporation, Eppendorf, and Agilent Technologies, Inc. provide PCR devices tailored to the needs of hospitals and diagnostic centers. Key sources for the dPCR and qPCR market report include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Medical Research Future Fund, and the World Health Organization (WHO).