Clinical Applications Transforming Flow Cytometry Sector

Clinical applications of flow cytometry (FC) instrumentation and reagents are transforming this market with a high-growth path and emerging active partnerships leveraging increased demand to quantify cell markers, according to a new market analysis.

The global FC sector is experiencing a rise in active partnerships primarily due to increased clinical applications in underdeveloped nations that increasingly use FC to quantitate CD4 cell markers in HIV patients, according to Frost & Sullivan (Mountain View, CA, USA). The new study, Analysis of the Global Flow Cytometry Market, found the FC market earned revenues of USD 2.50 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach USD 3.52 billion in 2018 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%.

Revenues from reagents for clinical applications will be greater than for research-use-only, as demand for in vitro diagnostic kits is high for several applications, including analysis of leukemia and lymphoma, enumeration of stem cells, diagnosis of HIV infection and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as quality control. Markers for medical conditions, such as sepsis and cardiac diseases, are also being explored. This will open up new markets and applications for clinical reagents.

“As multicolor FC is becoming a reality, applications, like immunophenotyping, will benefit from the advanced properties of these products,” said Frost & Sullivan Healthcare senior industry analyst Divyaa Ravishankar, “In addition to this novel technology, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology segments may employ multiparametric capabilities to monitor clinical trials.”

However, in the US the uncertainty of laboratory developed test regulations threatens FC market growth. Consolidation of core clinical facilities and limited availability of reimbursements are added hindrances to development. In European countries, severe cuts in life science funding will restrict investments in new equipment. The sale of refurbished and used instruments could further exacerbate the impact on new sales.

Proliferation of less expensive, mid-throughput systems created a market for FC products among cell and protein researchers. With smaller hospitals and research groups in favor of benchtop systems and low-cost, easy-to-use products with a small footprint, lucrative opportunities await providers in the low-mid range analyzer segment.

“From a provider’s standpoint, potential game-changing strategies include the use of microfluidic technologies and newer focusing techniques such as microcapillary and acoustic focusing,” noted D. Ravishankar, “Acoustic focusing has a major advantage as the cells are decoupled from hydrodynamic forces, and sheath sample flow rates can be adjusted to one’s needs. Microcapillary focusing is attractive since it enables a laser beam to focus on a small section of the tube, serving as a test volume.”

For success in this market, product differentiation strategies surrounding data analysis software will be important as most packages have overlapping features, making it crucial to explore innovative ways to stand out. Enabling connectivity, automation capabilities, and seamless data management abilities to handle data from multicolor flows will eventually prove essential.

The study is part of the Frost & Sullivan’s Transformational Health – Growth Partnership Service program. Related reports include: 2015 Global Survey on Flow Cytometry Adoption Trends, Analysis of the US and European Diabetes Diagnostics Market, and Analysis of the Western European Laboratory Information Management System Market. These extensive studies provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends.

Related Links:
Frost & Sullivan
Analysis of the Global Flow Cytometry Market, report