The Optogenetics Market size is estimated at USD 576.57 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 711.32 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.29% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to impact the optogenetics market significantly. According to the article published by PUS University in February 2022 by Shanet Suzan Alex, SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological abnormalities and respiratory symptoms, with an 85% occurrence rate in Alzheimer's patients. As per the same source, SARS-CoV-2 infiltrated COVID-19 patients' cognitive centers, causing Alzheimer's-like phenotypes in those with no underlying conditions and exacerbating Alzheimer's neuropathology in those with Alzheimer's and autism. As a result, COVID-19 had many complications in patients with neurological disorders, and the market was significantly impacted. However, as the pandemic has currently subsided, neurology care has gone back to pre-pandemic levels, which are expected to increase the adoption of optogenetic products and lead to a normal market growth over the forecast period.
The major factors driving the market's growth include the scope of optogenetics as a potential diagnostic tool in neurosciences, the rapid growth of advanced technologies, and the increasing use of multimodal imaging. Optogenetics technology has revolutionized neuroscience in the last few years by allowing researchers to control specific neurons in experimental animals. The ability to control neurons has revealed information about brain pathways involved in diseases such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions. In neural research, optogenetic methods for monitoring synaptic activity have proven to be extremely useful in several neurological diseases.
It allows researchers to study how the neurological activity patterns within specific brain cells give rise to thoughts, behaviors, and memories at unprecedented precision. Thus, it helps find cures and treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders like depression, addiction, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease. For instance, according to the article published by Frontiers in April 2022, Parkinson's disease is said to be a chronic disease with no clinical cure. However, it can be alleviated and treated with optogenetics. Thus, the use of optogenetics in the treatment of Parkinson's proved a potent tool used to treat neurological diseases.
Also, rising cases of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and Huntington's disease may boost the market. According to an article published by scientific reports in October 2022, Parkinson's disease (PD) is often associated with dementia, and dementia causes a substantial negative impact on the affected individual, their care partners, and society. The affected individual loses their ability to function independently and faces a reduced survival and health-related quality of life. The article also reported that the cumulative prevalence of Parkinson's disease in the last 10 years in Sweden was 54%. Thus, the high burden of Parkinson's disease is expected to boost the usage of optogenetics.
The rising developments by major players are also expected to boost the market's growth. For instance, in September 2021, TSE Systems, one of the leaders in advanced preclinical research equipment for metabolic and behavioral research, and NeuroLux, the developer of battery-free wireless optogenetics implants for preclinical research, announced an exclusive partnership.
Hence, factors such as the increasing use of optogenetics for the treatment of neurological disorders, the rising prevalence of neurological diseases, and the increasing developments by key players are expected to boost the market's growth. However, a lack of awareness and the high costs of technology may restrain this growth over the forecast period.
Light-emitting diodes (LED) surpass lasers in every aspect, as they are cheaper, smaller, more reliable, and easier to control. They are being incorporated into implants, allowing untethered light delivery. Factors such as investment in technology, product launches, and research studies in the segment are expected to drive the segment's growth.
For instance, according to a study published by Frontiers in January 2022, a near-infrared ultrafast laser micro irradiation platform can be used to deliver gene encoding for neuroprotective and anti-angiogenic pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) molecules to the retina, which exhibits protection from different insults. The research studies expanding the scope of light-emitting diode (LED) may also contribute to the market's growth.
The rising prevalence of neurological disorders is also expected to boost segment growth. For instance, according to an article published by the lancet regional health in April 2022, a study was conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean countries, including Argentina, showing a moderately high pooled prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in Argentina.
The rising number of clinical trials is also expected to boost segment growth. For instance, in January 2021, SYMBXX initiated two clinical trials in Adelaide, Australia, and Toronto, Canada, to develop laser light therapies to reduce the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The clinical trials focused on seeking regulatory approvals may drive the market during the forecast period. The increasing research spending on neuroscience is also expected to boost the adoption of light-emitting diodes (LED).
Therefore, factors such as the rising number of clinical trials, the rising prevalence of neurological disorders, and the increasing R&D in neurological diseases are anticipated to boost the segment's growth during the forecast period.
North America is expected to lead the market due to the increasing use of optogenetic devices, primarily in academic and research labs, the high burden of chronic diseases in the region, and the collaborations and new product launches by key market players.
Increasing government initiatives in the neurological field are the key growth factors. Increasing funding allows multiple players to enter the market and provide innovative solutions to cater to patient needs. For instance, as per the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in January 2021, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases. These conditions cost USD 3.8 trillion to the country's healthcare system every year, which may significantly impact the growth of the studied market.
The rising prevalence of neurological diseases is also expected to boost the North American market. For instance, according to the report published by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in September 2022, by 2050, more than 1.1 million Canadians will have Alzheimer's dementia, making it the most common type of dementia overall. In addition, in December 2021, the University of British Columbia stated that more than 500,000 Canadians have Alzheimer's or similar dementia. By 2031, it is anticipated that the number will have doubled due to the growing aging population. This shows the high burden of the disease, which is expected to increase the demand for optogenetics products.
The increasing patient population requires more care, increasing the demand for optogenetics and boosting the market's growth. Collaborations and agreements are also anticipated to drive the market. For instance, in September 2021, NeuroLux Inc. announced its exclusive partnership with TSE Systems to integrate its wireless technology with TSE System's IntelliCage and PhenoMaster platforms, providing optogenetic, pharmacology, telemetry, and other capabilities for cutting-edge behavioral neuroscience research. Such collaborations increase innovation due to the synchronization of key players' resources, thus boosting the market.
Similarly, in June 2021, Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is developing gene therapies for the treatment of retinal diseases, announced that vision improvements for all evaluated advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients persisted for one year following a single intravitreal injection in a Phase 1/2a clinical study with Multi-Characteristic Opsin (MCO) to retinal cells. Such studies improve the advantages of optogenetics.
Hence, factors such as the rising investment in neurological disease research and the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders are likely to boost the market's growth in the region.
The optogenetics market is moderately consolidated due to the presence of various small and large players. In terms of market share, a few of the major players are currently dominating the market. Most of these companies are involved in strategies such as investing in R&D, acquisitions, and collaborations. Some players include Hubner Group (Cobolt Inc.), Coherent Inc., Gensight Biologics, Laserglow Technologies, Noldus Information Technology, Shanghai Laser & Optics Century Co. Ltd, and Thorlabs Inc.
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook