Increasing the acceptance of stem cell technologies, gene treatments, tissue engineering, and technological developments in regenerative medicine is driving the worldwide regenerative medicine market forward. The global regenerative medicine industry is expected to generate a revenue share of $1.4 billion by 2024 from $972 million in 2016.
The growth rate is due to the increasing demand for innovative cellular, tissue engineering, and gene therapy therapies. Furthermore, the rising incidence of chronic diseases and the aging population is also anticipated to drive the market’s growth amidst the forecast period. However, the high cost associated with these therapies may hamper the development of this market to some extent. In addition, stringent regulatory guidelines for clinical trials restrict the adoption of regenerative medicines.
This article extensively analyzes the key trends, drivers, and opportunities influencing the global regenerative medicine industry. It focuses on various types of regenerative medicine, including cellular therapy, tissue engineering & regeneration, and gene therapy. Additionally, it analyses the emerging technology trends that will shape the future of regenerative medicine. Below are the seven major trends of the regenerative medicine industry;
Cellular Therapy
Cellular therapy refers to biological or synthetic materials to repair damaged tissues and organs. This treatment primarily focuses on replacing diseased or injured tissues using autologous cells. Cellular therapy is also known as medical cellular transplantation. As per the National Institute of Health, more than 100 different types of cells have been found to possess therapeutic potential.
Examples include bone marrow-derived or stem cell transplant, adipose-derived stromal/stem cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, umbilical cord, placental cells, etc. However, most of these cells require complex procedures such as collection, cultivation, purification, isolation, expansion, and storage before being administered. Thus, cellular therapy is still limited by numerous factors.
Tissue Engineering & Regeneration
Tissue engineering involves replacing lost or damaged tissues and organs by developing artificial substitutes. The main goal behind tissue engineering applications is to create functional replacements for damaged tissues and organs. Unlike cellular therapy, which focuses mainly on replacing damaged cells, tissue engineering aims to grow engineered tissues that resemble natural ones. Scientists combine three essential components: biomaterials, cells, and signals. Amongst these, biomaterials are crucial in providing structural support for implanted tissues. According to WHO, over 200,000 patients die annually because their kidneys fail due to kidney disease. Currently, there are no effective treatments available for kidney diseases.
Boston Children’s Hospital researchers recently reported the first successful clinical trial of kidney organoids. Kidney organoids were grown in laboratory dishes containing nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors similar to the body’s. Kidney organoid transplants showed promising results and may one day provide a viable alternative for patients with end-stage renal failure.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is when genes are delivered into target cells to correct defects caused by mutations. This procedure has been extensively studied for various illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia A, etc. Gene therapies can be broadly categorized into ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. This therapy entails isolating the defective cells and introducing corrected versions of the faulty genes.
Vivo gene therapy involves delivering the required genes directly to the target cell using viral vectors or nonviral carriers. Viral vectors are usually preferred because they do not cause any damage to host cells. Due to its high efficiency, adenovirus remains the gold standard vector for gene transfer. However, it is associated with a significant immune response. Nonviral carriers like liposomes, polyplexes, nanoparticles, dendrimers, etc., are being widely investigated for gene delivery. These systems are safe but less efficient than viral vectors.
Bioartificial Organs
Bioartificial organs are whole organs constructed outside the human body to perform certain functions. Conventional transplants involve donor organs being placed inside the patient’s body. Bioartificial organs are made entirely of biocompatible materials that mimic human organs’ structure and function. Dr. Robert Langer pioneered the concept of bioartificial organs at Massachusetts General Hospital, which developed an implantable heart pump using synthetic materials. Since then, many research labs have attempted to fabricate artificial hearts and lungs. Despite all these efforts, none of these devices has reached commercialization yet.
3D Printing
3D printing refers to manufacturing objects by adding layers of material onto previously printed layers. Today we use 3D printers to make toys, jewelry, shoes, clothes, prosthetics, medical implants, etc. The technology uses additive processes, allowing us to create complex structures through layering. The final product can be tailored to suit individual needs by altering each layer’s size, shape, color, and composition. Although 3D printing has become quite popular, it still faces challenges such as limited resolution and low production rates. Moreover, the cost of 3D printing is also relatively high.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery refers to surgical procedures performed robotically instead of manually. It offers several advantages, such as improved precision, more excellent dexterity, reduced operating time, lower risk of infection, faster recovery times, etc. There are three types of robotic surgeries: telerobotics, telepresence, and remote surgery. Telerobotics uses robots connected to a surgeon via video, while telepresence uses robots near the surgeon. In contrast, remote surgery allows surgeons to operate from afar. Some of the most common applications of robotic surgery include orthopedic, gynecologic, and neurosurgery.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology studies matter at length scales smaller than 100 nanometers (nm). At this scale, the physical properties of matter change drastically due to quantum effects. Nanomaterials possess unique characteristics that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. For example, they exhibit increased surface area and reactivity. They can also carry more charges and remain stable over more extended periods. These properties enable them to penetrate biological barriers easily and serve as drug-delivery vehicles.
The market is driven primarily by technological advancements and the increasing number of clinical trials. However, the high R&D investment required to develop new treatments and the lack of regulatory approval poses significant barriers to adoption.
The report comprehensively assesses each country’s market trends, macroeconomic indicators, and governing regulations. It includes detailed profiles of major regenerative medicine companies operating in these countries. Furthermore, this report analyses the industry’s key emerging trends and forecasted revenue. The report also offers insights into the competitive landscape and company strategies that will likely influence the market’s growth over the next five years.