Virus-like Particles (VLP's) Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The market for virus-like particles (VLPs) is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 7,858.82 million by 2028, up from US$ 4,601.84 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2021 to 2028.

The expansion of this market is primarily driven by ongoing research and development (R&D) efforts. VLPs have attracted considerable interest from researchers, especially in the fields of virology and immunology. Compared to conventional vaccines, VLP-based vaccines offer enhanced immunogenicity and safety, as they lack the infectious DNA or RNA that allows for replication, recombination, or reassortment. However, the practicality of using VLPs as antigen carriers presents challenges, which has contributed to the slower growth of the global market. According to a report by Frontiers S.A., researchers must assess the mutation of viruses, along with their adjuvant effects and inflammatory responses, for the successful development of new VLP vaccines.

The global VLP market is categorized by product type, source, and application. In terms of product type, the market includes segments for hepatitis, cancer/HPV, and Gaucher disease. The hepatitis segment is expected to capture a significant share of the market from 2021 to 2028. For instance, data from the Hepatitis B Foundation indicates that approximately two billion individuals worldwide are infected with the hepatitis B virus. To address this issue, the use of commercialized VLP vaccines has proven effective in treating hepatitis. Notable examples of these vaccines include Recombivax and Engerix, which are both VLP-based vaccines for hepatitis B, as well as Gardasil and Cervarix, which are licensed VLP-based vaccines for human papillomavirus. Additionally, VLP-based vaccines targeting hepatitis C virus, Ebola, Lassa virus, hantavirus, Marburg virus, SARS coronavirus, and Chikungunya virus are currently in various stages of development.

When considering the source of VLPs, the market is divided into categories such as yeast, insect cells, plants, and others. The yeast segment is projected to dominate the market in the coming years. Yeast cells are commonly utilized for the expression of recombinant proteins and have been extensively employed in the production of VLP vaccines. This preference is due to several advantages, including rapid cell growth, high yields of protein expression, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and a high degree of post-translational modification (PTM) processes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two VLP-based vaccines?Engerix-B (for hepatitis B) and Gardasil (for HPV)?that are produced using yeast expression systems.

In terms of application, the VLP market is segmented into vaccines and therapeutics. The vaccines segment is expected to hold a substantial share of the market in 2021 and is likely to maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period. VLP-based vaccines have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional vaccines due to their safety, adaptability, and unique immunogenic characteristics. The spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), poses a significant risk to global populations. Simulation models have projected the introduction of an HCV vaccine in high-risk populations, indicating a considerable potential to reduce HCV incidence. For instance, government initiatives have developed simulation models aimed at vaccination programs to decrease HCV occurrences. These models have demonstrated a successful track record in lowering hepatitis C prevalence through VLP vaccines. Even with moderate efficacy and coverage, VLP vaccines can significantly diminish the incidence of hepatitis C, particularly among high-risk intravenous drug users, with effectiveness rates ranging from 50% to 80%. Thus, VLP-based vaccines represent a safe and highly immunogenic platform capable of eliciting a robust adaptive immune response.

Key organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the International Society for Stem Cell Application are among the primary and secondary sources referenced in the preparation of the report on the virus-like particles (VLPs) market.