The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that around 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, and this number is on the rise. So, it’s really important to quickly recognize any problems right after birth to make sure the baby is okay. Newborn screening is a bunch of tests and checks that help find any serious health issues that could affect the baby’s future health.
The idea behind newborn screening is to catch problems that could seriously affect the baby’s health or even their chances of staying healthy. These tests are done to find things like heart problems, genetic disorders, hearing issues, brain irregularities, vision problems, and more.
The global newborn screening market was valued at US$ 980.7 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach US$ 1,834.7 Million by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of 8.2% from 2023 to 2030.
The main goal of newborn screening is to find issues that might stick around and make the baby unhealthy or stop them from growing well. These tests use important checks to find problems early, manage health effectively, diagnose things quickly, step in when needed, and prevent possible health problems for newborns. Usually, these tests happen shortly after birth to spot any problems with how the baby’s body works, their genes, or how they’re developing. A tiny bit of blood is taken from the baby’s heel as part of the testing for different hormones, metabolism, and gene problems. Also, before leaving the hospital, doctors check for hearing problems and serious heart conditions in newborns.
Increasing Prevalence of Genetic and Metabolic Disorders to Boost Newborn Screening Market
The newborn screening market is poised for expansion, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of genetic and metabolic disorders. Newborn screening involves examining newborns for specific genetic, metabolic, and functional conditions that might not be immediately noticeable at birth. However, if left untreated, these conditions could give rise to significant health challenges. Many of these conditions can be inherited from one or both parents and frequently have a genetic basis.
As public awareness of genetic and metabolic irregularities broadens, more parents are opting for newborn screening to identify potential health issues in their infants early on. This heightened awareness has resulted in a global increase in the number of newborn screening tests being performed.
Furthermore, technological advancements have facilitated more comprehensive and precise screening procedures. Consequently, new screening tests have been developed, capable of identifying a broader spectrum of diseases, including rare genetic disorders.
In summary, the newborn screening market is anticipated to undergo growth in the forthcoming years, owing to heightened awareness, technological advancements, and an upsurge in the annual birth rate.
North America to Spearhead the Newborn Screening Market
North America is the fastest-growing segment in the newborn screening market due to several factors, including:
Government initiatives are playing a crucial role in driving the growth of the newborn screening market in North America. These initiatives are focused on identifying and preventing genetic abnormalities early on and have garnered increased funding and support, leading to a faster pace of market expansion.
The landscape of newborn screening is undergoing significant transformation due to impressive technological advancements. Innovations like tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) have introduced more accurate and efficient screening methods. This has improved the reliability and sensitivity of newborn screening, contributing significantly to the market’s growth.
Recent years have seen a gradual increase in the occurrence of genetic disorders across North America. This upward trend is expected to further fuel the growth of the newborn screening market as the demand for early diagnosis and intervention continues to rise.
The growing awareness of the benefits of newborn screening is fostering expansion within the market. Both parents and medical professionals are increasingly realizing the significance of early identification and treatment of genetic abnormalities. As this awareness continues to spread, the demand for comprehensive screening services is predicted to increase substantially.
In conclusion, the combination of these factors is set to drive the sustained expansion of the newborn screening market in North America in the years to come.
Competitive Insights
Companies operating in the newborn screening market have adopted several growth strategies to expand their market share and increase their revenue. Some of the significant players operating in the market include AB Sciex, Agilent Technologies Inc, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc, Covidien PLC, GE Healthcare, Masimo Corporation, Medtronic Inc, Natus Medical Incorporated, PerkinElmer Inc, Trivitron Healthcare, Waters Corporation, NeoGenomics, ZenTech S.A., Natera, LifeCell International Pvt.Ltd., etc, Natus Medical Inc., Trivitron Healthcare.
Businesses differentiate themselves in the competitive newborn screening industry through a range of strategic approaches:
Product innovation plays a crucial role. By launching advanced products with enhanced features such as accuracy, faster turnaround times, and comprehensive testing, companies can establish uniqueness. For instance, LifeCell International Pvt. Ltd. introduced RightStart in October 2018, a pioneering newborn DNA test identifying around 50 medical disorders.
Strategic alliances and partnerships are also effective. Collaborating with universities, research institutions, and other enterprises broadens product portfolios and unlocks new markets. An illustration is the partnership between Natera and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, initiated in January 2023, aiming to develop and assess a novel test for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs).
The geographic expansion further propels businesses. Expanding its presence across different regions not only enlarges the consumer base but also yields a competitive edge. NeoGenomics, for instance, extended its newborn screening services to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in February 2023 through collaboration with a regional healthcare provider.
Marketing and branding strategies foster distinction. By cultivating a strong brand and skilful marketing, businesses attract fresh customers and cultivate loyalty among existing ones.
Mergers and acquisitions offer a strategic avenue as well. Acquiring smaller enterprises grants access to cutting-edge intellectual property, technology, and diversified product offerings, enhancing overall competitiveness. Bio-Rad Laboratories, a significant supplier of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, revealed plans to acquire Seegene Technologies in December 2022, a developer of molecular diagnostics solutions.
In summary, the newborn screening sector’s intensifying competition prompts companies to adopt diverse strategies for standing out and expanding their market presence.
