Molecular Pharming Market Size, Share, By Crop Source, Technology, Application, End-User, and Region - Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2035

• By 2035, the market is expected to grow to a valuation of about USD 4.8 billion.
• In 2024, molecular pharming market size was valued at USD 2.4 billion.
• The target market is growing at CAGR 7.9%.

Molecular pharming is the process of using transgenic plants to generate recombinant proteins, where the proteins that have been genetically modified to improve their characteristics or to create completely new proteins that are not found in the plant naturally. Focused on the utilization of genetically modified plants, the target market growth represents a revolutionary sector of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Further, this new technique uses agricultural systems to produce complex biologics, which include vaccines, therapeutic proteins, antibodies, and enzymes, at a considerably lower cost and time than traditional bioreactor-based techniques. 

For instance, in May 2024, as the molecular farming space continues to blossom, NewMoo has launched from stealth mode to debut casein proteins grown in soybean plants, which are turned into liquid form for animal-free cheese production. Casein proteins (which make up 80% of the protein content in milk) are considered the “holy grail” of milk structure, according to NewMoo. Its emulsification properties keep water and fats from separating in cheeses, and give them the sought-after melty and stretchy texture.

Key Takeaways:

• Due to its advanced biopharmaceutical sector, the substantial R&D expenditures and strong healthcare system that facilitates the regional commercialization of molecular pharmaceutics products, North America is accounted for the biggest market share in 2024.
• By crop source, the maize segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the aimed market in the upcoming years as it is engineered to produce recombinant proteins which includes antibodies, hormones and also vaccines.
• Throughout the projected period, Asia Pacific is anticipated to develop at the quickest rate due to the region's notable progress in implementing modern agricultural technologies.

Key Drivers of Target Market:

Rising Demand for Biopharmaceuticals Will Propel Market Expansion

The increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the need for novel treatments are driving the demand for biopharmaceuticals, which molecular pharming can efficiently produce. This factor is complemented by the rising need for affordable therapeutic solutions to address global health challenges.        

• For instance, according to a research article by PubMed Central, plant molecular pharming has emerged as an advanced technology for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products indicated for chronic and infectious diseases particularly for products that do not fit into the current industry-favored model of fermenter-based production campaigns.

Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability are Projected to Accelerate Market Development

Molecular pharming offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing methods. The use of plant-based production systems reduces reliance on resource-intensive processes, making it an attractive option for companies aiming to lower their environmental impact.    

• For instance, in October 2024, AGROLOGY, a fast-growing company with extensive experience in the Plant Nutrition and Plant Protection sectors, has announced the launch of Functional Crop Nutrition (FCN), a groundbreaking solution designed to address the global challenges of sustainable food production. FCN provides a single, integrated approach to crop nutrition that nourishes, protects, and biostimulates the plants simultaneously, marking a new era in sustainable farming.

Restraints:

Target Market Expansion is hampered by High Initial Investment Costs

While molecular pharming can be cost-effective in the long run, the initial capital required for research, development, and infrastructure setup can be a barrier for smaller companies or startups looking to enter the market.

• Counterbalance Statements: Molecular pharming systems offer scalability that traditional manufacturing methods often cannot match. This flexibility allows companies to quickly adjust production levels based on demand, reducing waste, and optimizing resource use, which can mitigate the impact of initial capital expenditures.   

Opportunities & Market Trends:

Expansion into Nutraceuticals to Fuel Focused Market Growth Opportunity

• The growing consumer interest in health and wellness creates a lucrative opportunity for molecular pharming to produce health-promoting substances, such as vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. Further, the focused market is expanding rapidly which is driven by the demand for natural and organic products. 

The molecular pharming market is classified into crop source, technology, application, end-user, and region.

Crop Source:

The target market by crop source is categorized into rice, alfalfa, barley, maize, and others. The maize segment is expected to hold a dominant molecular pharming market share over the forecast period. The growth is driven by its frequent utilization for producing recombinant proteins and other pharmaceutical compounds due to its scalability, efficiency, and established agricultural infrastructure.

• For instance, in September 2023, according to research article by Frontiers Media S.A., Gender integration in breeding programs that responds to concerns that men and women are not taking up new crop varieties at equal rates. Crop breeding programs may seek to address gender gaps in variety uptake either through gender-responsive breeding or gender-intentional breeding. The gender gap in uptake of improved varieties appears to hold true for maize seed in Africa, as illustrated in comparisons of male- and female-managed plots or male- and female-headed households. 

Technology:

By technology, the concentrated market is segmented into gene gun, electroporation, agroinfiltration, and other technologies. The agroinfiltration segment dominates the molecular pharming market as this technique is widely recognized for its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering genes into plant cells, making it a preferred choice among researchers and companies involved in molecular pharming.

• For instance, in March 2023, TECNALIA launched an innovative machine for automated plant agroinfiltration of plants in collaboration with the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics. The machine has been installed at the CBGP facilities in Madrid, where it will be used to carry out agroinfiltration tests. The collaboration between TECNALIA and the CBGP offers a significant leap forward in research and development in the bio-health industry. 

Application:

Recombinant antibodies, hormones, vaccines, industrial enzymes, technical reagents, and other applications make up the molecular pharming market by application. The recombinant antibodies segment is expected to dominate over the forecast period due to the increasing demand for therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies, which are essential in treating various diseases, which include cancer and autoimmune disorders.

End-User:

The market for molecular pharming is segmented into end users, which includes hospitals and clinics, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic and research institutes, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and agricultural producers. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominates the focused market due to their robust financial resources, advanced research capabilities, and the increasing demand for biologics and innovative therapies in the healthcare sector.  

Region:

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America: Molecular pharming market share is anticipated to be dominated by this region due to the strong government backing for modern agricultural technology and improved regulatory frameworks that encourage the use of molecular pharming techniques.   

• For instance, in October 2024, Luxembourg-based molecular farming startup Moolec Science has obtained the U.S. regulatory approval for PEEA1, which are genetically engineered peas that can produce iron-rich bovine myoglobin. Moolec’s genetically engineered peas produce high yields of bovine myoglobin, which allows it to cater to consumers looking for plant-based sources of iron. The company believes the product can shake up the food ingredient market and the USD 2B pea protein market by offering a nutritious alternative to conventional meat.

Asia Pacific: Due to government initiatives in some major countries in this region that support contemporary agriculture technology and molecular pharmaceutics techniques, which additionally improves production capabilities for recombinant proteins and vaccines, and further for these factors this region is considered the fastest growing for focused market share.

 Molecular Pharming Market Report Scope:

Segmentation:

By Crop Source:

• Rice
• Alfalfa
• Barley
• Maize
• Others

By Technology:

• Gene Gun
• Electroporation
• Agroinfiltration
• Other Technologies

By Application:

• Recombinant Antibodies
• Hormones
• Vaccines
• Industrial Enzymes
• Technical Reagents
• Other Applications

By End User:

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
• Academic and Research Institutions
• Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)
• Agricultural Producers   

By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

The key players operating in the Molecular Pharming market include Moolec Science SA, Mozza, Protalix Biotherapeutics, Inc., and among others. The competitive landscape of the dedicated market is characterized by several key companies and their strategic initiatives which aims at leveraging this innovative technology for producing biologics. 

For instance, in February 2024, Miruku, a pioneering startup at the forefront of molecular farming, announced the successful closure of an USD 8 million NZD Pre-Series A funding round. The New Zealand-based company is revolutionizing the agricultural sector with its innovative 'dairy seed system' that produces novel dairy proteins and fats within the seeds of row crops.

List of Key Players in the Market:

• Moolec Science SA
• Mozza
• Protalix Biotherapeutics, Inc.
• ORF Genetics
• Bright Biotech
• Nobell Foods
• Planet Biotechnology Inc.
• Agrenvec S.L.
• Leaf Systems International Limited
• Baiya Phytopharm
• Cape Bio Pharms
• Transactiva Srl
• BioBetter
• Miruku
• Tiamat Sciences

• In May 2024, Scientists are planting a CRISPR/Cas9-modified rice variety in test fields across India after a recent relaxation of regulations on gene-edited crops. The shift allows field trials of crops developed through gene-editing processes SDN1 and SDN2, which alter plant traits by making edits in the gene without adding any new genetic material. An Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) will oversee the progress of the crops and will certify that gene-edited crops are free of foreign DNA before their commercial release.

Analyst View:

Molecular pharming market represents a revolutionary approach to producing biopharmaceutical approach which offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional cell based or microbial production systems. The molecular pharming market growth is poised in upcoming years which is driven by its ability to address critical risks in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

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