Upstream Bioprocessing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Workflow (Media Preparation, Cell Culture, Cell Separation), By Use Type (Multi-Use, Single-Use), By Mode, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global upstream bioprocessing market size was valued at USD 16.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% from 2023 to 2030. One of the key factors driving the market is the growing implementation of the Process Analytical Technology (PAT) strategy as a mechanism to design, analyze, and optimize processes through timely measurements of critical process parameters. PAT has been leveraged to examine the performance of cell culture production based on parameters such as real-time nutrient analysis and inline monitoring of cell density. This, in turn, impacts the Critical Quality Attributes (CQA) of the overall upstream bioprocessing and aids in improving the productivity of the process. 

Furthermore, increasing the productivity of cell lines has sim gnificantly improved the performance of upstream processing in terms of capital requirement and process reproducibility, as the highly productive cultures involve low operating costs and the use of smaller bioreactors. Considering viral and bacterial contamination as a constant threat to the process, key vendors are engaging in the development of novel products to mitigate the contamination risk and diminish the chances of attrition of the final product. For instance, in April 2023, Merck KGaA announced the launch of Ultimus, a single-use bioprocessing container film aimed to offer extreme durability along with leak resistance for single-use assemblies used for bioprocessing liquid applications. Furthermore, in February 2018, Merck KGaA announced the launch of Viresolve Barrier capsule filters to address the challenge associated with bioreactor and cell culture media contamination.

The paradigm shift from conventional stainless-steel bioreactors to single-use products has provided substantial production advantages for upstream applications. In response to the growing acceptance of single-use technology, Abzena, a biopharmaceutical manufacturer, announced a partnership with Sartorius Stedim Biotech to equip its Bristol-based facilities in single-use (SU) format. Furthermore, in March 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc announced the launch of the 3,000 L and 5,000 L bioreactors into the HyPerforma DynaDrive product line. These single-use bioreactors are aimed to aid biopharmaceutical companies in the integration of single-use technologies into large-scale bioprocesses such as manufacturing Current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) at high cell density and perfusion cell culture. Moreover, the implementation of a high throughput bioreactor system enables the rapid screening of media, feed, and operating conditions for the identification of the high titer-producing cell line. This is expected to drive the adoption of the upstream bioprocessing workflows.

Product Insights

The bioreactor/fermenters segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2022. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the availability of a wide range of bioreactors/fermenters along with the high usage of bioreactors in large as well as small-scale bio production. Moreover, the development of automated bioreactors for safe, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant manufacturing of cell-based products for clinical applications has driven the segment’s growth. For instance, in January 2021, Eppendorf announced the launch of BioFlo 720, a bioprocess control station for pilot and production-scale applications using single-use bioreactors.

The cell culture products segment is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the rising demand for high-titer-producing cell cultures. Furthermore, the high adoption of recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line as a cost-effective option provided by established companies fuels the segment growth. On the other hand, startup biotech companies outsource the entire CHO cell-based production process for more effective biomanufacturing in terms of time and yield. The use of patented cell lines offers a high success rate in the cell cultivation process because the use of patented cell lines has a proven track record concerning minimal regulatory risk and efficient commercial production. The aforementioned advantages positively impact the long-term value propositions for the companies operating in the upstream bioprocessing market.

Workflow Insights

The cell culture workflow segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 and is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. The growth of the segment is due to the ongoing technological advancements in cell culture systems, such as the development of micro-bioreactors to facilitate small-scale bioproduction. The developments in biological data analysis and data management fields provide critical quality attributes related to cell cultivation. Constant improvements in the high throughput analytics and development of multi-bioreactor systems have driven the revenue in this segment. For instance, In May 2023, Eppendorf announced the launch of the Bioprocess Autosampler, the device incorporates the features such as 24/7 sampling in short and regular intervals thereby gaining the complete dataset from multiple bioreactors.

The workflow segment is divided into cell culture, media preparation, and cell separation. Cell separation is anticipated to grow at a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period. Factors that can be attributed to the projected growth include the implementation of flocculants to enhance the throughput in centrifugation and the advent of single-use tubular bowl centrifuges.

Use Type Insights

The multi-use segment dominated the upstream bioprocessing market with the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to the extensive utilization of traditional stainless-steel bioreactors in commercial biomanufacturing. Furthermore, these systems exhibit reduced environmental impact compared to single-use systems and are associated with minimal risk of leakage during cell culture processes. According to an article by the European Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, stainless-steel bioreactors are beneficial in situations where process scale varies predictably over the long term basis with limited changes.

The single-use segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the cost-saving advantage of single-use products. Disposable systems abolish the need for sterilization or cleaning steps, which in turn, reduces the additional expenses incurred during sterilization, process validation, assembly, and maintenance processes, which is mandatory in multi-use assemblies. In April 2023, Cytiva announced the launch of X-platform bioreactors, these bioreactors will aid the single-use upstreaming bioprocessing operations. Furthermore, the growing realization of single-use technology as an operational and economically beneficial trend among contract manufacturers has spurred the adoption of these products. Contract service providers are making significant investments for the expansion of their service portfolio in upstream workflows and for capturing a major share in the market for upstream bioprocessing.

Mode Insights

The in-house segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 59.6% in 2022. The dominance of the in-house segment is due to the presence of a substantial number of well-established firms that prefer in-house manufacturing. These firms consider outsourcing as a risk associated with the loss of strategic control over the process and limited management oversight. Moreover, such manufacturers have cross-functional teams for conducting advanced production techniques during biopharmaceutical production. Furthermore, the inclusion of outsourcing activities as cost-saving efforts have increased the complexity pertaining to the planning and decision-making process for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. As a result, big pharma companies tend to adhere to their in-house facilities for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

The outsourced segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 16.9% over the forecast period. The expansion of the contract manufacturing service portfolio has contributed to a considerable extent to making bioproduction more efficient and affordable. This is particularly witnessed among smaller and emerging entities that face budget constraints. These entities consider CMOs as a viable solution to address their resource and capital challenges.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 34.2% in 2022. Initiatives undertaken by U.S.-based public and private entities to provide higher profit margins by virtue of the expansion of resources in the country have contributed to the largest revenue share of this region. For instance, in February 2019, Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) announced the establishment of the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing to train industry professionals and engineering students in biologics manufacturing. Jefferson collaborated with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training to implement this initiative.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 17.1% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the growing influx of participants entering the Asian biopharmaceutical market. Additionally, Asian countries are perceived as highly profitable revenue sources, leading to substantial investments from global investors in Asian economies to establish their market presence and secure a substantial market share. For instance, in May 2023, Merck KGaA signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Daejeon City, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), and the South Korea’s Ministry of Trade to develop a new bioprocessing facility for the Asia Pacific region. The proposed bioprocessing facility is aimed to support the region’s healthcare ecosystem and to facilitate commercial manufacturing of biotech and pharmaceuticals customers across the region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The rise in competition is leading to rapid technological advancements and companies are constantly working towards the improvement of their products with a major focus on research and development. The market players are indulging themselves in the constant development of new and better upstream bioprocessing. Major manufacturers provide advanced products through strong distribution channels across the globe. For instance, In June 2023, Culture Biosciences announced a strategic partnership with Cytiva. The collaboration will aid in the advancement of innovation in upstream bioprocessing. Similarly, In January 2020, Getinge announced the acquisition of Applikon Biotechnology B.V., the acquisition is aimed to extend Getinge’s position further within the biopharma industry's solutions for effective, secure, and contaminant-free research and manufacturing procedures.

Additionally, in September 2018, Thermo Fisher signed an agreement with Becton, Dickinson, and Company to acquire its advanced bioprocessing business that comprises cell culture media, feed, and supplements to support the upstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. The acquisition of this unit strengthened Thermo Fisher’s bioproduction offering in the bioprocessing industry. Furthermore, the increasing inclination towards single-use technology in the bioprocessing sector has prompted vendors to embrace diverse business models in order to efficiently cater to the expanding customer demographic seeking single-use upstream bioprocessing solutions. Some of the prominent key industry players operating in the global upstream bioprocessing market include:

• GE HealthCare

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

• Merck KGaA

• Corning, Inc.

• Sartorius AG

• Eppendorf AG

• Danaher

• Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH

• Applikon Biotechnology

• PBS Biotech, Inc.

• Lonza

• CellGenix GmbH

• Samsung BioLogics

• AGC Inc.

• VWR International, LLC

Upstream Bioprocessing Market Report Scope

Global Upstream Bioprocessing 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 the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global upstream bioprocessing marketreport on the basis of product, workflow, use type, mode, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue in USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bioreactors/Fermenters

  • Cell Culture Products

  • Filters

  • Bioreactors Accessories

  • Bags & Containers

  • Others

• Workflow Outlook (Revenue in USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Media Preparation

  • Cell Culture

  • Cell Separation

• Use Type Outlook (Revenue in USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Multi-use

  • Single-use

• Mode Outlook (Revenue in USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • In-house

  • Outsourced

• Regional Outlook (Revenue in USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait