Global Protein A Resin Market By Product Type (Agarose-based, Organic Polymer-based, and Glass/Silica-based), By Type (Recombinant Protein A and Natural Protein A), By Application (Antibody Purification and Immunoprecipitation), By End-user (Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies, Academic Institutes, and Clinical Research Laboratories), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Protein A Resin Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.0 Billion by 2033 from USD 1.3 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Protein A resins play a critical role in the purification and fractionation of immunoglobulins from biological fluids, cell culture media, and antigens. Their primary application is in monoclonal antibody production. As the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries intensify their drug development efforts, the focus on monoclonal antibodies continues to grow.

Simultaneously, investments in synthetic biology are on the rise, contributing to the global expansion of the protein A resin industry. Various countries are making significant investments to increase their biomanufacturing capacities, with a precise focus on creating cutting-edge bioprocessing facilities. This expansion is set to increase the demand for Protein A resin in the coming years.

Moreover, there is an increasing demand for protein-engineered products used in vaccine development and therapeutic applications globally. Various key players and research organizations are collaborating for the development of such protein-engineered products to cater to consumer demand.

• In September 2023, The University of Limerick’s SPC (Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals) embarked on phase 2 of its partnership with key industry leaders. This collaborative effort is intended to address the growing protein A resin market. The partnership includes five leading biopharmaceutical companies, Pfizer, Janssen, BMS, Eli Lilly, and MSD that would work together to tackle shared challenges in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

• Market Size: Protein A Resin Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3.0 Billion by 2033 from USD 1.3 Billion in 2023
• Market Growth: The market growing at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
• Product type Analysis: The product type segment is divided into agarose-based, organic polymer-based, and glass/silica-based, with agarose-based taking the lead in 2023 with a market share of 43.2%.
• Type Analysis: The product type segment is divided into agarose-based, organic polymer-based, and glass/silica-based, with agarose-based taking the lead in 2023 with a market share of 43.2%.
• Application Analysis: The antibody purification sector stands out as the dominant player, holding the largest revenue share of 56.7% in the protein A resin market.
• End-Use Analysis: Pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies segment leading the market, holding a revenue share of 59.3%.
• Regional Analysis: North America led the market by securing a market share of 41.3%% in 2023.

By Product Type Analysis

The agarose-based segment led in 2023, claiming a market share of 43.2% owing to its use in improving the sensitivity and increasing the solubility of alkaline solutions. The recombinant protein A resins ligand is combined with agarose to provide a higher binding capacity to immunoglobulin in fragmentation.

Due to being a hydrophilic polysaccharide polymer of a neutral nature, Agarose forms a rigid and porous matrix that mimics a cell’s architecture while imposing negligible steric hindrance. This aids the mobility and exposure of ligand molecules, boosting the availability of binding sites for interaction. These factors are projected to propel the growth of this segment in the years to come.

By Type Analysis

The recombinant protein A held a significant share of 57.2% due to its high stability, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. As recombinant protein A resins are being used in antibody purification and bioprocessing applications, they have a high demand. Advances in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology are improving the production efficiency and yield of recombinant protein A, making it more accessible and affordable.

Additionally, the growing demand for monoclonal antibodies and biosimilars is fueling the growth of this segment.

By Application Analysis

The antibody purification segment had a tremendous growth rate, with a revenue share of 56.7%. Antibody purification involves isolating and enriching antibodies from various sources, including polyclonal antibodies, ascites fluids, and cell culture supernatants. As a result, there is an increasing demand for high-purity antibodies in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

There is a need for commercial protein A resins to facilitate downstream processes in antibody production. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases further fuels their demand, leading to the segment’s substantial growth.

By End-user Analysis

The pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies segment grew at a substantial rate, generating a revenue portion of 59.3% due to the widespread adoption of protein A resins in drug discovery, vaccine development, monoclonal antibody (mAb) production, and therapeutic manufacturing within the biopharmaceutical industry.

Additionally, the increasing use of continuous manufacturing processes further contributes to this segment’s prominence. As protein engineering advances and scientific breakthroughs occur, the demand for these resins continues to grow. Anticipated technological advancements in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, coupled with the global expansion of the biopharmaceutical industry, are expected to drive revenue growth in this segment.

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

• Agarose-based
• Organic Polymer-based
• Glass/Silica-based

By Type

• Recombinant Protein A
• Natural Protein A

By Application

• Antibody Purification
• Immunoprecipitation

By End-user

• Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies
• Academic Institutes
• Clinical Research Laboratories

Drivers

Growing Demand for Biologics such as Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)

Monoclonal antibody therapies are in high demand due to their specificity and effectiveness in treating various chronic and life-threatening conditions. In the production process, protein A resin plays a crucial role in purifying monoclonal antibodies. As novel monoclonal antibodies receive approval for indications such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases, the need for protein A resin is expected to surge. Major pharmaceutical companies are heavily investing in innovative monoclonal antibody drugs, contributing to a substantial availability of candidates in clinical trials. This extensive research on complex antibody therapeutics is likely to drive the demand for large quantities of protein A resins in the years ahead.

• In March 2024, ClinicalTrial.gov documented 1,248 ongoing clinical studies specifically targeting monoclonal antibodies in the United States. This substantial number highlights a robust biopharmaceutical development pipeline centered on these antibodies. As a result, the growing need for protein A resins is directly linked to the expansion of purification and production processes, contributing to market growth in this sector.

Restraints

High Cost of Protein A Resin

The high costs associated with Protein A resins pose a significant challenge to the global Protein A resin market. These resins serve as expensive chromatography media, playing a crucial role in downstream purification during monoclonal antibody manufacturing. Unfortunately, their cost significantly impacts overall production expenses for biopharmaceutical companies. Due to durability limitations, Protein A resin requires regular replacement.

After a certain number of purification cycles, its binding capacity diminishes, necessitating fresh resin purchases. This recurring capital expenditure strains company budgets. Consequently, the steep replacement cost hinders the broader adoption of Protein A chromatography techniques, particularly in developing economies.

Opportunities

Growing Number of CMOs and CROs

The growing number of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) worldwide presents significant growth opportunities for protein A resin manufacturers. Pharmaceutical companies increasingly turn to these contract partners to meet various needs, including specialized expertise and cost reduction.

The pharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry has witnessed robust expansion in recent years, a trend expected to continue. Additionally, the demand for generic drugs in China and India contributes to the success of CMOs.

According to the Economic Times, Bhagwant Khuba, the Minister of State (MoS) for Chemicals and Fertilizers,  stated that the pharmaceuticals industry in India is the third largest in terms of volume and the 13th largest in terms of value in the world. It produces more than 60,000 generic drugs throughout the 60 therapeutic categories.

Impact of Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Factors

Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors exert a significant influence on the protein A resin market, shaping its growth trajectory and dynamics. Macroeconomic factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure and economic growth are positively impacting the market by driving the demand for biologics and biosimilars. Geopolitical factors like trade agreements and partnerships are also creating lucrative prospects for the market by facilitating access to new markets and international collaborations. However, trade wars and economic downturns can hamper the market by reducing investments in biopharmaceutical research and development activities.

Latest Trends

Growing Demand for Therapeutic Antibodies

The increasing demand for therapeutic antibodies is anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period. Therapeutic antibodies are used to treat various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders. The rise in the prevalence of these diseases has led to an increase in demand for therapeutic antibodies. Protein A resin is a critical component in the production of therapeutic antibodies, used for purification and chromatography. As a result, the growing demand for therapeutic antibodies is fueling the demand for protein A resin.

• According to the data from the National Institute of Health, as of June 30, 2022, there were 162 approved and marketed antibody therapies targeting various diseases, including cancers, infectious diseases, immune-related conditions, and hematological disorders.

Regional Analysis

North America is leading the protein A resin Market

North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 41.3% due to the growing demand for protein-based therapeutics that are used in the treatment of infectious diseases. The surging number of FDA-approved biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in this region is also creating lucrative prospects for the market. The rise in the number of mergers, collaborations, and acquisitions between the key players is significantly fueling the market. Furthermore, the government and private entities are also engaging in increased research & development activities as well as clinical trials, which boosts the market.

• In July 2023, the Canadian and British Columbian governments jointly allocated CA$ 701 million (US$ 515 million) to construct antibody-based facilities. The investment aims to enhance Canada’s capabilities and infrastructure for drug development, production, and clinical research.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The rising demand for biologics and monoclonal antibodies has driven the need for this essential purification tool. Factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the push for innovative therapies contribute to this growth. Several countries in the region are actively enhancing their biomanufacturing capabilities and infrastructure, with investments in state-of-the-art bioprocessing facilities and the establishment of biotech hubs.

• According to the data from investindia.gov.in, India is among the top 12 global destinations for biotechnology and ranks as the third-largest destination for biotech in the Asia-Pacific region. It holds a prominent position as a major supplier of low-cost drugs and vaccines worldwide and leads in the approval of biosimilars within its domestic market.

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherland
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Rest of APAC

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The major players in the protein A resin market are actively engaged in the development and introduction of innovative products, as well as implementing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing their competitive positioning. The companies are extensively investing in the development of new and improved protein A resin products.

Companies like Thermo Fisher are heavily investing in the manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand and reduce lead times. With the expansion of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, particularly in developed and developing economies, the market is likely to have substantial growth in the coming years.

Top Key Players

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Repligen Corp.
• PerkinElmer, Inc.
• Novasep Holdings SAS
• Navigo Proteins GmbH
• Merck Millipore
• GenScript Biotech Corp.
• GE Healthcare
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• Agilent Technologies
• Abcam PLC.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Repligen Corporation and Purolite (an Ecolab company) jointly announced the commercial release of Praesto CH1. This new 70 μm (micron) agarose-based affinity protein resin is specifically designed for purifying specialized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including bispecifics and recombinant antibody fragments.
• In June 2022, Navigo Proteins GmbH introduced an affinity resin derived from a baculovirus insect cell known as glycoprotein gp64. They employed Precision Capture technology to create a Precision X ligand that binds specifically to glycoprotein gp64. This innovative resin has potential applications in vaccine production.

Report Scope