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Market Overview

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The global ligase market is projected to reach $651.4 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.29% during the forecast period 2022-2032. This growth can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is an increasing prevalence of infectious and genetic diseases worldwide, which drives the demand for ligases. Secondly, there is a rising awareness of enzyme-based diagnostic testing, which further contributes to the growth of the ligase market. Lastly, there is a significant amount of funding available for research and development in this field.

Ligases are enzymes that play a crucial role in joining two large molecules, such as DNA. These enzymes have various applications, including next-generation sequencing, mutation detection, cloning, and gene synthesis. They are also used in clinical applications for treating chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and genetic diseases. Different types of ligases are available, such as T4DNA ligase, RNA ligase, and ubiquitin ligase, each serving different purposes.

The global ligase market is witnessing rapid progress due to increased research and development activities focused on developing ligase products for disease detection. Ligases are crucial in molecular diagnostics as they ensure the safe and effective application of targeted therapeutics. Many companies in the market offer ligation kits and enzymes to cater to the growing demand.

Investments in research and development for enzyme-based molecular diagnostics present a significant opportunity in the ligase market. Collaborative efforts between diagnostics and pharmaceutical companies are underway to develop drugs and leverage ligases as therapeutic tools for various diseases. This collaboration aims to enable efficient diagnosis, treatment selection, dosage determination, and treatment monitoring.

Several techniques are being used to utilize ligases in detecting and quantifying specific DNA or RNA sequences. These techniques include ligase chain reaction (LCR), ligase detection reaction (LDR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), repeat expansion detection (RED), rolling circle amplification (RCA), proximity ligation assay (PLA), molecular cloning, ligation-mediated PCR, mutation detection, and other applications such as drug target identification.

The current ligase market primarily consists of kits and enzymes. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for essential products, including ligase enzymes, from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Although some market players have reported a slight decline in sales, new entrants are expected to contribute to market growth. The pandemic has had a low-moderate impact on the market, mainly due to supply chain disruptions caused by lockdowns. Additionally, the development of certain products may be delayed due to the pandemic. However, overall, ligase-based molecular diagnostics are expected to benefit from the pandemic’s impact and contribute to market growth.

Demand drivers for the global ligase market include the growing need for ligases in disease treatment, the rising incidence of diseases like cancer and genetic disorders, and the increasing focus of researchers on non-toxic biocatalysts. However, the market also faces limitations, such as high reception costs for small and medium enterprises and variation in the ability of ligases to repair.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product, source, application, end user, and region.

Segmentation by Product
Quick Ligase
T4 DNA Ligase
E. coli DNA Ligase
Tth DNA Ligase
T4 RNA Ligase
Pfu DNA Ligase
Others

Segmentation by Source
Archaebacterium
Escherichia Coli
Thermus Thermophilus
Pyrococcus Furiosus
Others

Segmentation by Application
Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR)
Ligase Detection Reaction (LDR)
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Repeat Expansion Detection (RED)
Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA)
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA)
Molecular Cloning
Ligation Mediated PCR
Mutation Detection
Others

Segmentation by End User
Research Laboratories and Institutions
Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies
Diagnostic Laboratories
Others

Segmentation by Region
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Rest of the World

The T4 DNA ligase is expected to dominate the global ligase market in the products segment. This is because it is widely used by suppliers offering kits and enzymes, making it the most commonly used type of ligase. In 2021, the T4 DNA ligase segment held a 29.95% market share, and this trend is projected to continue until 2032, with the segment expected to hold a 33.66% share. The growth is driven by the increasing demand for kits and enzymes in ligase enzyme analysis research and the growing adoption of ligase by end users such as research institutions and diagnostic centers.

The Escherichia coli source dominates the global ligase market as it is commonly used to join recombinant ends of molecules before introducing them into cells. Products like T4 RNA ligase, T4 DNA ligase, E. coli DNA ligase, and salt T4 DNA ligase are abundant from Escherichia coli. In 2021, the E.coli segment held a 34.28% market share, and it is expected to increase to 36.98% by 2032. The growth is fueled by developmental research for commercializing ligase products, increased focus on genomic testing in clinical oncology, and government funding.

Molecular cloning is the dominant application in the global ligase market, with NGS emerging as a diagnostic application. The utilization of molecular cloning has increased due to various techniques that improve the ease and speed of DNA fragment recombination. In 2021, molecular cloning held a significant market share of 20.98%, and by 2032, NGS is anticipated to hold a 22.63% share. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing use of next-generation sequencing in genetic engineering and molecular diagnostics, supported by government initiatives worldwide.

Research laboratories and institutions are the primary end users in the global ligase market, particularly in research studies focused on understanding the diagnostic applications of ligase enzymes. In 2021, the research laboratories and institutions segment accounted for the largest share, holding 34.55% of the market. This segment is expected to reach a 37.87% share by 2032, driven by increasing ligase-based research activities and industry-academic collaborations for product development.

North America is expected to dominate the global ligase market from 2022 to 2032, mainly due to the widespread adoption of high-fidelity enzyme-based molecular research. Factors such as federal funding and investments in product development contribute to the growth of the ligase market in North America. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to have the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% during the forecast period. This growth is supported by the well-established and emerging end-user industries, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, molecular biology laboratories, academic institutes, and research organizations, as well as a focus on research and development and the adoption of enzyme-based molecular diagnostics.

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Competitive Landscape

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The selection of profiled companies was based on inputs obtained from primary experts, as well as an analysis of company coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration.

Key companies profiled in this report include Agilent Technologies, Inc., ArcticZymes Technologies ASA, BD, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Codexis, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck KGaA, New England Biolabs (UK) Ltd., Promega Corporation, QIAGEN N.V., SBS Genetech, Takara Bio Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In January 2022, ArcticZymes Technologies introduced new products, including ArcticZymes R2DTM Ligase, IsoPol BST+ High Concentration Glycerol FREE, and M-SAN HQ ELISA Kit and M-SAN HQ.

In April 2022, Codexis, Inc. and Molecular Assemblies, Inc. formed a partnership aimed at engineering enzymes and providing innovative and cost-effective solutions for DNA synthesis through enzymatic processes.

In May 2022, QIAGEN acquired a majority stake of 96% in BLIRT e.u., a manufacturer of recombinant enzymes for the life science industry located in Gdansk, Poland. The acquisition was carried out to enhance the enzyme and reagent business by creating additional growth opportunities.

In July 2021, Merck invested $282.5 million in its global headquarters situated in Darmstadt. The company’s investment involved the construction of a new translational science center for its healthcare business sector, as well as a new learning center.

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Key Questions Answered

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How is the ligase enzyme revolutionizing the field of enzyme-based diagnostics?

What are the major market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global ligase market?

What are the underlying structures resulting in the emerging trends within the global ligase market?

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the global ligase market?

What are the key development strategies being implemented by the major players to sustain themselves in the competitive market?

What are the key regulatory implications in developed and developing regions regarding the use of ligase enzymes?

What potential entry barriers are expected to be faced by companies seeking to enter a particular region?

How is each segment of the market expected to grow during the forecast period of 2022-2032, and what is the anticipated revenue for each segment?

What are the growth opportunities for companies providing ligase enzymes in their respective regions of operation?

Who are the leading players with significant offerings in the global ligase market?

Which companies are expected to be highly disruptive in the future, and what are the reasons behind it?