Viral Vector Production Market Expected to Reach $6.1 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Viral Vector Production Market," The viral vector production market size was valued at $1.1 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $6.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 18.8% from 2023 to 2032. Viral vectors are genetically engineered viruses used as delivery vehicles in gene therapy and vaccine development. The viral vector production market trends includes the increase in prevalence of genetic disorders, cancer, and advancements in gene therapy and viral vector-based vaccines. Moreover, the rise in awareness and acceptance of gene therapy treatments contributes to the growth of the market.

In addition, the viral vector production market analysis predicted that there is a high success rate and potential of gene therapies for curing previously untreatable diseases. Viral vectors are attractive for gene therapy because they may efficiently and specifically deliver genes to target cells, allowing the therapeutic genes to be integrated into the genome of the patient. This integration enables long-term expression of the therapeutic proteins, potentially leading to a lasting cure for the disease. This increases the demand for viral vector production in gene therapy. 

Furthermore, technological collaborations and acquisitions among key players drive innovation and efficiency in viral vector production. For instance, Charles River acquired Cognate BioServices, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization specializing in cell and gene-mediated cell therapy, in April 2021. Organizations such as Cobra Biologics and Vigene Biosciences, enable Charles River to provide customers with a streamlined and reliable approach to advancing their cell and gene therapy programs because of addition of Cognate, along with other gene therapy contract development and manufacturing.

The need for scalable and cost-effective production processes stimulates advancements in viral vector manufacturing technologies. Regulatory support and streamlined approval processes enhance the viral vector production market size. Developing regions offer untapped potential for viral vector production due to increase in healthcare needs and growth in demand for affordable therapies.

Rise in funding for R&D activities pertaining to gene therapy, also boost the market growth. There has been a significant rise in funding for research and development (R&D) activities pertaining to gene therapy in recent years. The increase in understanding of genetic diseases, advancements in gene editing technologies, and the promising results of early clinical trials have contributed to this trend.

In addition, governments around the globe have recognized the potential of gene therapy in revolutionizing healthcare and have allocated substantial funding to support R&D efforts. Private investors provide financial support to biotech companies and academic institutions working on gene therapy and viral vector research and development, aiming to capitalize on the potential of this field. This is boosting the growth of the viral vector production market.

On the basis of vector type, the market is segmented into adenoviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, retroviral vectors, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and other viral vectors. The adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors accounted for a dominant viral vector production market share in terms of revenue in 2022, which is attributed to the significant demand for these vectors in gene therapies. AAV is preferred in cell therapy due to its ability to achieve long-term and effective expression of transgenes in various cell types across multiple tissues, including the liver, muscle, retina, and the central nervous system (CNS).

On the other hand, the lentiviral vectors segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period. The growth is due to the unique properties and advantages of lentiviral vectors including the ability to efficiently transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells, large transgene capacity, and long-term transgene expression.

On the basis of indication, the market is segmented into cancer, genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and other diseases. The cancer segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022, owing to the high prevalence of cancer worldwide and the increase in adoption of gene therapy as a potential treatment approach. Gene therapy, including the use of viral vectors, holds promise for treating several types of cancer by targeting specific genetic alterations or enhancing the ability of immune system to fight cancer cells. This is contributing to the growth of viral vector production market share.

On the other hand, the genetic disorders segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period. There is significant potential for vector-based gene therapies in treating genetic disorders. The development of gene therapies targeting specific genetic disorders holds promise for providing potential cures or treatments for these conditions. In addition, strong pipeline, and gene therapies in clinical trials for genetic disorders treatment are anticipated to boost the market in coming years.

On the basis of application, the market is bifurcated into gene therapy and vaccinology. The gene therapy segment dominated the market in 2022 in terms of revenue and is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of gene therapy as a promising treatment approach for various diseases. In addition, the advantages of viral vectors, such as their ability to efficiently deliver genes to target cells and their versatility in targeting different cell types and tissues, have contributed to the success and growth of gene therapy segment.

North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, high prevalence rate of cancer and other diseases, which has led to a significant demand for viral vector-based therapies. In addition, North America is known for its advanced healthcare facilities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies that are actively involved in gene therapy research and development. The adoption of experimental medicines, including viral vector-based therapies, and the increase in awareness of the potential benefits of gene therapy have further contributed to the market growth in this region.

On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the increase in healthcare expenditure, and governmental initiatives aimed at modernizing healthcare infrastructure drive the growth of the viral vector production market. There is a growth in emphasis on advanced therapies, including viral vector-based gene therapies and vaccines for treatments for various diseases as countries in the Asia-Pacific region continue to develop their healthcare systems and invest in research and development. This boosts the viral vector production industry in this region.

Key findings of the study

• Based on viral vector type, the adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors segment was highest contributor to the market in 2022 and the lentiviral vector segment is anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period.
• Based on indication, the cancer segment dominated the market in 2022, and the genetic disorders segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the viral vector production market forecast period.
• Depending on application, the gene therapy segment led the market in 2022; and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• Region wise, North America generated the largest revenue in 2022 in viral vector production industry. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.