The Market for RNAi Kits and Reagents

According to a recent survey of scientists, no single approach to the generation of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes currently dominates the market. However, each of the four methods examined has a unique product feature that is most valued by end-users. The most important attributes of ready-to-use siRNA duplexes, for example, are its specificity and validated levels of repression.

ARLINGTON, VA -- March 18, 2003 -- According to a recent survey of scientists, no single approach to the generation of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes currently dominates the market. However, each of the four methods examined has a unique product feature that is most valued by end-users. The most important attributes of ready-to-use siRNA duplexes, for example, are its specificity and validated levels of repression. For market leaders Ambion, Dharmacon and Qiagen-Xeragon as well as those companies vying for a greater market share, understanding such qualities will be critical when contemplating future product offerings.

These findings were recently published by BioInformatics, LLC (Arlington, VA) in The Market for RNA Interference Kits & Reagents." Based on the results of a survey of over 800 pharmaceutical and academic scientists who described their current and planned research using RNA interference (RNAi), the report details projected market growth, scientific objectives, preferred products and suppliers, key areas for product development and competitive market dynamics.

RNAi is an exciting new method for analyzing the function of genes in a variety of multicellular organisms, including plants and humans. With this method, scientists can specifically inhibit the expression of almost any gene by introducing double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNAs) into cells. The technology has a range of applications that could lead to major advancements in the fields of developmental biology, drug discovery, gene therapy and agriculture.

Because there is little overall difference in customers with respect to experience, experimental system and throughput, segmenting the market by RNAi research objective appears to be most useful. The analysis in this report also highlights differences with regards to customer institution and preferred reagents," says Dr. Robin Rothrock, Director of Market Research at BioInformatics.

Approximately half of the survey respondents listed either functional genomics (35%) or target validation (13%) as the primary objectives of their RNAi experiments. The average RNAi customer performs small-scale" experiments, as most respondents study one specific gene per experiment and conduct two experiments per month. A small, but significant percentage of the respondents (12%) reported that they routinely conduct studies inhibiting five or more mRNA targets per experiment. Furthermore, over 80% of these scientists indicated that they are planning to increase the number of RNAi experiments they perform. These findings indicate that a small segment of the market, particularly researchers engaged in drug target discovery and validation, could generate a tremendous amount of revenue for suppliers of RNAi reagents," says Rothrock.

The report identifies plasmid and viral vectors for expressing siRNAs as important components of many current and planned RNAi studies. The researchers detailed their level of satisfaction with several features of currently used vectors and were also very specific about describing the different types of siRNA expression vectors that would be useful in their research. Since currently available products meet only a subset of researchers needs in this area, there clearly are significant opportunities for vendors to gain a competitive advantage with innovative and versatile siRNA expression systems," notes Rothrock.

For a complimentary Executive Summary of this report, please visit http://www.gene2drug.com/reports

ABOUT BIOINFORMATICS, LLC

BioInformatics, LLC is a market research firm located in Arlington, Virginia. BioInformatics supports marketing, sales and R&D executives in the life science, medical device and pharmaceutical industries through published research reports, custom research and consulting. BioInformatics sponsors the worlds largest market research panel of scientific customers-The Science Advisory Board (http://www.scienceboard.net)-which consists of more than 14,500 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries who participate in surveys that address emerging technologies, test customer reactions to new product concepts, measure brand awareness and assess advertising effectiveness.

For more information, please contact:

Alyssa Martin
BioInformatics, LLC
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Arlington, VA 22201
703.525.3872 x358 (phone)
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a.martin@gene2drug.com
http://www.gene2drug.com/

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