CRISPR And CRISPR-Associated (Cas) Genes Market Analysis By Product (Vector-Based & DNA-Free Cas), By Application (Genome Engineering, Disease Models, Functional Genomics), By End-Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global CRISPR and Cas genes market size was valued at USD 1.08 billion in 2015. This technology has ushered in a flood of developments in fields ranging from animal disease models, to agriculture, and gene therapy. Ability of the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats to edit several targets simultaneously or sequentially opens the door for genome editing in different settings. It can be employed for modification of several genes such as allogeneic transplants and multigene diseases.

The choice of Cas depends largely upon constraints in delivery mode and Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) sequence availability in gene targets. Nickases are optimal for increased specificity if PAMs in the required orientation are present in the targets. RNA-guided nucleases enable fast and flexible genome editing. Scientists familiar with basic molecular biology techniques can design, produce, and test dozens of CRISPR guides in parallel within two weeks.

CRISPR and Cas genes market share, by end-use, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million)

Moreover, the fact that RNA guide can be engineered to target any stretch of DNA sequence, and that the system works equally well in animal and plant cells as in bacteria is anticipated to drive growth. Modifications carried out in the Cas9 protein and the single-guided (sgRNA) are projected to enhance the specificity.

For instance, shortening the length of the guide sequence from 20 to 18 nucleotides can improve specificity up to 5,000-fold without impacting cutting efficiency. However, since every new CRISPR-based therapy will require a new sgRNA, off-target and safety studies will likely need to be performed each time. The aforementioned factor is expected to restrain growth to certain extent.

Product Insights

On the basis of product involved for the delivery of Cas gene the products are classified into Vector-based Cas and DNA free Cas. Vector based systems accounted for the larger revenue share as a result of advantages associated with its usage. These advantages include production of high-level expression of protein and RNA over several days.

CRISPR and Cas Genes market, by application, 2015 (USD Million)

Moreover, mRNA and protein require extra work for synthesis and purification, and they are expensive as compared to plasmid DNA. In addition to this, advancements pertaining to delivery methods and vectors is expected to propel growth in this segment in the forecast period. These advancements include introduction of specific Cas9 delivery tools. 

Application Insights

Genome engineering accounted for the largest share in 2015 with respect to revenue generation as a result of rise in the adoption of genome editing technique for germline modifications and therapeutic development. High adoption in plant genome engineering is also supportive for the estimated share.

CRISPR holds the potential to become an alternative biotechnology treatment for complementing or replacement of the existing single-antibody drugs. Genome engineering that is intended to switch on the immune response for targeting cancer is expected to drive industrial growth significantly.

The range of available Cas proteins and flexibility of guide RNA production makes this technique a powerful system for all applications of genome editing. Clinical applicability of these systems is expected to increase in the coming years owing to its usage in the oncology paradigms.

End-use Insights

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations dominated with substantial revenue share. Factors responsible for their larger share include the significant research carried out in order to develop novel therapeutics for disease targeting.

Accelerated uptake of the technology in university projects and government based research bodies is expected to drive academic organizations with the fastest YoY growth. For instance, in July 2016, Japanese scientists at Hokkaido University utilized Cas9 technology for unleashing of silenced genes.

Regional Insights

North American CRISPR and associated genes market held the majority of share in 2015 at 48%. Several participants are engaged in the development of novel therapeutics in the U.S. in the past few years which has contributed significantly to the growth.

However, the Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit highest CAGR over the forecast period.

Application of the technology in developing economies of the region for animal disease and human disease treatment is anticipated to boost progress.

Competitive Insights

Major entities operating in this market include Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Addgene, CRISPR THERAPEUTICS, Merck KGaA, Mirus Bio LLC, Editas Medicine, Takara Bio USA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Horizon Discovery Group plc, Intellia Therapeutics, Inc., and GE Healthcare Dharmacon Inc. Companies are engaged in collaborations in order to gain share in the competitive market.

Major strategies include gaining investments from the pharmaceutical entities and licensing with the other companies. For instance, in January 2017, Horizon Discovery Group plc announced amendment of its already existing license with ERS Genomics. This amendment enables the company to use CRISPR edited cell lines for GMP manufacturing of biotherapeutics.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional & country level and provides an analysis on the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this report, Grand View Research has segmented the CRISPR and Cas Genes market on the basis of product, application, end-use, and regions:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014-2025)

  • Vector-based Cas

  • DNA-free Cas

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014-2025)

  • Genome Engineering

  • Disease models

  • Functional Genomics

  • Knockdown/activation

  • Other Applications

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014-2025)

  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Companies

  • Academic & Government Research Institutes

  • Contract Research Organizations

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2013-2025)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa