Our recent analysis titled "Microcarriers Market Forecast to 2030 ? Global Analysis ? Product, Equipment, Application, and End User" indicates that the microcarriers market is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 1,625.84 million by 2030, up from US$ 4,178.86 million in 2022. This report outlines the primary factors propelling market expansion and identifies key players along with their recent advancements. The growth of the market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for cell therapies due to the rising prevalence of cancer and infectious diseases, alongside a growing trend towards outsourcing the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. However, the high costs associated with biologics and cell-based therapies pose challenges to market growth.
Firms within the microcarriers sector are actively pursuing strategic initiatives such as collaborations, expansions, agreements, partnerships, and the launch of new products. These strategies are aimed at enhancing sales, broadening geographic presence, and increasing their capacity to serve a larger customer base. Below are some significant developments in the microcarriers market:
• In October 2023, Kuraray Co., Ltd. introduced PVA hydrogel microcarriers designed for cell cultures in regenerative medicine, with a launch planned for January 2024 in Japan and the US.
• In June 2023, Teijin Frontier unveiled innovative nonwoven microcarriers that facilitate rapid, large-scale, high-quality cell culture, leveraging proprietary fiber processing and nonwoven design technology in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Fukui, Japan.
• In October 2023, Semarion launched the Early Adopter Programme for its SemaCyte Microcarrier Platform, which utilizes microchip fabrication technologies and nanomagnetism to create flat, magnetically steerable microcarriers that enhance cell-based experiments.
• In January 2022, FUJIFILM Corporation announced its acquisition of a cell therapy manufacturing facility from Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc., which is adaptable for producing clinical and commercial cell therapies, including allogeneic T-cell and CAR T immunotherapies.
• In January 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. acquired Henogen S.A., a Belgian viral vector manufacturing company, thereby expanding its capabilities in the cell and gene therapy sector.
The introduction of products like PVA hydrogel microcarriers, nonwoven microcarriers, and the SemaCyte microcarrier platform, along with new business initiatives through partnerships, are expected to create substantial growth opportunities in the microcarriers market.
The microcarriers market is categorized by product into microcarrier beads and media & reagents. In 2022, the microcarrier beads segment dominated the market share and is anticipated to exhibit the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% from 2022 to 2030. The growth is fueled by increasing cell biology research, the demand for regenerative medicines and biopharmaceuticals, and the presence of numerous manufacturers and suppliers. The extensive range of products and ongoing advancements in microcarrier technology present lucrative opportunities for leading market players. Notably, companies like Sartorius AG provide microcarrier beads that are devoid of animal components and proteins.
In terms of equipment, the microcarriers market is divided into bioreactors, culture vessels, and other categories. The bioreactors segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is projected to achieve the fastest CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period. Bioreactors are essential devices where biological reactions occur, facilitating the growth of microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria, or animal cells in controlled environments. They create optimal conditions for cell growth and product formation. Microcarrier-based bioreactors enable real-time monitoring of cell growth and quality, as well as metabolite analysis, allowing for immediate error detection and correction.
When examining applications, the microcarriers market is segmented into biopharmaceutical production, cell and gene therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, among others. The biopharmaceutical production segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 13.1% from 2022 to 2030. This segment is further divided into therapeutic and vaccine production. Microcarriers are a well-established technology in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly when combined with stirred-tank bioreactors, which provide the necessary environment for large-scale production of adherent cells. The use of biodegradable materials in microcarrier production enhances in vitro disease modeling capabilities, making them valuable in biopharmaceutical applications.
Regarding end users, the microcarriers market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations (CROs), contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and academic and research institutions. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 12.9% during the forecast period. Pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in overall medicine production, often utilizing biotechnology principles that involve bacteria for the production of insulin, human growth hormone, and other products. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by increased research and development activities and regulatory approvals for new microbe-based products. This innovation is expected to further drive the adoption of bioreactors in pharmaceutical and biotechnological manufacturing, thereby supporting the growth of the microcarriers market in these segments.
Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report include the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).