Protein Array Market May Reach $665 Million in ‘07

The field of drug discovery has been expanded by genomic and proteomic projects, which will increase demand for protein arrays, according to a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan (World Protein Array Markets).

The sale of protein arrays generated worldwide revenues of US$41.2 million in 2001. By 2007, total world revenues for protein array consumables and instruments may surpass $665 million. While a majority of drugs on the market have been based on an estimated 500 proteins, genomic and proteomic efforts have led to a surge of new therapeutic targets. This shifting bottleneck in drug discovery is creating new opportunities for protein arrays that offer more efficient protein-expression analysis and functional characterization.

Despite this promising aspect, suppliers of protein arrays are charged with establishing the value of their product to encourage market adoption. Many participants will need to secure reliable distribution channels to get their products to customers. This may result in some firms forming alliances with larger companies to access supply channels, which could have the effect of diluting their potential earnings.

"Protein arrays promise to provide desired efficiencies by increasing throughput and overcoming inherent limitations with existing research tools,” said Frost & Sullivan analyst Eric. E. Gay. "Nevertheless, competence must be proven prior to adoption since there are significant costs associated with implementing novel technologies.”





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