Glycomics Market Share, Size and Growth Analysis By 2029

The glycomics market is projected to expand from US$ 1,340.80 million in 2021 to US$ 3,223.30 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2022 to 2028.

This report outlines the prevailing trends and key factors propelling the glycomics market forward. The growth is primarily fueled by an increase in glycomics research, heightened investments in research and development (R&D), and the application of glycomics in treating various diseases, which is paving the way for innovative treatment methodologies. Furthermore, the emergence of new tools in glycomics research is anticipated to be a significant trend in the market throughout the forecast period. However, challenges such as high equipment costs and a lack of skilled professionals may impede overall market expansion.

Glycans play a crucial role in the structural diversity of biological systems, with their presence on cell surfaces referred to as the "glycome." Glycomics is a burgeoning field dedicated to understanding the structure and function of glycans within cells, tissues, or organisms. Glycans, which are carbohydrate chains that can exist freely or be attached to macromolecules like lipids or proteins, are integral to numerous biological processes, including protein folding, cell signaling, and immune recognition. They are also linked to various diseases, including oncological and autoimmune disorders.

As researchers delve deeper into glycomics, they are uncovering vital insights into the roles of glycans and glycosylation in cellular communication, as well as their implications for disease progression and diagnostics. The drug discovery and development sector stands out as the largest and fastest-growing application area, largely due to increased R&D efforts by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, alongside the growth of drug discovery initiatives 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. This tool utilizes a unique protein, SubB2M, which binds specifically to a sugar molecule found only in cancer cells, potentially transforming cancer detection methods. Additionally, in January 2022, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) awarded over US$ 1,100,000 in grants to researchers at the Institute of Glycomics to develop new treatments for multidrug-resistant gonorrhea infections.

These advancements underscore glycomics' potential to deliver rapid and precise diagnostic methods applicable across a range of clinical scenarios and complex conditions. Consequently, the application of glycomics in drug development for various diseases globally is a significant driver of market growth.

The glycomics market is categorized by product types, including enzymes, instruments, kits, and reagents. The enzyme segment held the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of application, the market is divided into drug discovery and development, diagnostics, immunology, cancer, and others, with drug discovery and development holding the largest market share. However, the diagnostics segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate in the coming years. Regarding end users, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic and research institutions, and contract research organizations, with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies commanding the largest market share and anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Glycomics Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the global healthcare landscape. In response to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, governments implemented strict measures to mitigate infection and mortality rates. Reports indicate that emergency department visits in many North American cities dropped by approximately 40% in 2020, while outpatient appointments and elective procedures were postponed or transitioned to telemedicine.

Despite these challenges, the presence of advanced research laboratories in various regions has led to a surge in demand for glycomics research during the pandemic, positively influencing market dynamics. Pharmaceutical and diagnostic manufacturers have adapted to the rapidly changing environment through innovative solutions.

Glycomics technology, often referred to as the "sugar code," offers significant opportunities for advancing omics research, with applications ranging from discovery to public health and preventative medicine in the context of COVID-19. The field holds promise for enhancing global health by enabling the development of vaccines against both new and existing infectious agents.

Moreover, the increasing involvement of pharmaceutical companies and research institutions in drug discovery related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is further propelling the growth of the glycomics market. In Europe, various glycomics services have been introduced, including glycosylation site analysis and glycan profiling for COVID-19 patient samples, which are expected to contribute to substantial market growth in the near future.

Companies in the glycomics market are employing a mix of organic and inorganic growth strategies. Organic strategies primarily involve product launches and approvals, while inorganic strategies include acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These approaches enable market players to broaden their operations and enhance their geographical reach, thereby fostering overall market growth. Notable developments in the glycomics market include:

• In June 2022, Waters Corporation introduced new instruments and software aimed at enhancing drug discovery and development at the ASMS 2022 Annual Conference, including the Xevo G3 quadrupole time-of-flight (QTof) mass spectrometer.


• In January 2022, Bruker Corporation acquired Prolab Instruments GmbH, a Swiss firm specializing in high-precision liquid chromatography technology, enhancing their mass spectrometry capabilities.

Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report include the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Government of Canada, and the Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), among others.