Interest in MicroRNA Research Driving Growth in Related Market Tools

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Jun 2012
A new study shows that an increased number of pharmaceutical and biotech companies are becoming interested in microRNA (miRNA) research due to advancements in molecular diagnostics and therapeutics. As a result, a larger number of distribution companies are offering miRNA research tools and expanding the spectrum of their applications to cater to a wider range of life science areas.

In a recent study titled Analysis of MicroRNA Tools and Services Market in Europe, Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA; www.frost.com), a global research and analysis company, examined various miRNA tools and services, including expression profiling and phenotypic screening, to determine that miRNA research is expanding across different fields.

The analysis found that miRNA research has become increasingly prominent in the cardiovascular, virology, endocrinology, plant science, and genetic disease fields. This has caused several other fields to develop an interest in auditing their gene expression analyses or epigenetic research by profiling miRNAs, explained Vinodh Jyotikumar, research consultant, Frost & Sullivan.

As new miRNAs and their functions are discovered, additional research fields may adopt an interest in the role of miRNAs in their disciplines, leading to the need for a wider variety of research tools.

A surge in miRNA research over the past four years has already led several life sciences vendors to offer miRNA research instruments. As competition intensifies, market participants will need to expand and differentiate their product options and capabilities to accommodate a broader range of interested fields.

"Service providers that do not offer in-house technologies must differentiate themselves by expanding tool options or adding capabilities," added Mr. Jyotikumar. "Companies may opt to provide multiple microarrays from various vendors, develop their own tools or offer specialized products, such as multiplex panels aimed at specific diseases."

Analysis of MicroRNA Tools and Services Market in Europe is part of the Frost & Sullivan Clinical Diagnostics Growth Partnership Services program.


Related Links:
Frost & Sullivan


Latest BioResearch News