Protein Expression Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Protein Expression Market Analysis

The Global Protein Expression Market size is estimated at USD 3.12 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.23% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Key drivers fuelling the expansion of the protein expression market encompass heightened R&D endeavors within the pharmaceutical realm, burgeoning prospects in proteomics, and strides in the biologics sector. These elements, coupled with a surge in chronic disease occurrences, are poised to propel the global market growth rate of protein expression.

Biologics encompass a range of active biomolecules, such as engineered proteins, antibodies, hormones, growth factors, peptides, and enzymes. The market's growth is significantly fuelled by the rising adoption of biologics in advanced therapies. With the surge in chronic diseases and lifestyle-related disorders, physicians increasingly turn to biologics, recognizing their effectiveness and associated benefits. For instance, in June 2023, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., a frontrunner in precision genetic medicine targeting rare diseases, secured accelerated approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its gene therapy, ELEVIDYS (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl). This adeno-associated virus-based therapy is designed for ambulatory pediatric patients aged 4 to 5 years suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), specifically those with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene.

Moreover, research studies detailing recombinant protein expression present substantial opportunities for key players to enhance their portfolios and develop advanced products. For instance, as per the article published in June 2024 in the Synbio journal, the researchers highlighted that recombinant protein expression plays a pivotal role in synthetic biology and biotechnology, which stands out as a distinct field. Microalgae, leveraging their eukaryotic cellular machinery, boast a high lipid content and can be cultivated cost-effectively. Their safety for human consumption and environmentally friendly nature further underscore their potential. These attributes position microalgae as a promising platform for protein expression and metabolic engineering, paving the way for sustainable chemical production.

Furthermore, recent advancements have highlighted the significance of modifying mammalian cell surfaces with synthetic molecules. For example, a November 2023 article in Chemical Science underscores the growing importance of cell surface manipulation in research and development. Specifically, using modified synthetic molecules to alter mammalian cell surfaces has emerged as an effective method for introducing new functionalities or manipulating these cells. As a result, these advancements in mammalian cell modifications are poised to propel the studied market during the forecast period.

Thus, the increase in research activities encompassing protein expression and the rise in strategic activities by the key players are expected to drive the studied market in the forecasted period.

Protein Expression Market Insights and Trends

Cell-free Expression is Expected to Hold a Major Market Share

The cell-free expression segment under the reagents and kits segment is expected to have a significant protein expression market share with a CAGR of 10.85% over the forecast period (2024-2029). Market research estimates that the segment is expected to have a market value of USD 0.15 billion in 2024 and is likely to reach a market value of USD 0.26 billion by 2029.

Cell-free protein expression (CFPE), or in vitro protein expression, refers to the production of recombinant proteins in solution. This process utilizes biomolecular translation machinery that is extracted from cells.

Key drivers fueling the growth of the CFPE segment include heightened R&D activities in proteomics and genomics, a rising prevalence of cancer and infectious diseases, and advantages like reduced expression times and enhanced structural modifications. For instance, November 2023, Telesis Bio Inc., a frontrunner in automated multi-omic and synthetic biology solutions, unveiled the commercial launch of its BioXp De novo cloning and amplification kit. This kit is now available on the BioXp 3250 and BioXp 9600 systems. Designed for cell-free DNA amplification, this innovative kit streamlines the process, allowing researchers to build and amplify DNA constructs directly to transfection-scale quantities efficiently. The company sets a new standard in laboratory efficiency by bypassing the cumbersome bacterial scale-up and removing the uncertainties of service provider delivery times.

Moreover, numerous research studies underscore the significance of cell-free protein expression systems, a factor anticipated to propel segment growth during the forecast period. For instance, per the article published in September 2023 in the Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry Journal, the Cell-free Expression system has proven successful in producing biomolecules across various applications, notably in the biomedical sector. While challenges remain, its user-friendliness, adaptability, and potential for integration with other technologies position it as a crucial tool in the evolution of synthetic biology research and industry. Hence, owing to the benefits offered by the Cell-free Expression system, their demand is expected to rise, whereas the end user will benefit from these advancements, thereby boosting the segment growth over the forecast period.

Hence, CFPE has become a dominant platform, addressing the growing demand for streamlined and effective protein production. Simultaneously, the expanding markets of proteomics and genomics, which heavily rely on proteins, amplify the demand for the CFPE segment.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Companies Segment as End User is Expected to Hold a Major Protein Expression Market Share

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the end-user segment are expected to have a significant market share with a CAGR of 6.41% over the forecast period (2024-2029). Market research estimates that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Companies segment is expected to have a market value of 1.79 billion in 2024 and is likely to reach a market value of USD 2.38 billion by 2029.

The segment is projected to expand during the forecast period, driven by factors including a rising number of global biotech and pharmaceutical companies, increased funding and collaborations, and a heightened demand for proteins and enzymes.

The protein expression market is segmented by product, application, and end user. By product, the market is segmented into reagents and kits, services, and other products. By reagents and kits, the market is segmented into cell-free expression, bacterial expression, yeast expression, algal expression, insect expression, mammalian expression, and other expression systems. By application, the market is segmented into therapeutic, industrial, and research. By end user, the market is segmented into academia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations (CROs)). Segmenting the market by product, application, and end user will give key stakeholders a clearer understanding of the market dimensions.

North America Expected to Witness Significant Growth in the Protein Expression Market

By geography, the North America region is likely to hold a major protein expression market share with an estimated market size of USD 1.36 billion in 2024, expected to reach USD 2.39 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 11.97%. In North America, the protein expression market growth is witnessing a growth due to increased funding for research and development in protein expression technologies. Further, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors have expanded swiftly, and major regional market players drive this growth.

The rising demand for gene therapies and monoclonal antibodies, especially for treating cancer and rare diseases, is propelling the growth of the protein expression market in the country. For example, a report from the American Cancer Society in January 2024 projected approximately 2 million cancer cases in the United States in 2024, up from 1.9 million cases in 2023. Hence, the increase in cancer cases will create a demand for protein expression products and services since analyzing protein expression in cancer cells can provide insights into the specific type of cancer, the most effective treatment options, and the efficacy of those treatments.

Consequently, the rising adoption of these services and products in chronic disease management is poised to drive market expansion in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Additionally, technological advancements and developments within the biopharmaceutical sector are poised to bolster the region's market growth. For example, in February 2024, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) unveiled plans for a new pea protein isolate production facility. This plant will bolster LDC's Plant Proteins division and will be situated within their current industrial complex in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Set to be operational by the close of 2025, the upcoming facility will empower LDC to provide customers with highly functional, taste-neutral, and nutritious ingredients. These ingredients are tailored for dairy alternatives, high-protein nutrition solutions, and various other plant based applications.

In Mexico, the Mexican Proteomics Society (SMP, from its Spanish initials) spearheads research and development in proteomics, and its advancements are poised to propel the market's growth. For instance, in October 2023, the President of Mexico issued a decree in the Federal Official Gazette, offering federal tax incentives for investments in manufacturing activities across key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and agrochemicals, applicable nationwide in Mexico. Consequently, this grant will bolster the use of protein expression products and services, fuelling market growth during the forecast period.

As a result, these strategic moves aim to enhance the accessibility of protein expression reagents and services across the region, driving the protein expression industry growth in North America.

By geography, the market is segmented into North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa), and South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America). Furthermore, emerging countries like East Africa and other Middle Eastern countries’ push for sustainable food production and nutritional security, is set to propel significant advancements in protein expression technologies.