The global market for custom antibodies is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. Consequently, a rise in research activity, particularly in the life sciences industry, and the expansion of industry-academic partnerships are the primary growth drivers for this market. In addition, the goal of custom antibody production is to obtain an antibody that performs well with a specific qualitative or quantitative immunodetection method. In this market, the quality of catalog antibodies (to ensure the reproducibility of results) is also a concern, which is the primary reason why end-users prefer custom-made antibodies.

Enhancing Research Funding and Activities

Historically, the R&D industry has been capital-intensive due to lengthy development and approval cycles. R&D investment occupies a prime position in global expenditure. Governments recognize research and development as a crucial investment for national progress, international competitiveness, and the public good. As a result, R&D expenditures and funding have steadily increased over time. According to R&D Magazine (2020), more than 115 countries will invest USD 2.5 trillion in R&D industries, government labs, and academic research centers in 2021. Due to the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, R&D expenditures on a global scale underwent a dramatic shift. In 2020, the research and development expenditures of the number of nations decreased drastically. China, on the other hand, invested an unprecedented 10% of its annual growth in R&D. In 2020, the R&D contributions of the top 10 countries totaled 79.2%; this proportion is anticipated to remain unchanged in 2021. The rising demand for effective therapeutic drugs with fewer side effects has increased the emphasis on biopharmaceutical research and development. The global pharmaceutical R&D sector accounts for approximately 80% of the life sciences industry's total R&D expenditures. Large pharmaceutical corporations, such as F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Merck KGaA (Germany), and Pfizer (United States), invest nearly USD 50 billion annually in research and development. Similarly, the availability of funds from organizations for diverse genomic projects is advancing genomics research. It is anticipated that an increase in research activity and the availability of funding will drive the overall purchase and consumption of antibodies, thereby contributing to the expansion of the market for custom antibodies.

Demand For Personalised Medicine in Protein Therapeutics is Growing

Personalized medicine, which has emerged as a central area of research in the healthcare industry, has entered mainstream clinical practice and is altering the identification, classification, and treatment of numerous diseases. These developments are most evident in the field of oncology. According to a report by the Personalized Medicine Coalition (2020), the number of personalized medicine drugs, treatments, and diagnostic products has increased since 2006, and this trend is anticipated to continue over the next few years. In addition, biopharmaceutical companies have nearly doubled their R&D investments in personalized medicine over the past five years, and this trend is anticipated to continue over the next five years by an additional 33 percent. In recent years, the demand for protein therapeutics such as hormones, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, blood factors, and therapeutic enzymes has increased. In development are also newly engineered protein therapeutics, such as bispecific mAbs and mAbs conjugated with small-molecule drugs. Protein therapeutics are highly regarded for their potential to treat a variety of diseases, and their demand has increased dramatically in recent years due to the prevalence of chronic diseases. Blinatumomab, for instance, is an FDA-approved bispecific T-cell engager antibody (BiTE) for relapsed or refractory B-cell precursors in cancer patients. In addition, approximately fifty bispecific antibodies are undergoing clinical trials for various cancers. In terms of the uptake of highly specific custom-made antibodies, the rising demand for protein therapeutics and personalized medicine, coupled with the development of newly engineered proteins, is anticipated to create growth opportunities for research markets.

The Existence of Different Antibodies Challenging Market Growth

The life science industry has witnessed a tenfold increase in the number of reproducibility issues for various published papers over the past decade. The utilization of poorly validated antibodies is one of the leading contributors to this reproducibility crisis. Variability between lots and non-specific target binding has a significant impact on research. Protein scaffolds are increasingly used to detect target proteins. RNA or DNA aptamers and protein scaffolds can be engineered against a specific target and function, with batch-to-batch consistency and at a fraction of the cost of antibodies. In addition, both affinity reagents are entirely produced in vitro and are not constrained by the limitations of antibody production by animal immune systems. Their smaller size increases tissue penetration, improving access to epitopes within tissue sections to study proteins for which it is impossible to generate antibodies and reducing false-negative immunohistochemistry results. In order to investigate the molecular dynamics of diverse cellular processes, applications such as super-resolution microscopy and intracellular live-cell imaging are now feasible due to the aforementioned benefits and the antibodies' ability to function in a wider range of conditions, including intracellular environments that degrade the antibody structure. Thus, these alternative antibodies can be used to combat the current reproducibility crisis.

Despite the fact that these molecules improve research applications, their low molecular weight prevents them from being utilized as therapeutics. Various strategies are employed by the industry to address this issue, including the addition of an antibody domain or an albumin-binding domain to the scaffold or the increase in the molecular weight of protein scaffolds. The fusion of an antibody domain with a protein scaffold can also enhance therapeutic efficacy by stimulating the immune system. Consequently, the expansion and improvement of antibody substitutes may impede the market expansion of antibodies in the coming years.

Monoclonal Antibodies Dominated the Market by Type

In 2023, monoclonal antibodies accounted for 51% of the custom antibodies market. This dominant market share is attributable to prominent market players' substantial R&D expenditures. In addition, the rising risk of lifestyle-related chronic diseases is anticipated to increase the clinical urgency to incorporate these systems, thereby driving the market for custom antibodies over the forecast period. Nevertheless, custom monoclonal antibodies are relatively expensive, resulting in increased production costs for end-users. Thus, the high production costs are likely to impede the segment's long-term growth.

The subsegment of the custom antibodies market with the highest rate of growth is the recombinant antibodies segment. It is anticipated to grow at an 11.9% CAGR between 2023 and 2030. Players are entering the market via strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions. In December 2020, for instance, LSBio announced the acquisition of Absolute Antibody, Ltd. in order to expand its portfolio of recombinant antibodies. Absolute Antibody specializes in recombinant antibody technology and provides custom recombinant production, antibody sequencing, and engineering services.

Antibody development Remains the Dominant Market by Service

Antibody development is the most prevalent type of service and accounted for 55% of the market in 2023. The service providers include academic and research institutions, the internal research divisions of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and contract research organizations (CROs). For instance, a December 2023 article described the research initiated by University of Texas Health Science Center professionals to develop antibodies to treat brain injuries and bone cancer. Both antibody therapeutics is undergoing clinical trials as of December 2023. The university has also entered into a multimillion-dollar license agreement with AlaMab Therapeutics Inc. The agreement includes custom antibodies created by university researchers. Increasing collaboration between companies and universities in the development of antibodies is therefore anticipated to stimulate market expansion.

Similarly, Kemp Proteins announced in October 2023 that it had been awarded a contract by the U.S. FDA to develop monoclonal antibodies to influenza and COVID-19 molecules. Antibodies are anticipated to be utilized in the development of in-vitro assays for the release of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine potency.

Rabbits Remain as the Key Source

In 2023, the rabbit source captured 48% of the market share for custom antibodies. Commonly used as a host in the production of antibodies, rabbits are ideal for studying protein and peptide antigens. Companies are advancing technology to facilitate the development of rabbit-based antibodies. For instance, GenScript'sMonoRab is one of the available technologies for developing custom monoclonal antibodies and is capable of mass-producing them.

During the projected time frame, the population of mice is anticipated to increase the most. This expansion is attributable to suppliers' increasing efforts to simplify the R&D process for end-users. In October 2023, for instance, Taconic Biosciences announced the introduction of an immunodeficient mouse model, the FcResolv NOG portfolio, which lacks murine Fc gamma receptors. According to the company, this model will support antibody-based therapies during the preclinical stage, as the product enables researchers to evaluate candidates without the interference of residual murine Fc gamma receptor activity.

The Infectious Disease Dominated the Application Market

The infectious disease segment dominated the custom antibodies market with a 28% share in 2023 and is anticipated to continue to do so throughout the forecast period. The Native Antigen Company, for instance, is a developer and manufacturer of antibodies and antigens as well as a service provider to the biopharma and diagnostic industries. The company announced in December 2023 that it would expand its portfolio of antibodies and antigens for infectious diseases and design the product to support vaccine and immunoassay development. The growth of the market is anticipated to be fueled by the expansion of product lines by companies.

Oncology is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market application. For the oncology application of the custom antibodies market, the rising incidence of cancer and innovations in personalized treatment is anticipated to be major growth drivers.

Academic & Research Institutes Remain the Dominant End User

In 2023, the academic & research institutes segment held the largest market share and is projected to maintain its dominance with the highest CAGR, 10.5%. It is anticipated that increasing grant programs by companies and regulatory bodies to encourage research in custom antibodies will be a significant market growth factor. Regional governments, venture capitalists, and corporations are the primary sponsors of custom antibody research and development.

Antiverse, a UK-based biotech startup, announced in May 2021 that it would raise USD 1.72 million (GBP 1.4 million) from venture capitalists. It is anticipated that the funds will be used to develop an artificial intelligence-based antibody discovery technology that will improve antibody-based drug development by accurately predicting antigen-antibody binding. The expansion of supplement technologies and funding is anticipated to stimulate the market.

North America remains the Global Leader

In 2023, 45% of the market for custom antibodies was generated in North America due to the presence of major companies, extensive government funding, and an increase in research activities. Universities in the United States and Canada also conduct comprehensive cancer and genomics research programs. These factors have increased the demand for high-throughput technology solutions in laboratory workflows by accelerating the development of the biotechnology sector. Due to the rapid adoption of advanced technological solutions, high investments in R&D, and rising wages of skilled workers, North America is anticipated to maintain its market dominance over the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific markets are projected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period, which can be attributed to the growing interest of major global players in capturing regional revenue share by expanding into emerging markets. As a result of economic developments, global investors are investing more in China and India. Similarly, regional players are expanding their presence in the global market for custom antibodies.

Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Market Share

Continuous demand for custom antibodies from a variety of end-users has created numerous market opportunities for market leaders to explore. To maximize their market share, businesses are engaging in strategic initiatives such as collaborations and acquisitions. For example, in January 2023, Adimab, a company specializing in the discovery and optimization of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, announced the formation of partnerships with approximately eleven companies in 2023. As of January 2023, the company had collaborated with over 105 companies on the discovery of therapeutics. Some of the key players in the global custom antibody market include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Creative Diagnostic, Abcam plc, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc, Kaneka Eurogentec S.A., YenZym Antibodies, LLC., Abmart, Labcorp Drug Development, LifeSpanBioSciences Inc, GenScript and others.

Historical & Forecast Period

This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2022 to 2032 considering 2023 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032.

The current report comprises of quantitative market estimations for each micro market for every geographical region and qualitative market analysis such as micro and macro environment analysis, market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, porters five force model, top winning strategies, top investment markets, emerging trends and technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions and recommendations and other key market insights.

Research Methodology

The complete research study was conducted in three phases, namely: secondary research, primary research, and expert panel review. key data point that enables the estimation of Custom Antibody market are as follows:

• Research and development budgets of manufacturers and government spending
• Revenues of key companies in the market segment
• Number of end users and consumption volume, price and value.
• Geographical revenues generate by countries considered in the report
• Micro and macro environment factors that are currently influencing the Custom Antibody market and their expected impact during the forecast period.

Market forecast was performed through proprietary software that analyzes various qualitative and quantitative factors. Growth rate and CAGR were estimated through intensive secondary and primary research. Data triangulation across various data points provides accuracy across various analyzed market segments in the report. Application of both top down and bottom-up approach for validation of market estimation assures logical, methodical and mathematical consistency of the quantitative data.

Key questions answered in this report

• What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Custom Antibody market?
• What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?
• Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2032.
• Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?
• Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?
• Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Custom Antibody market?
• Which is the largest regional market for Custom Antibody market?
• What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa?
• Which are the key trends driving Custom Antibody market growth?
• Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Custom Antibody market worldwide?