Market Trends of Carrier Screening Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Carrier Screening Market according to our research experts:
Molecular Screening Test Segment is Expected to Register Significant Growth during the Forecast Period
A molecular screening test identifies DNA mutations, which are variations in the genetic code that lead to decreased production of enzymes. It focuses on the mutations seen in one ethnic group. It involves a stepwise testing process for common alleles and, if required, extensive gene analysis. Sequencing is a method of molecular screening accomplished by reading across the DNA code of a specific gene to know if there are any known mutations. If the test results are negative, it reduces the chances that the individual is a carrier. However, it does not eliminate the possibility of having a carrier gene since the mutation might still need to be discovered through the current technology.
According to the Minority of HIV/AIDS Fund (MHAF), United States Department of Health and Human Services Statistics, updated in June 2021, estimated that approximately 37.6 million people were living with HIV worldwide in 2020, of whom 35.9 million were adults and 1.7 million were children (under the age of 15). According to the same source, 1.5 million people were estimated to have contracted HIV globally in 2020. The market is expanding due to the rising prevalence of HIV and the resulting demand for carrier screening. The increasing need for screening tests results from the high prevalence of viral illnesses.
Furthermore, globally, there is an increasing cancer incidence, driving the market growth. For instance, according to Cancer Facts and Figures 2022, published in January 2022 by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases would be diagnosed in 2022, among which prostate cancer is estimated to be 186,670, followed by 169,870 cases of lung cancer, and 144,490 cases of female breast cancer. Therefore, the global incidence of cancer and modern healthcare facilities have been major drivers of the segment's growth.
There is an expansion of molecular testing, as it has the potential to increase testing accuracy through technical benefits for many targeted disorders that may not be suggested for biochemical testing. Thus, the abovementioned factors are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market and Expected to do Same in the Forecast Period
North America holds a major share of the carrier screening market and is expected to show a similar trend over the forecast period without significant fluctuations.
According to statistics published by the Government of Canada and released in November 2021, about 229,200 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer in 2021. Prostate cancer was expected to remain the most diagnosed cancer, accounting for 46% of all cancer diagnoses in 2021. According to the same source, breast cancer affected one out of every eight women at some point. Thus, the growing prevalence of cancer is expected to increase demand for carrier screening, thereby boosting market growth.
The increasing product approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and subsequent launches, along with the high concentration of key players involved in research activities for the innovation of novel genetic testing products, are anticipated to drive market growth in North America. For instance, in January 2022, Mitera announced the release of its Peaches & Me and 23Pears at-home reproductive genetic testing kits in all 50 states. Peaches & Me is the first non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) that patients can order online and have administered at home. As early as ten weeks of pregnancy, it can screen for disorders like Down syndrome and determine the baby's gender.
Thus, considering the above factors, such as the rising prevalence of cancer and product launches, is expected to fuel market growth in the North American region over the forecast period.
