Proteomics research strengthens uptake for protein purification kits in Europe

The growing need for the production of more proteins within faster timelines is forcing laboratories to look for better expression systems and automated solutions to meet their demands, according to consultancy company Frost & Sullivan.

This increasing need to identify and understand proteins is driving the research and growth in the European protein purification markets. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Protein Purification Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of US$140m (Euro 95.5m) in 2007 and expects this to reach $316m (€215.6m) by 2014.

Researchers are creating a very strong and sustainable need for new research tools and kits to screen, prepare, purify and concentrate protein samples rapidly. Simultaneously, manufacturers are finding growth opportunities in novel research products and are focusing on developing rapid kits to attract new target customers such as molecular biologists.

"The post genomic era is providing an atmosphere conducive for market growth, said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Arun AK. "Furthermore, as pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies are moving towards protein-based drugs, the need for purification kits is on the rise."

The market for protein purification products in Europe is well established and participants are increasingly innovating columns, filters and kits to meet the demands of both proteomics and genomics researchers. In fact, novel chromatographic columns and purification kits are the major growth drivers that are setting the pace for the growth of this market.

However, the market is crowded and many companies are under pressure to enhance their product to hold a competitive edge. High market fragmentation is making it difficult for participants to increase their share and market presence.

Improvements in the product efficiency, refinements in the existing product lines and adoption by new end-user groups (genomics researchers) are critical to market growth as it is slowly reaching maturation due to deep-rooted technologies. In addition, soaring R&D costs hamper efforts to constantly innovate and refine the product offerings.

Industry participants should therefore look to acquire or form alliances with companies that can help them broaden their product portfolio, suggests F&S. It also advocates outsourcing r&d activities to Asian countries to cut down research costs and to increase their return on investment.

The only way to stay ahead in a competitive market is to have well-differentiated product line, F&S says. Companies can focus on developing custom-made systems with value-added services that can meet specific need of a researcher. Participants must also educate new target customers, such as molecular biologists, to drive the uptake of protein purification products.