27th April 2023
The use of antibodies to visualize the distribution and localization of certain proteins in tissues is known as immunohistochemistry (IHC). Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind illness requires the ability to recognize and analyze protein expression in cells and tissues, which is made possible by this approach.
A tissue sample is first fixed and paraffin wax-embedded for IHC. After endogenous peroxidase activity has been inhibited, thin tissue slices are placed on slides. The primary antibody that selectively binds to the target protein is next treated with the tissue sections. A secondary antibody that has been coupled to an enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP), that recognizes and binds to the primary antibody is then added next.
The enzyme then combines with a chromogenic substrate to create a visible signal that may be seen under a microscope. The color and strength of the signal reveal the presence and concentration of the desired protein in the tissue.
IHC is often used to examine protein expression and localization in a range of tissues, including tumor samples, in both research and clinical settings. Additionally, by examining changes in protein expression, it may be used to distinguish between different cell types in a tissue sample and assess the efficacy of various therapies.
A number of reasons, including the rising prevalence of cancer and other diseases, the rising need for personalized medication, and technological advancements, have contributed to the steady growth of the worldwide IHC market in recent years. The Global Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Market is projected to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.
Several significant companies, notably Roche Diagnostics, Agilent Technologies, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Merck KGaA control the majority of the market. These businesses provide a variety of IHC-related goods and services, such as antibodies, reagents, tools, and data processing software.
Based on the product, application, end-user, and geography, the market is divided into subgroups. Antibodies, reagents, kits, instruments, and software are examples of product segments. IHC is used for a variety of purposes, including medication development, infectious illness diagnostics, and cancer research and diagnosis. Hospitals, diagnostic facilities, research facilities, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, are among the end customers of IHC goods and services.
Roche Diagnostics: For patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Roche Diagnostics has introduced a novel IHC test for assessing the expression of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). The VENTANA BenchMark ULTRA automated staining device is intended for use with the test, known as VENTANA PD-L1 (SP142) test.
Agilent Technologies: The Ultivue InSituPD-L1 test, a novel IHC platform from Agilent Technologies, was unveiled. The assay's excellent sensitivity and specificity make it possible to identify PD-L1 expression in tumor samples.
Danaher Corporation: The Bioprocess business unit of Cytiva, which offers goods and services for IHC as well as other applications in the production of biopharmaceuticals and the life sciences, has been acquired, according to an announcement from Danaher Corporation.
Thermo Fisher Scientific: The Invitrogen TrueVIEW Autofluorescence Quenching Kit, a new IHC platform from Thermo Fisher Scientific, is now available. The kit is intended to get rid of tissue samples' autofluorescence, which can get in the way of IHC staining and analysis.
Merck KGaA: The ONCOQUEST Dx Target System, a novel IHC platform, was introduced by Merck KGaA. The method is intended to make it possible to identify several targets in a single tissue sample, which can give more detailed information about tumor biology and direct treatment choices.
“These advances are a result of continuing work by major IHC market participants to create new products and technologies that can increase the precision and effectiveness of tissue protein detection and analysis.”
The product category comprises software, tools, kits, reagents, and antibodies. The market leader and largest product segment, antibodies, are anticipated to maintain their dominance. Due to the rising requirement for standardized procedures and ready-to-use reagents, the kits market is also expanding significantly.
The application sector covers a variety of topics, including medication development, infectious illness detection, and cancer research. The largest application category, which focuses on cancer diagnosis and research, is anticipated to keep expanding as a result of rising cancer incidence rates and the demand for personalized therapy.
Hospitals, diagnostic centers, study facilities, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms make up the end-user segment. The biggest end-user sector, hospitals, and diagnostic labs, is anticipated to keep expanding as a result of the rising demand for diagnostic tests and the expanding number of hospital and clinical laboratories.
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are all included in the region category. The biggest market for IHC right now is North America, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. Due to the rising demand for personalized medication and increased expenditures in healthcare infrastructure, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to develop at the quickest rate in the upcoming years.
“In the upcoming years, the immunohistochemistry (IHC) market is anticipated to expand significantly due to factors such as the rising prevalence of cancer and other illnesses, the rising desire for personalized medication, and technological advancements. Although a few key competitors control the majority of the industry, there are still chances for smaller businesses to gain market share by creating cutting-edge goods and technology.”
Increasing Incidence of cancer and other Chronic Diseases
The IHC market is expanding significantly as a result of the increasing prevalence of cancer and other chronic disorders. The growing need for personalized medicine is anticipated to increase demand for IHC in the upcoming years. IHC is widely utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other disorders.
Advancements in Technology
The market is expanding as a result of the creation of new IHC platforms and technologies including digital pathology and multiplex assays. These technologies make it possible to identify and analyze proteins in tissue samples with greater accuracy and efficiency, which is crucial for deciphering disease causes and creating customized treatments.
Growing Demand for Personalized Medicine
The introduction of IHC in research and clinical settings is being driven by the rising desire for personalized therapy. IHC makes it possible for scientists and medical professionals to examine the expression of particular proteins in tissue samples and create tailored treatments based on the particular biological traits of each patient.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure
The IHC market is expanding as a result of the development of healthcare infrastructure in emerging nations. Companies have the potential to grow in these areas and address the rising demand for diagnostic tests and personalized medication as a result of the rising investments in healthcare infrastructure in nations like China and India.
Increasing Investments in Research and Development
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries' rising R&D expenditures are propelling the IHC market's expansion. The need for IHC in research and clinical settings is being fueled by these firms' investments in the creation of novel medications and treatments that target certain proteins.
“Overall, it is anticipated that these drivers will support the immunohistochemistry (IHC) market's growth over the coming years, giving businesses the chance to extend their presence in growing regions and create new products and technologies.”
Solution: Companies may overcome this difficulty by creating more economical goods and technologies, such as kits and reagents that are designed to be inexpensive and simple to use. To improve access to IHC testing in environments with limited resources, corporations might collaborate with healthcare providers and governments.
Solution: It is important to make efforts to provide standardized IHC testing techniques and recommendations. To create best practices for IHC testing and make sure that their products are verified and standardized across various laboratories and situations, businesses might work with academic and research institutes.
Solution: To support the development of healthcare professionals' and researchers' IHC testing skills, businesses might invest in educational programs and training programs. In order to create training programs and curricula that are suited to the demands of various settings and areas, businesses might also collaborate with academic and research organizations.
Solution: Companies may solve these problems by creating moral and legal frameworks that make sure patient privacy and data security are given top priority during the development and use of IHC testing. In order to solve these challenges and guarantee that IHC testing is carried out in a responsible and ethical manner, businesses can also collaborate with healthcare providers and regulatory bodies to set standards and regulations.
“Overall, technical innovation, standardization, capacity building, and ethical and legal frameworks may all be used to solve these issues. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) market may develop further and offer significant insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses by solving these issues.”
Increasing Adoption in Emerging Markets
Companies in the IHC market have a lot of potentials to build their presence and boost the acceptance of their goods and solutions thanks to the expanding healthcare infrastructure and rising investment in emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil.
Development of Multiplex Assays
A significant potential opportunity for the IHC industry is the creation of multiplex assays that provide the simultaneous detection and analysis of numerous proteins in a single tissue sample. Researchers and physicians may learn more about the molecular properties of a tissue sample via multiplex tests, which can result in more precise diagnoses and focused treatments.
Growing Demand for Companion Diagnostics
Considerable potential for market expansion in the IHC sector is provided by the rising need for companion diagnostics, which are tests used to identify patients who are likely to benefit from a specific medication. The development of companion diagnostics, which can assist to improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs, frequently uses IHC.
Expansion into New Applications
The market has a lot of room to develop as a result of IHC's expansion into new applications including drug discovery, biomarker identification, and disease profiling. With the use of these applications, we may be able to create novel treatments and advance our knowledge of illness mechanisms.
Development of Digital Pathology
The IHC market has a lot of room to grow as a result of the advent of digital pathology, which uses digital pictures of tissue samples. Remote tissue sample analysis is made possible by digital pathology, which also makes it easier for researchers and healthcare professionals to work together.
“For example, growing markets, the creation of multiplex assays, companion diagnostics, novel applications, and digital pathology are some of the areas where the immunohistochemistry (IHC) industry offers prospects for growth and innovation. Businesses who are able to take advantage of these opportunities will be successful in the upcoming years.”
The market for immunohistochemistry (IHC) is expanding quickly as a result of factors such as the rising incidence of chronic illnesses, the rising desire for personalized medication, and the requirement for precise and trustworthy diagnostic equipment. With a few dominant major firms and a significant number of smaller competitors vying for market share, the market is characterized by fierce rivalry.
Despite the market's obstacles, which include high costs, a lack of standardization, and a shortage of skilled workers, there are numerous opportunities for development and innovation, particularly in developing markets, companion diagnostics, new applications, multiplex assay development, and digital pathology. Companies need to keep spending money on R&D to be competitive. They also need to diversify their product lines and create cutting-edge solutions to meet the changing demands of patients and healthcare professionals. To increase access to their products and innovations, businesses must also concentrate on forming strategic alliances and partnerships with other market participants, healthcare providers, and authorities.
The market for immunohistochemistry (IHC) is anticipated to expand over the next few years as a result of rising demand for personalized medicine and the creation of new technologies and diagnostic tools. Companies are well-positioned for success in this dynamic and expanding market if they can adjust to shifting market dynamics and seize emerging possibilities.