mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Capping Agents, Nucleotides), By Application (Vaccine Production, Therapeutics Production), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global mRNA synthesis raw materials market size was estimated at USD 1.72 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.85% from 2024 to 2030. mRNA is synthesized by the process of transcription in the nucleus by using a template made up of a DNA nucleotide sequence. It includes various steps such as initiation, elongation, editing, and termination. mRNA synthesis has a broad range of applications in drug discovery, vaccine development, and the manufacturing of therapeutics. RNA-based vaccines have better immunogenicity, higher efficiency, and require short production time. The key factors driving the market growth include the growing academic and industrial interest in mRNA technology, the advantages of mRNA vaccines, and increasing funding for research.

The COVID-19 pandemic created new opportunities for mRNA technology platforms with the introduction and widespread use of vaccines. Government agencies from several nations, research institutions, and numerous biotech and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on efficient and quick methods for the rapid detection of COVID-19. mRNA vaccines are a safe and efficient method for preventing COVID-19. In addition, the advantages associated with the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have sparked the attention of pharmaceutical businesses in delivering vaccines swiftly across the globe.

The National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases and Moderna, Inc. mutually developed the mRNA-1273 (NIAID) in March 2020. It shows 94.1% efficacy in symptomatic prevention from COVID-19 and in December 2020, received emergency use authorization from the US Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) for widespread immunization of people. As a result, the usage of mRNA vaccines increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, RNA centers have been established at numerous institutions to promote therapeutic uses of RNA, particularly in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA. These facilities include the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, the RNA Institute at the University of Albany, the State University of New York, and the RNA Therapeutic Institute at the University of Massachusetts in the United States. Additionally, university spin-off businesses funded by significant venture capital infusions such as Argos Medicines, Factor Bioscience, CureVac, Ethris, BioNTech, Moderna, eTheRNA, and Onkaido have advanced the preclinical and clinical development of mRNA-based therapeutics. Hence, growing academic and industrial interest in mRNA technology is anticipated to increase the need for mRNA synthesis raw materials, thereby boosting market growth.

Furthermore, the simplicity to manufacture the mRNA vaccine is a key reason for the development of these vaccines. For instance, it is essential for DNA to enter the nucleus, and then it can be transcribed into mRNA. However, mRNA does not need to enter the nucleus to function as it initiates protein translation in the cytoplasm. Hence, this process makes the mRNA vaccine more efficient and simple to manufacture. In contrast to viral vectors and DNA, mRNAs do not insert into the genome but express the encoded protein instantaneously. Typical cellular processes can eliminate the mRNA since it doesn’t integrate into the host genome, thus eliminating any chance of infection or insertion mutation. In addition, the In Vitro Transcription (IVT) process readily synthesizes mRNA. The process is relatively inexpensive and can be quickly applied to a variety of therapies. Such advantages of mRNA vaccines are anticipated to drive the market during the study period.

Moreover, several operating players in the market and various research institutes are receiving funding for the development of novel mRNA therapeutics. For instance, in October 2022, the University of Columbia received USD 11.1 million in funding from the government of Canada to advance the mRNA vaccine technology. This funding aims to improve their efficacy, reduce the potential side effects of vaccines, and allow for a smaller vaccine dosage. Similarly, in December 2022, ExPLoRNA Therapeutics received USD 813,578 in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to further develop its mRNA technology. Therefore, rising funding for research is expected to increase the need for mRNA synthesis raw materials and fuel the market growth during the forecast period.

Additionally, the growing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases is increasing the therapeutic application of mRNA technology. For instance, according to WHO, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, causing almost one in six deaths, while cardiovascular diseases lead to an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year. In addition, according to WHO, about 10 million people worldwide contracted tuberculosis in 2020 (1.1 million children, 5.6 million men, & 3.3 million women). Hence, scientists in industries and universities worldwide are finding novel and innovative ways to develop therapeutics using mRNA technology to prevent and treat disease. For instance, researchers at Penn Medicine are using the mRNA platform to create vaccines for several conditions such as cancer, treatment for food and environmental allergies, genetic diseases, and heart attack and stroke, among others.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The degree of innovation in the industry is significant, with new technologies and processes constantly being developed to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The mRNA field is expected to evolve rapidly with ongoing research leading to new discoveries and applications. Furthermore, mRNA technology has shown immense promise in treating various diseases beyond COVID-19, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Innovations in raw materials can enhance the stability, delivery, and efficacy of mRNA therapeutics, broadening their therapeutic applications and improving patient outcomes.

Mergers and acquisitions have a significant impact on the growth of the mRNA synthesis raw materials industry. Partnerships help companies to reduce costs and increase efficiency. In February 2022, Merck KGaA acquired Exelead for around USD 780 million in cash to reinforce its life sciences business segment. The initiative expanded the company’s life sciences portfolio and improved its market presence.

The regulatory landscape for mRNA-based products is stringent, with a focus on ensuring safety and efficacy. Innovative raw materials that meet high regulatory standards can streamline the approval process and reduce the risk of adverse effects, thereby accelerating the availability of new mRNA therapies.

The mRNA synthesis raw materials industry is experiencing growth due to the expanding applications of mRNA technology, advancements in biotechnology & production processes, and increased research and development investments. mRNA technology allows for the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles. Thus, the personalized approach requires specific raw materials that can be customized for definite applications, boosting demand in the market.

The industry has witnessed significant regional expansion in recent years. Companies are expanding their manufacturing capacities to meet the growing global demand for mRNA products. This includes establishing new production facilities and scaling up existing ones in various regions. For instance, in September 2022, TriLink BioTechnologies manufacturer of raw materials expanded its GMP-grade product line by offering N1-Methyl-Pseudouridine-5’-Triphosphate (N1meΨTP), an improved nucleoside-triphosphate (NTP) necessary for mRNA production.

Type Insights

Based on type, the capping agents segment dominated the global industry with the largest revenue share of 39.17% in 2023. Capping and tailing are important steps in the production of active mRNA for use in functional studies. In eukaryotes, these steps prevent degradation and facilitate translation. Capping agents function as binding molecules or stabilizers, preventing steric hindrance or agglomeration. Hence, the key functions of capping agents in mRNA synthesis are driving segment growth.

The segment is also anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 3.26% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the development of modern alternatives to the enzymatic capping of mRNA. Key players in the market are developing capping technology for industries to support the development of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. For instance, TriLink developed CleanCap technology that offers GMP-grade CleanCap reagents. These reagents help to develop 5’ Cap1 mRNA with 95% efficiency in a quick and easiest method. As a result, the continuous advancements of capping technology are anticipated to boost segment growth and fuel the market.

Application Insights

The vaccine production segment dominated the global industry with the largest revenue share in 2023. This can be attributed to the rapid production of mRNA vaccines compared to the conventional vaccines that utilize cell-culture-based production paths, which are often prone to failure. Moreover, advancements in mRNA, coupled with the need to ramp up production capacity to meet global demand, are providing opportunities to build flexible vaccine manufacturing facilities globally. For instance, in December 2022, the construction of a large-scale mRNA manufacturing facility commenced in Australia. The facility is expected to be operational in 2024 and aims to produce up to 100 million doses of vaccine annually for respiratory diseases caused by viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Hence, such increasing demand for vaccines is driving the need for raw materials, thereby boosting market growth.

The therapeutics production segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR of 2.65% from 2024 to 2030, due to the increasing prevalence of various chronic and infectious diseases. For instance, according to WHO, about 10.6 million people worldwide contracted tuberculosis in 2021 (1.2 million children, 6 million men, & 3.4 million women). mRNA-based therapeutics not only present promising treatment strategies for several diseases but also help in prevention. Hence, there is an increase in clinical trials and in vivo models to produce various therapeutics based on mRNA platforms, which is likely to aid revenue generation in this segment.

End-use Insights

The biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies segment dominated the market with the highest revenue share in 2023, due to the high commercial success of biopharmaceuticals and rapid growth in demand for therapeutics. Significant growth in the pharmaceutical industry pipeline has boosted the need for mRNA synthesis raw materials for the discovery of novel therapeutics. For instance, according to data from Informa, Moderna is the company with the most mRNA drugs in the pipeline with 46 drugs, followed by BioNTech with 29, CureVac with 19, Sanofi with 11, Pfizer with 10, GSK with 5, and AstraZeneca with 4.

Moreover, the biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical segment is also expected to expand at a rapid pace during 2024-2030, owing to the increasing approvals of mRNA-based vaccines. For instance, in August 2022, a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech received approval from the FDA for use as a booster dose. Thus, increasing focus on pipeline and government approvals by biopharmaceutical & pharmaceutical companies is significantly increasing the demand for these raw materials and contributing to segment growth.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global industry in 2023 and accounted for the largest share of more than 36.77% of the overall revenue in 2023, and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The presence of local players such as Providence Therapeutics that offers personalized mRNA vaccines to treat chronic diseases, including cancer, is expected to aid revenue generation in the region. Several innovations by local players in the region are also expected to drive the mRNA synthesis raw materials sector to a certain extent.

U.S. mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Trends

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in the U.S. is expected to grow over the forecast period. The rising research funding, presence of key players, and availability of healthcare infrastructure are expected to contribute to the high revenue share.

Europe mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Trends

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in Europe is growing due to a strong presence of well-established and emerging product manufacturers and continuous organic & inorganic growth strategies being adopted by them. For instance, in April 2021, the Italy government held talks with several manufacturers of mRNA-based vaccines, including Novartis AG and Moderna, Inc. to start domestic production of mRNA-based vaccines in Italy. Such initiatives in the region are expected to drive the mRNA synthesis raw materials in the region over the forecast period.

UK mRNA synthesis raw materials market held a significant share in 2023. Growing government deals with companies active in the mRNA space are being signed within the country to manage the pandemic situation. For instance, in January 2023, the UK government announced a strategic partnership with BioNTech to set up new R&D centers in the UK with an aim to deliver 10,000 personalized mRNA therapies to patients before 2030.

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in France is expected to grow remarkably over the forecast period. In March 2022, Sanofi announced strategies to invest USD 1.02 billion over the next few years with the aim to develop a full and independent mRNA value chain in France. Hence, investments specific to mRNA-based therapeutics in the region are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities for the market.

Germany mRNA synthesis raw materials market is anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period. in February 2023, BioNTech, announced the investment of USD 43 million to build mRNA manufacturing unit in Germany. Thus, increasing investments in mRNA technology are anticipated to drive the market in the region during the study period.

Asia Pacific mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Trends

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in Asia Pacific held a significant share in 2023. With the rising healthcare spending and investments in the region, many raw material manufacturers are shifting to Asia Pacific countries which is contributing to the growing demand of the market. With the growing demand for mRNA vaccines owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has significantly grown in the region.

China mRNA synthesis raw materials market is expected to grow over the forecast period. The growing popularity of the mRNA drugs and vaccines has created opportunities for raw material manufacturers to innovate and collaborate with these companies. In China, companies such as Blue Que Bio, Ceno Bio, Aibo Bio, Zhongmei Ruikang, Ruibo Bio, Sri Microbe, Shenxin Bio, Ribo Bio, Zhiyuan Messenger, Gemma Gene, and others are developing the technology of mRNA drugs or pipeline layout.

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in Japan is witnessing significant growth over the forecast period. Major players in the market are adopting several strategies including mergers & acquisitions, partnerships & collaborations to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in March 2022, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. acquired majority of stakes in NATiA, Inc., a Japanese startup which deals R&D of mRNA synthesis.

MEA mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Trends

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in the Middle East & Africais expected to grow exponentially over the forecast period. MEA region is witnessing a significant growth due to improved infrastructure and policies laid down by regulatory bodies. The rising disposable income and increasing geriatric population are some of the major factors driving the market growth. Furthermore, many multinational companies, such as F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, are planning to focus on the MEA market by forming joint ventures with local companies, such as Whitehead Scientific, for the raw materials required for the mRNA synthesis in the region.

Saudi Arabia mRNA synthesis raw materials market is expected to grow over the forecast period. In June 2021, a subsidiary of Astra Industrial Group, Tabuk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing entered into a partnership with Moderna, Inc. to commercialize Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and other potential mRNA products in Saudi Arabia.

The mRNA synthesis raw materials market in Kuwait is anticipated to grow over the forecast period. Several multinational and regional pharmaceutical companies are likely to be active in the Kuwaiti market offering mRNA vaccines majorly in the winter season when there is a higher possibility of seasonal flu. This is expected to boost demand for the mRNA synthesis raw material in the country.

Key mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Company Insights

The market players operating in the mRNA synthesis raw materials market are adopting product approval to increase the reach of their products in the market and improve the availability of their products in diverse geographical areas, along with expansion as a strategy to enhance production/research activities. In addition, several market players are acquiring smaller players to strengthen their market position. This strategy enables companies to increase their capabilities, expand their product portfolios, and improve their competencies.

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Telesis Bio Inc. announced its refocusing strategy to promote its innovative Gibson SOLA platform, targeting DNA and mRNA drug discovery. The company will also concentrate on enhancing its BioXp platform for mRNA synthesis, leveraging its distinct competitive advantage.

• In February 2023, Life Edit Therapeutics Inc. and Moderna Inc. signed a collaboration agreement to discover and develop mRNA gene-editing therapies.

• In January 2023, BioNTech and the UK Government signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement to help patients by advancing clinical trials for targeted mRNA immune therapies. To provide targeted cancer therapies to up to 10,000 patients by the end of 2030, through clinical trials or as approved treatments.

mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Report Scope

Global mRNA Synthesis Raw Materials Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global mRNA synthesis raw materials market report based on type, application, end-use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Capping Agents

  • Nucleotides

  • Plasmid DNA

  • Enzymes

    • Others

    • DNase

    • RNase Inhibitor

    • Polymerase

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Vaccine Production

  • Therapeutics Production

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Biopharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Companies

  • CROs & CMOs

  • Academic & Research Institutes

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait