Market Trends of United Kingdom In-Vitro Diagnostics Industry
Infectious Diseases Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period.
The infectious diseases segment within the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period. This segment encompasses various diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C, all of which continue to pose substantial public health challenges in the UK. The increasing incidence of these infectious diseases, coupled with advancements in diagnostic technology and supportive government initiatives, underscores the potential for market expansion.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency underscores the ongoing challenge of infectious diseases in the UK. In 2023, the UKHSA reported 6,008 HIV diagnoses in England, a striking 51% surge from the 3,975 cases in 2022. Significantly, more than half of these cases were identified as having been diagnosed abroad, highlighting the critical need for robust screening and monitoring for both local and international cases. This uptick in diagnoses underscores an urgent demand for enhanced diagnostic tools that deliver timely and precise results, fueling growth in the infectious diseases segment of the IVD market.
Innovations in diagnostic technology are pivotal to the growth of the infectious diseases segment. A recent example is the PA-100 AST, developed by Sysmex Astrego AB, which won a major UK science prize for its rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing system for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in June 2024. This point-of-care (POC) testing system employs nanofluidic technology to swiftly determine the presence of bacteria and assess antimicrobial effectiveness. Such advancements not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also facilitate timely treatment decisions, contributing to better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
The UK government has demonstrated a commitment to fostering innovation in the IVD market. As of February 2024, the Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) pilot initiative is in its next phase, aimed at supporting the development of technologies that address unmet clinical needs. Eight innovative technologies have been selected to receive tailored regulatory and access support. Among these is an algorithm-based infection predictor developed by Presymptom Health Ltd., which utilizes a molecular test and a cloud-based algorithm to predict infection status days in advance. This could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and improve treatment timelines, addressing critical gaps in infectious disease management.
The infectious diseases segment of the UK in vitro diagnostics market is poised for significant growth, contributed by the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, technological innovations, and proactive government initiatives.
Molecular Diagnostics Segment is Expected to Witness High Growth Over the Forecast Period.
The molecular diagnostics segment is poised for significant growth over the forecast period, contributed by technological advancements in the techniques, increasing accurate diagnostics needs, and strategic corporate activities.
Recent molecular diagnostics innovations have revolutionized how diseases are detected and monitored. Approaches such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and CRISPR-based technologies enable rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostics. These technologies not only enhance the precision of diagnoses but also facilitate the early detection of diseases, which is critical in conditions like cancer and infectious diseases.
Molecular diagnostics are increasingly being used in various applications beyond traditional clinical settings. For instance, in July 2024, Roche finalized its acquisition of LumiraRx's Point of Care technology, a strategic move aimed at enhancing access to diagnostic testing in primary care. LumiraRx's innovative Point of Care solutions will augment Roche's existing diagnostics portfolio across multiple disease areas. This acquisition reflects a broader trend of integrating advanced diagnostic technologies into primary care settings, ensuring timely and accessible healthcare services for patients.
Similarly, in August 2023, Sherlock Biosciences reported the opening of a state-of-the-art 36,000 square foot biomanufacturing facility in the UK. This facility is designed to significantly expand the company’s diagnostic capacity and enable rapid scaling of low-cost manufacturing of its molecular diagnostics products. This development is particularly noteworthy as it positions Sherlock to meet growing market demands while ensuring the affordability and accessibility of its diagnostic solutions.
Technological advancements, a pivot towards personalized medicine, and proactive measures by top companies are propelling the molecular diagnostics segment towards significant growth. With the industry's evolution, a commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy and accessibility is paramount, solidifying the integral role of molecular diagnostics in the future of healthcare.
