The growing frequency of genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, sickle cell anemia, phenylketonuria, and more, combined with the heightened use of genetic testing for cancer detection, is projected to propel the global genetic testing sector, according to a recent study.
The industry is predicted to expand owing to the notable presence of companies manufacturing genetic testing equipment and increased societal understanding of the advantages of genetic testing during the forecast timeframe. However, the substantial expenses associated with genetic tests may limit market progression.
As per the report, the worldwide genetic testing sector, valued at $15.5 billion in 2022, is projected to escalate to $40.9 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2023 to 2032.
In 2022, the molecular testing division took precedence in the global genetic testing industry, claiming over half the revenue, and is anticipated to maintain its leadership throughout the forthcoming period. This is largely owing to the extensive use of molecular testing for genetic disorder diagnoses. On the other hand, the cytogenetic testing division is expected to demonstrate a significant compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% between 2023 and 2032.
In the same year, North America dominated the world genetic testing market in terms of revenue, claiming over two-fifths of the total earnings. This is due to the substantial presence of genetic testing equipment producers in the area and the escalating frequency of chronic diseases like cancer that necessitate genetic testing.
However, the Asia-Pacific region is forecasted to experience the swiftest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2023 to 2032, potentially becoming the prevailing market throughout the anticipated period. This growth is credited to the increasing population afflicted by cancer and the rising awareness regarding genetic testing in the region.
Transitioning Healthcare
The horizon of genetic diagnostics heralds a major shift towards individualized, preventative healthcare. From targeted medical treatments to non-invasive procedures, these innovations offer a brighter outlook for individuals and future generations. Embracing the transformative capability of genetic diagnostics can lead us towards a healthier and more resilient society, as highlighted by Dr. Venkataswamy Eswarachari, lab director at MedGenome Labs.
Within the ever-evolving healthcare arena, genetic diagnostics provides personalized insights and forward-thinking solutions for disease control and prevention. The integration of genetics with pharmacology is set to revolutionize drug development and prescription methodologies. The Indian healthcare sector views the emergence of genetic diagnostics as a fundamental shift towards individualized medicine.
According to Dr. Eswarachari, genetic diagnostics involves examining an individual’s genetic constitution to assess disease risk and customize treatment approaches, placing it at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Identifying genetic diversities affecting medication responses empowers healthcare practitioners to refine treatment plans, reducing trial-and-error methodologies and optimizing patient outcomes.
Advancements in DNA sequencing technologies enable comprehensive genetic code profiling, paving the way for precision medicine. Recognizing distinct genetic variations impacting disease susceptibility and treatment efficacy allows for optimization of personalized medical plans to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Early Detection and Prevention
Early disease detection and prevention is enhanced through genetic markers linked with disease predisposition, fostering proactive healthcare strategies. Screening for genetic alterations permits early disorder discovery and intervention, mitigating impacts associated with conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, Dr. Eswarachari noted.
The role of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in providing essential insights into fetal health early in pregnancy through fetal DNA analysis in maternal blood is crucial. By spotting chromosomal irregularities while minimizing risk, NIPT facilitates informed decisions and proactive prenatal care.
Emerging gene-editing techniques like CRISPR have the potential to correct genetic defects at their foundation, offering hope for treating hereditary disorders pre-birth. While ethical considerations continue, gene-editing opens new avenues for personalized healthcare and disease mitigation.
Expanded newborn screening programs identify a broader spectrum of genetic disorders, leading to early intervention and enhanced long-term health outcomes for affected infants. By detecting metabolic and congenital disorders, newborn screening promotes proactive healthcare from the onset of life.
Integrating genomics with other ‘omics’ technologies offers a complete understanding of biological systems. By unraveling complex mechanisms and networks, comprehensive omics strategies improve disease management and personalized treatment approaches.
Promising Future
Surajit Chakrabartty, CFO of MedGenome, notes that even with rising awareness, the genetic testing sector remains in its infancy, tapping into only 10-15% of its potential. This suggests ample space for further growth and breakthroughs in the coming years.
The adoption of genomics as a diagnostic tool has rapidly soared, particularly in the last 1-2 years. Though this expansion is more visible in major urban centers and advanced care settings, genetic diagnostics is now spreading to secondary cities and care centers. This growth is driven by increased awareness, accessibility beyond major cities, and improved affordability. Such awareness underscores the value of genetic testing for timely interventions, further bolstered by declining diagnostic costs and increased disposable incomes.
India’s trajectory in genetic testing is evolving, with a rising focus on sequencing-based tests. This shift is pivotal, with anticipations of expanding applications into fields like cardiology and nephrology.
Establishing public-private partnerships within the diagnostics industry is vital for broader sector transformation, achieving the Indian government’s aim of affordable healthcare for all, Surajit Chakrabartty emphasized.
Creating a sturdy regulatory framework through effective stakeholder cooperation is crucial. This structure should address elements such as partnerships, data management, usage protocols, consumer protection, identifier removal, potential discoveries, and outcome distribution. Positive government measures are visible through programs and initiatives addressing women’s and children’s health, rare disease mitigation, and tuberculosis prevention.
In a post-pandemic world, the demand for preventive wellness measures and early disease screening has escalated, leading to the rise of genomic wellness entities unveiling tests to tap into this trend. Understanding genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and more is increasingly significant, a trend set to persist.
As for access to innovations within India, upcoming tests like Liquid Biopsy and SPITSEQ are poised to reshape the genetic testing landscape. Liquid Biopsy, a non-invasive method, offers advantages in serious cases, serving as an additional or alternative approach to tumor biopsy. The SPITSEQ test, on the other hand, holds the potential to transform tuberculosis diagnosis by identifying drug-resistant TB within 14 days, promoting swift and accurate treatment. This is a crucial step towards achieving India’s goal of eradicating TB by 2030, Surajit Chakrabartty confirmed.
Completion of Whole Genome Sequencing by DBT
According to a prior report, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has finalized Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for 8,151 samples, indicating progress towards collecting samples from 10,000 individuals reflective of the nation’s diverse demographics.
Data from the Ministry of Science and Technology, within which the DBT functions, showed the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru led with genome sequencing of 3,161 samples across nine states.
The institution has completed sequencing for 1,954 samples from Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, 570 samples were sequenced from Maharashtra and Goa, while 637 samples were tested from Kerala.
The CSIR-IGIB Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi collected 1,429 samples from states including Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, alongside 398 samples from Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh.
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics in Kalyani, West Bengal, conducted sequencing on 697 samples from West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar, 432 samples from Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya, 156 samples from Manipur, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, and 393 samples from Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad sequenced 557 samples from Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu, 424 from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, and another 504 from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, according to Ministry data.
The DBT approved the ‘GenomeIndia: Cataloguing the Genetic Variation in Indians’ project on January 16, 2020, for a three-year period across 20 diverse institutions nationwide.
The Ministry previously stated that the information generated from whole genome sequencing can enhance human genetics research in India with improved accuracy, and facilitate designing a genome-wide association array for the Indian population to develop precise healthcare and diagnostics for major diseases at affordable costs.
Data security and sharing protocols for this project are regulated by the rules and regulations formulated by the Indian Government. Personal information of participating individuals is removed from any further records in this project to ensure privacy. Ethical standards are strictly followed to maintain data security and confidentiality.