Rising Incidence of Cancer Drives Antibody Discovery Market
As per the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates published in 2020, there were 19.3 million cancer cases across the world. The number of cases was significantly high in the US, China, and India. The GLOBOCAN further estimates that cancer cases in India would reach ~2.08 million by 2040, representing a rise of 57.5% from 2020. Similarly, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in February 2022, ~10 million people have died from cancer worldwide. As per a report by the American Cancer Society, ~16.9 million individuals with a history of cancer have been residing in the US since January 2019. By January 2030, the population of cancer survivors is estimated to reach 22.1 million, which can be primarily associated with the aging of the population. Lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and breast are among the most commonly reported cancer types. The rising incidences of cancer have raised concerns worldwide. Below is the list of common cancer cases reported worldwide in 2020.
New Cancer Cases Worldwide, in 2020
| Sr. No. | Cancer Type | Number of Cases (Million) |
| 1 | Stomach | 1.09 |
| 2 | Skin (non-melanoma) | 1.2 |
| 3 | Prostate | 1.41 |
| 4 | Colon and rectum | 1.93 |
| 5 | Lung | 2.21 |
| 6 | Breast | 2.26 |
Source: World Health Organization, February 2020
Cancer is now a lifestyle disease commonly seen among people with unhealthy eating habits and those who don’t engage much in physical activities. The frequent consumption of alcohol and tobacco adds to the risk of developing this condition. Chronic infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries can further aggravate the cancer risk factors. An upsurge in the incidence of cancer indicates the need for innovative cancer treatments. Monoclonal antibodies represent a promising class of targeted anticancer agents that enhance the natural ability of immune systems to suppress cancer cell activity and eliminate cancer cells. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have also shown promising results in cancer treatment. Further, progress in modern biotechnology allows researchers and companies to provide well-designed novel antibodies, paving the way for successful treatments of various types of cancer. Thus, the burgeoning incidence of different types of cancer boosts the antibody discovery market growth.
Antibody Discovery Market: Geographic Overview
In terms of geography, the antibody discovery market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America accounted for the largest global antibody discovery market share. Market growth in the region is determined by an increase in the prevalence of cancer, the strong presence of the antibody research industry, and technological advancements in the R&D sector. According to the American Cancer Society, ~1.8 million new cancer cases were diagnosed and ~606,520 deaths related to cancer were recorded in the US in 2020. This bolsters the need for therapeutic antibodies, thereby fueling the antibody discovery market growth. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030. The Asia Pacific antibody discovery market is segmented into China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. China is predicted to hold the largest market share in 2022, and India is expected to show a significant growth rate in the market. The biopharmaceutical industry in China is undergoing a tremendous shift, evolving from a generics-focused landscape to a thriving innovation hub. Additionally, progress in industrialization, and the application of novel drugs, high-end medical devices, and techniques contribute to the antibody discovery market growth in China.
China is experiencing an upsurge in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. According to the Journal of Biomedical and Environmental Science, nearly 330 million people from the country suffered from cardiovascular diseases in 2021. Antibody products are crucial for the development of novel therapeutics against cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, a burgeoning prevalence of heart disease triggers the need for antibody discovery. With the help of research centers, antibody sequences can be researched, new and novel antibodies can be developed, and existing antibodies can be optimized. According to the Scimago Institute Ranking, China had nearly 170 medical research centers as of 2022, followed by Japan (72), Australia (53), and India (17). Further, the growing number of market players focusing on countries in Asia Pacific for their geographic expansion and other growth strategies, the rising count of research centers, and a notable increase in government funding fuel the antibody discovery market growth in Asia Pacific.
Industry Developments and Future Opportunities:
A few initiatives taken by leading players operating in the antibody discovery market are listed below:
- In December 2023, Evotec SE signed an agreement with Glycotope GmbH to combine Glycotope’s antibodies with Evotec’s immune cell engager platform for the development of next-generation immune cells. The combination will engage bispecifics by Evotec. The companies are looking forward to innovating technologies for diagnostics and treatments of indications such as solid tumors.
- In October 2023, Twist Bioscience Corp announced an antibody discovery, option, and license agreement with Bayer. Under the terms of the agreement, Twist Bioscience Corp is expected to conduct antibody discovery campaigns against targets determined by Bayer. Further, Bayer retained the option to license antibodies discovered under the collaboration.
- In September 2023, Twist Bioscience Corp collaborated with IMIDomics Inc. Under this collaboration, Twist Bioscience Corp utilized its antigen development capabilities and Library to conduct antibody discovery activities against targets identified by IMIDomics.
Antibody Discovery Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Creative Biolabs, Evotec, BioDuro-Sundia, Bruker Cellular Analysis, Biocytogen, Charles River Laboratories, Aragen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Twist Bioscience, NanoCellect Biomedical, and Sartorius AG are among the leading companies operating in the antibody discovery market. The focus of these players is on expanding and diversifying their market presence and acquiring a novel customer base, thereby exploiting attractive business opportunities prevailing in the antibody discovery market.