The market of microRNA products : products and services of a biotechnology SA

Résumé du document

The purpose of this study is to describe the specific and emerging market segment of the microRNA testing equipment on the European markets of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the UK. It examines current usages of the existing technology and the emerging suppliers. It is based on both market analysis and survey data gathered from researchers working in the miRNA-related field. The main objectives of this study are to understand the miRNA testing market segment and to look at the products/technologies they use or plan to use in each segment, identify preferred buyers of miRNA commercial kits and the purchasing decisions. We also discover market opportunities by identifying high-growth applications in analytical diagnostic areas and focus on technological developments for microRNA measurement technology including estimation of growth potential. The major methods of analysis are thoroughly described as their understanding is necessary to forecast their future use in the miRNA field.

Extraits

[...] The mechanism by which miRNAs are under-expressed in cancer remains a blur. However, the miRNA function to prevent cell differentiation is linked with the hypothesis that downregulation of some miRNAs might play a role in the generation or maintenance of tumours. miRNA expression might denote new and recurring cancers at an early stage and the differentiation state of the tumours[9]. So, they could be a powerful tool as biomarkers for cancer prevention or cancer diagnostics with two main objectives. First, they could help to increase the survival rate by identifying high-risk patients or detecting recurring cancers[5] at an early stage. [...]

[...] Strengths Expertise in oligo production and siRNAs. In March 2004, Eurogentec launched an ‘R&D' team exclusively dedicated to new research tools that was reinforced in 2007. Their expertise, well-recognized, is particularly appreciated in PCR production and gene profiling experiments. Eurogentec has a long experience in RNA oligo and siRNA production and so they could rapidly increase their customer database by offering complementary products. Good reputation among customers They are already recognized for the quality of their commercial kits and to tailor-made products according to their customers needs[37]. [...]

[...] One main characteristic of these academic laboratories is the early adoption of technology such as particular reagents and detection kits. That will lead to an increased market share among RNA manufacturers and in the differentiation of company's products from competitors. This analysis gives an indication of the potential growth of this market, notably in the US. When we consider the European market, these factors would be moderated by the issue of research funding. II.3. Macro-environmental factors II European research funding As it was developed in the previous part, the US biomedical research receives an enormous amount of publicly financed funding[22]. [...]

[...] During their short life, mRNAs may also be processed, edited, and transported prior to translation. microRNAs A form of single-stranded RNA that is typically ~22 nucleotides long, and that regulates the expression of other genes. MicroRNAs are RNA genes that are transcribed from DNA but are not translated into protein. Non-coding RNAs (referred to as small RNA) are genes that encode RNA that is not translated into a protein. The most prominent examples of RNA genes are transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) that are involved in the process of translation. [...]

[...] Within the database, the selection was made on the customers buying oligonucleotides or siRNA products and all of them were contacted by email or by phone. Cf. Appendix Presentation of the institutions & divisions by country, which are represented by respondents to this survey. The first week of March, the pre-test was sent to 18 Eurogentec's customers in order to get better feedback on problems and to avoid ambiguous questions. The UK is the number two in the world after the USA for the bioscience and healthcare sector (which excludes the pharmaceutical company) and 23 Nobel laureates were awarded for biomedical research in the UK in the past 40 years. [...]