Market Trends of Spatial OMICS Industry
The Spatial Transcriptomics Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
Spatial transcriptomics allows high-throughput analysis of gene expression patterns within tissue samples while preserving their spatial context. This high-throughput capability enables researchers to analyze multiple genes simultaneously across tissue sections, leading to more comprehensive and efficient data generation. The segment is expected to grow over the forecast period owing to the growing burden of genetic diseases, ongoing technological advancement in spatial transcriptomics, growing application of spatial transcriptomics in cancer and genetic and rare diseases, and strategic activities by the market players.
The application of spatial transcriptomics in disease research, particularly in cancer and other complex diseases, drives its growth. Researchers leverage spatial transcriptomics data to elucidate disease mechanisms, characterize disease-specific gene expression profiles, and uncover candidate biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic response prediction. For instance, according to the 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 6,000 newborns in the United States are diagnosed with Down syndrome each year, representing an incidence of approximately 1 in 700 live births. Thus, the high burden of genetic diseases is expected to contribute to the segment’s growth over the forecast period.
Ongoing technological advancements in spatial transcriptomics platforms, including improvements in spatial resolution, sensitivity, scalability, and data analysis tools, contribute to the growth of this segment. These advancements make spatial transcriptomics more accessible, reliable, and applicable across diverse research domains. For instance, in 2022, 10x Genomics debuted the Visium Cyt Assist, designed to streamline sample preparation. Similarly, in May 2023, this platform was enhanced to include whole transcriptome analysis and a 31-plex protein assay. This enables the simultaneous investigation of protein and RNA in a single tissue section, complemented by H&E/IF staining for visualizing tissue morphology.
Additionally, in February 2023, Curio Bioscience released the Curio Seeker based on Slide-seq v2 technology, enabling large-scale whole transcriptome spatial tissue mapping at single-cell resolution. This in situ barcoding approach does not require any specific hardware; it only requires mounting the tissue on the Curio Seeker Tile. It boasts a 10-micron resolution and no gaps between spots.
Strategic activities adopted by the market players, such as the launch of spatial transcriptomics technology, products and software, and research collaboration, are expected to contribute to the segment’s growth over the forecast period. For instance, in June 2023, OMAPiX, a spatial omics services provider, agreed to collaborate with Vizgen, Resolve Biosciences, and Ultivue Inc. They are expected to use cutting-edge technologies to deliver standardized, high-quality spatial transcriptomic and proteomic data. Such partnerships aim to boost drug development and life science research by providing valuable insights to customers. In February 2023, Curio Bioscience announced the introduction of Curio Seeker, the first high-resolution, whole-transcriptome spatial mapping kit, marking the start of the company's commercial activities.
Therefore, the convergence of technological innovation, research applications, disease relevance, and integration with multi-OMICS approaches are factors expected to drive the growth of the spatial transcriptomics segment.
North America is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
The North American spatial OMICS market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by extensive research and development efforts. Prestigious academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical corporations are making substantial investments in spatial OMICS technology, focusing on precision diagnostics and drug development. In addition, the growing burden of chronic diseases and strategic activities adopted by the market players is expected to contribute to market growth over the forecast period.
According to the 2024 statistics published by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the incidence of cancer is projected to increase from 1.93 million in 2023 to 2.00 million in 2024, an increase of more than 60 thousand cases within two years, demonstrating a rapid growth in the incidence of cancer in the United States. Similarly, as per the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023 report, about 239.2 thousand new cancer cases were reported in 2023 in Canada, compared to 233.9 thousand in 2022. Thus, the growing burden of cancer is expected to create demand for drug research and manufacturing services, contributing to segmental growth. Hence, the high prevalence of cancer is anticipated to utilize molecular genomics tests to identify the severity, thereby boosting market growth over the forecast period.
The region fosters strategic partnerships and collaborations between academia, industry, and healthcare providers, facilitating knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and joint research efforts in spatial OMICS. Collaborative initiatives boost technology development, data standardization, and market penetration of spatial OMICS solutions. For instance, in April 2023, Bio-Techne and Lunaphore formed a strategic alliance to develop a fully automated spatial multiomics solution. The alliance is intended to create a method for simultaneous identification of protein and RNA biomarkers on a single slide, which would offer panel design flexibility and facilitate comprehensive disease research.
The region's strong focus on research and development drives advancements in spatial omics technologies, including spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, and spatial genomics. These advancements attract investments, collaborations, and commercialization efforts, leading to market growth. For instance, in October 2023, Pixelgen Technologies reported the closure of Series A financing of approximately USD 7.3 million to support the commercial expansion of the spatial proteomics tool for analyzing cell surface proteins on single cells in order to transform drug discovery and basic science.
Additionally, in September 2023, Multiomics CRO Psomagen launched Spatial Biology services for 10X Genomics Xenium. This platform reshapes spatial biology, enabling researchers worldwide to analyze the interplay of genes and proteins within their native tissue context. This marked a pivotal moment in the scientific community's access to spatial genomics.
Thus, the growing burden of cancer, research and development initiatives, strategic collaboration, and product launches are expected to contribute to the market’s growth over the forecast period.