The global aptamers market was valued at USD 1.94 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand with a robust compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.54% from 2023 to 2030. The rise in interest among researchers in aptamers is driven by advancements in aptamer generation, purification, and targeted drug delivery techniques that kill target cells. Aptamers offer competitive advantages, such as small molecular size, low immunogenicity, cost-effective manufacturing, and fewer side effects compared to antibodies. These advantages are likely to fuel research and development (R&D) in novel aptamer technologies, subsequently propelling the growth of the aptamers market. Despite significant global research efforts, highly effective treatments for COVID-19 remain limited due to extensive genetic mutations of the virus. However, aptamer-based biotechnological approaches present a promising potential in COVID-19 treatment.

Aptamer-based diagnostic products are increasingly preferred by diagnostic and pathology laboratories for disease diagnosis at the cellular level, given their small size, high specificity, selectivity, and efficacy. The prevalence of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is anticipated to lead to a higher patient turnout in laboratories for diagnostic purposes, boosting demand for aptamer-based diagnostic products. Cancer Research UK projects that approximately 27.5 million individuals could be diagnosed with cancer by 2040, underscoring the increasing need for advanced diagnostics.

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In March 2022, SomaLogic initiated the assay of samples through its SomaScan Assay for the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, analyzing 210 million protein measurements from 30,000 samples. This large-scale study aims to support cancer prediction by enhancing the understanding of cancer, potentially addressing the rising demand for cancer diagnostics and contributing to market growth.

Currently, Macugen, developed by Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (now commercialized by Bausch Health Companies Inc.), remains the only FDA-approved therapeutic aptamer in the U.S. since its approval in 2004. It is prescribed for treating AMD. Ongoing technological advances in research continue to direct scientific focus toward developing new aptamer-based drugs to treat various conditions. Several products are in clinical trials, including Zimura, developed by IVERIC Bio, Inc., for treating AMD. The anticipated approval of such drugs could further stimulate market growth in the near future.

Application Segmentation Insights:

The aptamers market is segmented based on application into diagnostics, therapeutics development, research and development, and others. The research and development (R&D) segment accounted for the largest market share at 31.38% in 2022, driven by the rising demand for aptamers and increasing R&D activity in the field. Key players have pursued various strategic initiatives, such as collaborations, partnerships, and agreements to support aptamer-based diagnostics and therapeutic development. For instance, in June 2021, SomaLogic and Ixaka Ltd entered into a research partnership to facilitate the discovery and development of bispecific therapeutics using aptamers. This partnership specifically explores the safety and efficacy of antigen-specific SOMAmer reagents, which is expected to further boost growth in the R&D segment.

The therapeutics segment is anticipated to grow rapidly, with a projected CAGR of 26.08% from 2023 to 2030. Aptamers offer several advantages over traditional protein therapeutics, including the ability to design antidotes in a targeted way (a challenge with antibodies), synthetic accessibility, and modifications through medicinal chemistry. These factors collectively enhance the therapeutic segment's market strength. However, therapeutic aptamers face challenges with nuclease resistance, which could potentially hinder growth in this segment.

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