Influenza Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Test Type (RIDT, RT-PCR, Cell Culture), By End Use (Hospitals, Laboratories, POCT), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Influenza Diagnostics Market Size & Trends

The global influenza diagnostics market size was valued at USD 1.10 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2030.The market has witnessed constant changes in its trend. Owing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, growing geriatric population, increasing initiatives by the government to monitor influenza and development of technologically advanced influenza diagnostics tests, the demand for flu diagnostics is likely to increase. For instance, in August 2022, SQI Diagnostics Inc. announced its revenue improvement strategy by securing distribution rights for Quidel’s products that can test influenza A and B along with COVID-19 at the same time.

The growing government initiatives to counter flu and develop accurate tests will complement the market growth. For instance, in February 2022, Qorvo Biotechnologies was awarded a USD 4.1 million contract from the National Institute of Health to speed up developing the COVID-19/Flu Combo assay and its antigen test. The funds will be utilized in clinical trials and market launches of the products.

Following advancements in point-of-care technology that integrates COVID-19 testing and influenza A & B testing is anticipated to surge the market. For instance, in December 2021, Roche announced its intention to introduce a combo influenza A/B and COVID-19 rapid antigen test for professional use. For the same, the company partnered with SD Biosensor, a South Korea-based company.

Similarly, the rising base of the geriatric population accelerates the probability of a higher incidence rate of flu. Therefore, one of the WHO’s recommendations to prevent influenza cases is to vaccinate elder individuals (above 65). According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 9 million flu cases, 4 million influenza-related medical appointments, 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 5,000 flu-related fatalities during the 2021–2022 season in the U.S. Similar to recent seasons preceding the COVID-19 outbreak, 83% of fatalities were caused by older people. Hence, the low immune system of older adults makes them more vulnerable to the flu virus.  

However, the cost of developing tests and devices can hamper the market growth. The raw material availability and accessibility constraints inflate the overall cost of the product. The burden of high production costs is passed on to the end-users at high prices. For instance, the LabCorp Seasonal Respiratory Virus RT-PCR DTC Test is an at-home collection kit for multiple respiratory viruses, including flu. The test kit cost is around USD 169 at retail and online stores.

Furthermore, stringent product approval regulations restrain the market from growing at a faster pace. For home-use influenza tests, players are required to gain de novo designation to market in the U.S. However, this designation is only granted if the risk is moderate and not a comparable device on the market showcases a similar safety and effectiveness level.

End Use Insights

The hospital segment held the largest revenue share of over 40% in 2022. Large cases of hospitalizations accompany seasonal influenza. The hospitalizations highlight the potential severity of the disease since influenza can also worsen the existing health conditions or develop other complications that need hospitalization.

For instance, in 2021-22, about 58.3% of patients hospitalized for flu in the U.S. had hypertension conditions, 44% had cardiovascular diseases, and 40.6% had pregnancy complications. Hence, increasing underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, compel patients to opt for hospital treatment.

Emerging technologically advanced flu diagnostics tests, including the integration of point-of-care technology (POCT) and flu testing, is anticipated to ease the surveillance process amongst the geriatric population. Additionally, POCT is expected to increase flu testing in rural areas of the Asia Pacific regions, where access to healthcare is limited.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the influenza diagnostics market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 30% in 2022. The region is expected to continue its dominant position over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing government surveillance along with the presence of key players.

By August 2020, U.S. FDA approved 13 rapid influenza diagnostic tests (antigen detection only and excluding the test kits) and 11 multiplex assays for detecting influenza viruses and COVID-19. Similarly, the U.S. healthcare authority released COVID-19 and flu virus testing guidance for Clinicians. Major manufacturers of these players include Becton Dickinson & Co.; Quidel Corp.; and Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. The key growth determinants in the region are a large patient pool, improving government collaborations, and enhancement in healthcare infrastructure. Various South-East Asia and Pacific regions have collaborated with international organizations, such as WHO, to address the challenges. The most common challenges experienced by the region are a lack of flu-positive samples, low representatives to collect the specimens, and difficulty to ship the samples.

In October 2020, Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. officially announced its collaboration with a Chinese firm, Carelink Pharmaceuticals, to launch Avigan, an anti-influenza drug tablet, in China. A memorandum between the two parties grants the latter sole authorization to file a request for clearance to import the medicine. Fujifilm also disclosed its intentions to work with Carelink to create an injectable version of the medication.

Test Type Insights

The rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 30% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing testing for surveillance and patient management for influenza diagnostics in clinical settings. Numerous RIDTs are approved for at-home and office use; it is also cleared by CLIA to be used in settings such as point of care.

For instance, in August 2022, ProtonDX announced that its rapid and portal diagnostics tests would be used during the Commonwealth Games 2022 to monitor respiratory infections, including influenza, in athletes and coaches. Hence, increasing surveillance and monitoring of flu in public events is likely to support the growth of RIDTs. However, the low sensitivity of RIDTs in detecting influenza B and the inability to offer comprehensive information, such as the type and sub-type of influenza, is expected to enhance the use of RT-PCR testing in the flu diagnostics market. Similarly, RT-PCR is considered a standard test for laboratories to confirm flu infection.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key companies and service providers are performing strategies such as technology discovery, and development, vertical collaboration, establishing a strong product portfolio through startups, mergers and acquisitions, and regional expansion, to increase their global footprints. For instance, in February 2023, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) stated that it had been granted an emergency authorization for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a new molecular diagnostic combo test for influenza A + B, in a bid to combat disease across the current and subsequent respiratory virus seasons,

Another instance, in September 2022, Pfizer announced to initiation phase 3 clinical trial of the influenza vaccine. The company used mRNA technology to gain insights into more effective vaccines that can reduce rates of flu-related hospitalization and death. Various companies, such as Moderna have also developed the vaccine for the flu to achieve a competitive edge over peer companies.

Influenza Diagnostics Market Report Scope

Global Influenza Diagnostics Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global influenza diagnostics market based on test type, end use, and region:

• Test Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • RIDT

  • RT-PCR

  • Cell Culture

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • POCT

  • Laboratories

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait