Growth of the Global Glycomic Therapeutics Market

The global glycomic therapeutics market is projected to expand significantly, increasing from US$ 99,021.46 million in 2021 to US$ 257,578.79 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% from 2022 to 2028.

Market Trends and Growth Drivers

Several key trends and factors are propelling the growth of the glycomic therapeutics market. The increasing demand for glycan-based drugs is a primary driver, alongside advancements in treatment methodologies, heightened research and development efforts in glycomic therapeutics, and the growing application of glycomics in treating various diseases.

Broad Applications and Innovative Treatment Processes

Glycan-based therapeutics are versatile and find extensive applications within the pharmaceutical sector. These products are tailored in various structures and forms to address a range of diseases, including thrombosis, anemia, cancer, influenza, cataracts, and inflammatory conditions.

Glycoproteins, a category of glycans, are particularly noteworthy for their ability to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive materials directly to cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies, such as erythropoietin (EPO) and Herceptin (trastuzumab), are widely utilized and are the focus of numerous research initiatives aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and applicability. EPO, recognized for its neuroprotective properties, has been explored for treating traumatic brain injuries in young patients and Alzheimer's disease in animal models.

Drug Discovery and Development

The drug discovery and development segment represents the largest and fastest-growing area within glycomic applications, driven by increased R&D investments from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as expanded research activities in academic institutions. For example, in April 2020, a collaboration between the Institute for Glycomics and the University of Adelaide led to an exclusive licensing agreement with Sienna Cancer Diagnostics Ltd. to commercialize a novel cancer detection tool, SubB2M, which targets sugar molecules in cancer cells.

In March 2021, 48Hour Discovery (48HD) and CQDM received an US$ 800,000 grant for peptide drug development, showcasing the commitment to advancing drug discovery technologies. Merck, a member of CQDM, is funding this initiative, which involves collaboration with the University of Alberta.

Additionally, in December 2021, Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics secured US$ 2.6 million from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation to establish the ACRF International Centre for Cancer Glycomics, enhancing their cancer research capabilities.

In January 2022, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) awarded over US$ 1.1 million to researchers at the Institute of Glycomics to develop new treatments for multidrug-resistant gonorrhea infections. Furthermore, in March 2022, the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) reported progress in developing a combination therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome, which is currently showing promising preclinical results.

Innovative Therapeutics for Inflammatory Diseases

Researchers at Kaleido Biosciences are pioneering therapeutics for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases using synthetic glycans that are selectively metabolized in the gut microbiome. One candidate, KB295, aims to treat ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disorder. The introduction of microbiome-targeting glycans could significantly enhance treatment outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease who do not respond to existing therapies.

Market Segmentation

The glycomic therapeutics market is categorized based on various criteria:

• Class: Isolated and synthetic.


• Structures: Glycoproteins, proteoglycans, GPI-anchored proteins, and others.


• Indications: Thrombosis, anemia, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and more.


• Mode of Action: Various mechanisms including inhibition of neuraminidase and glucosylceramide synthase.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the glycomic therapeutics market in Europe, but overall, the market is expected to recover and grow. The pandemic spurred significant investments from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in developing pipeline products to combat SARS-CoV-2.

During the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for new drugs and vaccines, leading to increased research activity and technological utilization to mitigate the virus's spread. Governments in the Asia Pacific region initiated programs to encourage researchers to innovate treatments for COVID-19, resulting in heightened research funding.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, including delays in elective surgeries and reduced hospital capacities, the glycomic therapeutics market is anticipated to benefit from these developments.

Strategic Developments in the Market

Companies in the glycomic therapeutics market are employing various organic and inorganic strategies to foster growth. Organic strategies include product launches and approvals, while inorganic strategies involve acquisitions and partnerships. These approaches enable companies to expand their market presence and enhance their product offerings.

Notable developments include:

• In May 2022, Halozyme Therapeutics completed its acquisition of Antares Pharma, Inc., aiming to create specialized products.


• In March 2022, Halozyme announced a global collaboration with Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for exclusive access to its ENHANZE drug delivery technology.

Key sources for this report include the American Medical Association, the British Journal of Surgery, and the National Library of Medicine.