Global Gene Therapy Market Share, Size, Trends, Growth, Outlook & Forecast | 2024 - 2032

The gene therapy market has gained significant momentum over the past decade, driven by advancements in genetic research, funding, and the increasing potential for treating a variety of diseases at the genetic level. The global gene therapy market size reached USD 7.81 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032, reaching a value of USD 49.60 billion by 2032.

This remarkable growth trajectory is primarily attributed to increasing investments in gene therapy research and clinical trials, breakthroughs in technology, and a better understanding of genetic diseases. Gene therapy offers hope for the treatment of conditions that were previously deemed untreatable, including various types of cancers, genetic disorders, and other rare diseases. Moreover, the global healthcare landscape is being reshaped by the increasing adoption of gene therapies, supported by favourable government policies, as well as growing awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

Key Insights

• Market Size: The global gene therapy market attained a value of USD 7.81 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.8%, reaching USD 49.60 billion by 2032.

• Key Drivers: Advancements in genetic engineering, increased funding, and growing applications across various diseases.

• Applications: Gene therapy is being used in the treatment of inherited genetic disorders, cancers, and certain viral infections, as well as for preventing disease progression.

• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic accelerated research and funding in gene therapy, particularly in mRNA technologies, which are now widely used in vaccines and are proving to be pivotal in treating other diseases.

Market Segmentation

Gene therapy encompasses a broad range of techniques aimed at altering the genetic material within a person’s cells to treat or prevent disease. The market is segmented into several categories based on various parameters, including therapy type, application, delivery method, and region.

By Therapy Type

1. Germline Gene Therapy
   This involves altering the genes in germ cells (sperm or eggs), leading to permanent changes in the offspring. Though controversial and not widely practiced, it holds significant promise for preventing hereditary diseases.

2. Somatic Gene Therapy
   This is the most common form of gene therapy and involves the modification of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells). It is used for treating a variety of diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular disorders, and genetic diseases.

By Application

1. Genetic Disorders
   Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell anaemia, are among the most common applications of gene therapy. The treatment focuses on correcting the defective genes responsible for these conditions.

2. Cancer
   Gene therapy is increasingly being explored as a treatment for different types of cancer. It involves delivering genetic material into cancer cells to either correct genetic mutations or kill the tumour cells.

3. Infectious Diseases
   Gene therapy has shown promise in treating viral infections, including HIV, by modifying the genetic makeup of infected cells to render them resistant to the virus.

4. Other Applications
   Gene therapy is also being explored for use in treating cardiovascular diseases, eye disorders, and neurological conditions.

By Delivery Method

1. Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy
   Viral vectors are engineered viruses used to deliver therapeutic genes into a patient's cells. They are the most widely used delivery method in gene therapy.

2. Non-Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy
   Non-viral methods, such as liposomes or nanoparticles, are gaining traction as alternatives to viral vectors. They are considered safer and more efficient in some cases.

3. Other Delivery Methods
   Researchers are also exploring new and innovative ways to deliver gene therapy, including direct injections and electroporation.

Key Trends in the Gene Therapy Market

1. Advancements in mRNA Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought mRNA technology to the forefront, particularly in the development of vaccines. This same technology is now being explored for gene therapy, especially in the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases. mRNA allows for faster and more efficient development of therapies by instructing cells to produce proteins that can treat or prevent disease.

2. Increased Investment and Funding

As the potential of gene therapy becomes clearer, both private and public funding for gene therapy research has surged. Governments and venture capitalists are actively investing in the development of innovative therapies. In 2023, gene therapy research received record-breaking levels of funding, contributing to the expansion of clinical trials and the launch of new therapeutic products.

3. Collaboration Between Pharmaceutical Companies and Biotech Firms

The gene therapy landscape is increasingly characterised by partnerships and collaborations between established pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms. These collaborations leverage the strengths of both industries, combining extensive research and clinical trial expertise with cutting-edge biotechnological innovations.

4. Regulatory Approvals and Accelerated Pathways

Regulatory agencies, including the FDA and EMA, have introduced fast-track approval processes for gene therapies, recognising the significant potential of these treatments. These accelerated pathways are crucial in bringing gene therapies to market faster and more efficiently, ensuring that life-saving treatments are accessible to patients sooner.

5. Personalized Medicine

The concept of personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, is gaining traction in gene therapy. This approach promises higher efficacy and reduced side effects, as therapies are designed to suit specific genetic profiles.

Market Outlook

The outlook for the global gene therapy market is extremely promising, driven by technological advancements, increased funding, and expanding applications. Gene therapy is poised to revolutionize the way several chronic diseases and genetic disorders are treated. Additionally, the rise in healthcare spending, especially in emerging economies, is expected to drive demand for innovative therapies.

As gene therapies become more mainstream, the industry is also likely to witness a surge in strategic mergers and acquisitions. Larger pharmaceutical companies are expected to continue acquiring smaller biotech firms focused on gene therapy research and development. This consolidation will streamline the development process and accelerate the delivery of gene therapies to market.

The global market is anticipated to witness a robust growth rate, with significant contributions from the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. The North American region, in particular, is expected to maintain a dominant share, thanks to the robust healthcare infrastructure, substantial investments, and presence of leading pharmaceutical companies.

COVID-19 Impact on the Gene Therapy Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various sectors, including gene therapy. While the global healthcare industry faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, it also accelerated certain areas of medical research. Gene therapies, especially mRNA-based treatments, became more widely discussed and received significant investments, largely due to their success in developing COVID-19 vaccines.

Many of the developments in vaccine technology have spilled over into the gene therapy field, particularly in areas like viral vector delivery systems and genetic material delivery methods. As a result, gene therapy has been catapulted into the mainstream, with more clinical trials and innovative treatments now entering the pipeline.

Despite initial disruptions caused by the pandemic, such as delays in clinical trials and challenges in the supply chain, gene therapy companies have continued to advance their research. The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the market is largely positive, as it has helped create a favourable environment for gene therapy development, ushering in a new era of medical treatments.

Key Players in the Gene Therapy Market

Several prominent players are driving the growth and innovation within the gene therapy market. Some of the key companies leading the market include:

1. Novartis AG Novartis is a global healthcare leader and one of the most prominent companies in the gene therapy space. Their gene therapy product, Zolgensma, for spinal muscular atrophy, has been a game-changer in the industry.

2. Bluebird Bio, Inc. Bluebird Bio is a key player in the gene therapy market, with several innovative therapies in its pipeline targeting genetic diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia.

3. Gilead Sciences, Inc. Known for its expertise in the biotech industry, Gilead has expanded its focus to include gene therapy, particularly in the fields of cancer and genetic disorders.

4. Spark Therapeutics, Inc. (A Part of Roche) Spark Therapeutics is known for its work in developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases. Its FDA-approved therapy, Luxturna, is the first gene therapy for an inherited disease approved in the US.

5. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. Ultragenyx focuses on rare genetic disorders and is developing several gene therapies for conditions such as MPS and other inherited metabolic disorders.

6. CRISPR Therapeutics CRISPR Therapeutics is a leader in gene editing technologies, using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool to develop gene therapies for genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is gene therapy? Gene therapy is a medical treatment that involves altering the genetic material within a person’s cells to treat or prevent disease. This can involve replacing, inactivating, or introducing genes into the patient's cells to correct underlying genetic problems.

2. What diseases can gene therapy treat? Gene therapy is currently being explored for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including inherited genetic disorders (like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia), cancers, viral infections (like HIV), and certain neurological conditions.

3. Is gene therapy safe? Gene therapy holds great promise, but its safety depends on various factors, including the method of delivery, the specific disease being treated, and the patient’s overall health. Ongoing research is crucial to ensuring the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

4. How much does gene therapy cost? Gene therapy is often expensive due to the complex nature of the treatment and the advanced technology involved. The cost can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, though some treatments may be covered by insurance or government programs.

5. How is gene therapy delivered? Gene therapy can be delivered using viral vectors, non-viral vectors, or other delivery methods such as direct injections or electroporation, depending on the specific therapy and disease.