Gene Therapy Market Overview and Introduction

Gene therapy is a technique that uses genes for treatment or prevention of genetic disorders. Gene therapy is designed such that a therapeutic gene is inserted into the genome to replace the abnormal or disease-causing defective gene. Genes cannot be incorporated into the cells directly, therefore vectors are used as carriers to deliver the genes. The vectors used in gene therapy are generally viral or non-viral vectors. Viral vectors that include adeno-associated viruses, retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses, vaccinia viruses, and poxviruses, among others, are the most common types of vectors.

The global gene therapy market is driven by rising incidences of genetic & chronic diseases such as cancer, leukemia, and diabetes, among others. Moreover, the increasing support from governments to promote developments in gene therapy is playing a pivotal role in contributing to the extensive market growth. However, the high cost of gene therapy treatments may restrain market growth to a certain extent. The global gene therapy market is segmented by vector type, by gene type, by application, and by region.

Gene Therapy Market by Vector Type

Based on vector type, the gene therapy market is segmented into viral and non-viral vectors. The viral vector is further segmented into adenovirus, lentivirus, retrovirus, adeno-associated virus, herpes simplex virus, poxvirus, vaccinia virus, and others. Similarly, the non-viral segment is bifurcated into naked plasmid vector, gene gun, electroporation, lipofection, and others. The viral segment is estimated to account for the largest market share. The large share of this segment can be attributed to several gene therapy products currently available in the market. For instance, in August 2017, U.S. FDA approved the first gene therapy, Kymriah by Novartis, in the U.S. Similarly, in November 2018 Novartis received an approval from the European Commission (EC) approval for the sale of Luxturna in all 28 member states of the EU along with sales in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Gene Therapy Market by Type

Based on gene type, the market can be segmented into antigen, cytokine, tumor suppressor, suicide, deficiency, growth factors, receptors, and others. In terms of market share, the antigen segment is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2018. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the wide-scale applications of this therapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and oncology.

Gene Therapy Market by Application

Similarly, in terms of application, the market can be segmented into oncological disorders, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and others. Hemophilia, dystrophy, pompe disease, and others are rare genetic disorders and their occurrences are estimated to account for the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Around 80% of gene disorders are rare and therefore, gene therapy has the potential to cure the disorder rather than manage its symptoms.

Gene Therapy Market by Region

The global gene therapy market can be segmented into North America, Europe and the Rest of the World (ROW). North America dominated the gene therapy market followed by Europe. The largest market share in this region can be attributed to the availability of approved gene therapy products, collaborations, and agreements between companies & institutions for the development of gene therapy products and technological advancements, among others.

Gene Therapy Market Prominent Players

Some of the prominent players in the global gene therapy market include Novartis AG, UniQure N.V., Regenxbio Inc., Sibiono GeneTech Co. Ltd., Amgen Inc., Voyager Therapeutics, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Audentes Therapeutics, and Orchard Therapeutics plc, among others.