221 pages, 164 graphs and tables

Published: September 9, 2005

Price: $4195

Sequencing Market Continues to Evolve as More Researchers Rely on Sequencing Services

Of the estimated 152,700 life science researchers working in the United States, we calculate that 60,970 individuals are currently using DNA sequencing. What has changed is that the vast majority of these now rely upon out-sourcing their sequencing work to core facilities and off-site sequencing services. In our last U.S. sequencing survey in 1999, 59.1% of researchers reported performing at least some of their sequencing in their own laboratory. In our latest study, this number has plummeted to 21.4%.

These are a few of the conclusions of a new 221 page study, which forms part of PhorTech's MSPPSA series. This series has been developed over the past 12 years to periodically measure market size, growth rates, and supplier performance in key areas of bioresearch. This report continues the analysis of DNA sequencing markets with a detailed investigation of sequencing at core facilities and sequencing services. Included are critical criteria for selection, frequently mentioned problems, as well as key metrics such as template throughput per month and the costs of sequencing through both core facilities and commercial sequencing services.

Complete analyses for respondents' monthly spending on sequencing services allow us to extrapolate to the current size of these market segments both in terms of dollars and volume of templates sequenced.

The report includes extensive sections covering the technical aspects of sequencing sample preparation and the methods used in sequencing itself, as well as a number of key aspects surrounding sequencing. For example, in the following table, we see population estimates for researchers working with various sequencing applications.

This section includes an analysis of the raw sequence data generated by respondents and projected to be generated in one year, the numbers of sequencing reactions run, an analysis of the template throughput and types of templates being prepared. We also examine the current usage of various labeling methods, shown below.

By asking respondents to itemize automated sequencing instrumentation they have acquired in the past, describing the brand and model of the instrument, the number of units, the years of acquisition, and the location of the instruments, we have produced an invaluable database of installed instrumentation. From this wealth of data, we are able to present detailed graphs of both market share and growth rates for the past decade.

We also asked respondents to itemize sequencing enzymes they purchase, once again describing the types in detail. From this database, we can calculate unit market shares for these products.

An entire section of the report is dedicated to future purchase plans and we use this data to project future growth rates and lines of products forecast to grow least and most rapidly. Over-confident suppliers will ignore these statistics at their own peril, while market-savvy suppliers will use this data to increase their market share and avoid market dead zones.

Customer satisfaction ratings are measured separately for leading vendors of automated sequencers. We probed carefully in these areas and asked respondents to rate manufacturers in four key areas (best field service, highest throughput, most reliable quality, and most committed to sequencing). These ratings are invaluable both for suppliers to measure their own performance as well as to discover areas of weakness for their major competitors that can be used to obtain competitive advantage.

Finally, the report itemizes literally hundreds of specific verbatim comments including the features of an automated sequencer most important to respondents. Respondents also suggested improvements they would most like to see in automated sequencers and described factors which would cause them to switch from using a core facility or sequencing service to using their own sequencing instrument. Reading these comments is equivalent to spending weeks of time in the field with end-users and provides essential insight for suppliers.

This report is undoubtedly the most comprehensive analysis of the current market DNA sequencing in North America. It has already been purchased by astute competitors determined to strengthen their position in this lucrative market. Enhanced by over 160 color graphs and tables, this study provides a penetrating analysis and should be considered essential reading for anyone seriously intending to succeed in this competitive area. Companies mentioned in the report are listed below.

Companies Mentioned in This Report