Biopharma emphasis on downstream processing

The analysis from Frost and Sullivan, World Strategic Analysis of Downstream Processing in Biopharmaceuticals Production, reveals that contract manufacturing revenue will be USD 9.2 billion by 2010

The reduced efficacy of existing drugs and a lack of treatments for many new diseases are expected to drive expansion in the biopharmaceuticals market.

To benefit from this opportunity, participants must focus on improving the competence of downstream processing, which has been a long-standing time-scale and technology bottleneck in an otherwise efficient manufacturing process.

Limited investment and lack of innovation in downstream processing accounts for 40 per cent of biopharmaceutical production expenses and result in costly delays.

The new analysis from Frost and Sullivan, World Strategic Analysis of Downstream Processing in Biopharmaceuticals Production, reveals that the contract manufacturing revenue in this market totalled USD 3.8 billion in 2004 and is projected to reach USD 9.2 billion in 2010.

Historically, there has been a lack of interest in downstream processing in comparison to upstream technologies.

However, these issues are now being addressed through the development of innovative technologies by new investors and the existing multinationals.

"Trends include a move toward high-throughput membrane chromatography systems and the provision of integrated technology solutions," says Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst Phil Webster.

"Participants are investing in increased volumetric throughput of apparatus and automated systems to increase production efficiency".

The cost of installing or developing in-house downstream systems and staying abreast of technology developments is encouraging drug discovery firms to outsource different stages of manufacturing of their procedures.

As a result, contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) are gaining prominence.

CMOs, in turn, are developing their own infrastructure to offer improved facilities for gaining a foothold in an increasingly competitive market.

Due to this, investment in R and D is also expected to increase.

Another market driver is the growing competition for benchmark apparatus and consumables in the biopharmaceuticals market.

This is compelling participants to develop original technologies to out-perform existing systems.

Participants are also forming tactical alliances with other technology providers to provide end users with enhanced integrated solutions.

The Strategic Analysis of Downstream Processing in Biopharmaceuticals Production is a part of the Biotechnology subscription.

The study offers a comprehensive overview of downstream processing technology dynamics and the worldwide CMO market.

It also provides in-depth information on industry trends, revenue forecasts, market drivers, and challenges that is anticipated to help participants in effectively identifying and capitalising on growth opportunities.

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