Pharmacokinetics Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Drug Type (Small Molecules, Large Molecules (Biopharmaceuticals)), By Region, Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Report Overview

The global pharmacokinetics services market size was valued at USD 652.8 million in 2017 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Poor pharmacokinetics (PK) of therapeutics is one of the key reasons for higher drug attrition. In order to reduce concerns about high drug attrition, researchers are embracing the trend of PK investigation of novel moieties at each development stage.

Furthermore, implementation of predictive preclinical pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) models in various stages of clinical trials is recognized as a promising way to address major bottlenecks in the pharmaceutical development process. This is primarily because PK studies enable early identification of potential challenges and thereby assist in required modifications and other development strategies to mitigate drug development challenges.

Over the past decades, PK has gained significant prominence in drug discovery. Having understood the role of pharmacokinetics in pharmaceutical development, government and regulatory bodies are undertaking focused efforts to standardize pharmacokinetic protocols.

In the past years, regulatory requirements for clinical pharmacokinetic data have been progressively evolving in order to address safety implications of the drug candidate. This factor has played a vital role in reshaping this market.

PK/PD analysis has helped in progressing drug development from preclinical studies to rapid and efficient in-man studies. Use of human in vivo as well as in vitro models for studying pharmacokinetics variability in the clinical development phase has been demonstrated for various pharmaceuticals.

Gradual evolution of drug development into sound pharmacology has prompted several companies to broaden their service portfolio to maintain their competitive edge in the market. This is evident through the presence of a large number of companies with a broad service portfolio to serve various pharmaceutical development phases.

Moreover, PK studies are interfacing other drug discovery functions, such as toxicology, clinical pharmacology, and marketing. This, in turn, has lucratively bolstered the adoption of PK services within the pharmaceutical industry.

Certain limitations pertaining to in vitro PK studies, such as inability of available experiments and protocols to predict complete interactions of target and drug candidate, are expected to hamper market growth during the forecast period.

Drug Type Insights

With respect to services offered as per drug type, the market is bifurcated into small and large (biopharmaceuticals) molecules. Small-molecule pharmacokinetic services emphasize on studying molecules of smaller atomic weight and drug metabolism and amount of drug compound in urine, blood, saliva, and tissue, using chromatographic techniques in combination with spectroscopic assays.

Large-molecule pharmacokinetic techniques include measurement of proteins, peptide interactions, and mostly greater weight molecules, such as IgE antibodies. They also include immunogenicity assays, Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays, and vaccine potency support as well as various other assays like ELISA.

With respect to revenue generation in 2017, PK analysis for small molecules accounted for the largest share owing to high market penetration. This segment is expected to expand at a lucrative pace owing to the growing market for generics.

Although PK analysis for large molecules is estimated to hold a relatively smaller share in the pharmacokinetics services market in comparison to small molecules, this segment is anticipated to grow at a faster rate. This is majorly due to rising demand for biologics and biosimilars, which has prompted CROs to invest in broadening their PK analysis service portfolio for large moieties.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest revenue share in 2017 owing to the presence of a large number prominent pharmaceutical companies in the region. A number of strategic alliances have been observed between major U.S.-based drug manufacturers and CROs that offer PK investigation services in the region. The presence of effective regulatory structure pertaining to drug development processes including PKPD and toxicology studies in the region is one of the crucial factors enabling North America’s dominance.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing regional market owing to perpetual business expansion of CROs in this region. Asian countries offer low operating and manufacturing costs in comparison to developed economies. Moreover, there is a strong presence of potential subject bodies in Asia Pacific. These two factors are expected to serve as driving factors for the growth of pharmacokinetic services in Asian economies.

Pharmacokinetics Services Market Share Insights

Some of the key service providers in the market are Evotec AG; Certara, L.P.; Pacific BioLabs; GVK Biosciences Private Limited; Shanghai Medicilon Inc.; Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC; Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.; PAREXEL International Corporation; Eurofins Scientific, Inc.; Frontage Labs; SGS SA; LGC Limited; and Creative Bioarray.

These service providers are engaged in mutually beneficial partnerships with several prominent pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies across the globe. Furthermore, these service providers are making focused efforts to meet the demand of pharmaceutical developers and enhance their market position.

Pharmacokinetics Services Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

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 2013 to 2025. For the purpose of this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global pharmacokinetics services market report on the basis of drug type and region:

• Drug Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2025)

  • Small Molecules Pharmacokinetics Services

  • Large Molecules (Biopharmaceuticals) Pharmacokinetics Services

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

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa