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format. 1997/8 U.S. MSPPSA report on Molecular Biology Reagent Systems, Volume One: Nucleic Acid Isolation & Purification Kits
139 pages, 188 graphs and tables
Published: July 21, 1997
Price: $2595
A new market research report by PhorTech International provides surprising details concerning the U.S. market for nucleic acid isolation and purification kits. An extensive analysis of the market for 1996 puts sales at over $50 million, with plasmid purification kits contributing over half of the total market value. Three suppliers, out of a field of 26, have been able to take particular advantage of the healthy growth rate to increase their sales markedly over the last 2 years. As far as the future of this market, growth for some sectors appears very healthy while other sectors face a decline.
The 139 page study, which forms part of PhorTech's MSPPSA series, examines the installed base of ten types of kits, quantifying the consumption and expected change in use over the coming 12 months. Numerous comparisons are made with previous US and European reports, providing a historical aspect that covers the development of this market since 1994. The report also assesses the attitudes and expectations of a cross-section of researchers in the US, representing over 72,000 individuals using these products.
Respondents are characterized on several demographic levels, beginning with their preference for pre-packaged kits versus individual reagents and the reasons behind this choice. The other screens examine the level of experience with molecular biology techniques and type of organization. The analysis contains not only respondent's verbatim comments, but also an examination of kit use in relation to both experience level and location of the respondent.
All respondents were asked to itemize kits utilized for ten different applications: isolation of plasmid, genomic, lambda and M13 DNA , purification of mRNA and total RNA, as well as the purification of oligos, amplification products, auto-sequencing reaction products and DNA from gels. A wealth of data was reported, including the brand and type of each kit, the number of preps and cost per kit, and the expected change in use over the coming 12 months. A total of over 8,000 kits, worth over $1.3 million, were itemized by more than 500 respondents forming the basis upon which precise market share measurements were made.
This extensive database permitted precise calculation of both unit and dollar market shares for each type of kit as well as each supplier to this market. The most popular kit sizes and types are identified, the latter indicating the degree of success suppliers have achieved with changes in their product line. This is made evident with the detailed product mix provided for 15 major isolation and purification kit suppliers. Two suppliers were almost completely responsible for the substantial market associated with plasmid purification kits. Smaller suppliers, on the other hand, appear to be having a difficult time in several market segments.
Although customers are generally satisfied with the present line of kits, significant differences exist in the readiness to purchase products from major suppliers. The leaders performed well when ranked in terms of six key performance benchmarks, but ratings revealed vulnerable areas for smaller suppliers. This newly expanded section examines both product quality and supplier responsiveness issues including product purity, yield and consistent quality, speed of delivery, application support and value for money.
Suggestions for improvements in kit contents, packaging, and protocols, in addition to specific requests for new kits provide market opportunities for the astute company looking for sustainable competitive advantage. This timely and pertinent insight into customer requests and requirements for isolation and purification kits is provided through more than 700 verbatim comments.
Over 188 graphs and tables distill a wealth of data into a clear
and salient tool for understanding this complex and rapidly changing
market. This report is required reading for suppliers interested
in improving their present market position, identifying their
marketing strengths and weaknesses, and developing sustainable
competitive advantage.
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