INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
For research, diagnostics and therapeutic purposes, the attachment of
proteins to a surface in the ordered manner of an array so that more than one
protein binds at a time is a burgeoning field because of the many possible
applications. This technology is similar to that of the DNA microarray.
Applications include protein expression profiling, drug discovery, and
diagnostics. This study examines protein array technologies
¾ what is available now and what is being developed. The report
also predicts how the technologies are likely to grow worldwide in the next five
years (through 2007). An important part of the report analyzes patent trends and
other trends that are vital to the success of these new technologies.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The invention of protein microarray technology, also called protein biochip
technology, allows more than one protein binding interaction at a time and
improves upon the current state-of-the-art-protein immunoassay technology where
only one protein binds at a time. Interestingly, the term protein chip is
trademarked by Lumicyte, Inc. There are many proteome projects, which study the
protein complements of genomes, as a result of the sequencing of the human
genome and the genomes of other organisms. The increase in the number of known
proteins and potential number of new proteins, due to the numerous genome and
proteome projects, increases the demand for tools such as protein arrays. The
arrays allow for simultaneous detection of multiple protein interactions and
protein expression levels.
Following on the heels of the DNA microarray industry, many companies have
entered the protein array field, and the number of players involved with
technology development is increasing rapidly. Due to the technical challenges of
constructing functional protein arrays, such as the adherence of protein to a
surface while maintaining functionality, the number of proteins that can be
arrayed, and the detection of binding interactions, many academic, government,
and industry players are developing different technologies. The different
potential research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications also drive the
demand for more than one protein array technology.
AUDIENCE FOR THE REPORT
This report is directed at decision-makers in each industry segment, as well
as individuals and organizations considering investing in drug discovery or drug
discovery technology. These people include, but are not limited to, venture
capitalists, merger and acquisition executives, market and product management
professionals, chief scientists and technical officers, equipment manufacturers,
and reagent suppliers.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
This report is a tool that analyzes the emerging worldwide industry in
protein arrays. The section following this introduction provides a summary of
the report and its conclusions. An overview of the market and a brief discussion
of the relevant scientific principles follow the summary. The ensuing sections
analyze government regulations, current and future market trends, and the
importance of each new method of research to the overall market. There is also
an analysis of patents and their importance to the industry.
The study considers current and new protein array technologies for research and
development. The appendix of the report contains a company directory.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
The material for this report was gathered from interviews with individuals in
the industry, as well as a thorough review of technology gathered from secondary
sources. These sources include company annual, 10K, and 10Q reports, company
literature, trade literature, trade associations, and online sources.
Projections were based on such estimates as the current number of end users,
funding levels, potential end users, likely unit prices, and rates of
consumption. Final projections are based on the analysis of information from
primary and secondary sources. All dollar projections are presented in year 2002
constant dollars.
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