The report also addresses the state of the market for apoptosis-related research kits and reagents. It also analyzes the latest research on the subject, examines investments in drug development, and forecasts worldwide sales of drugs, kits, and reagents. Market forecasts project sales to the year 2005. This rapid growth has led to widespread availability of commercial kits and reagents for research use, and, more recently, to the formation of pharmaceutical companies devoted to developing apoptosis-modulating drugs. Although still growing at a fantastic rate, the kits and reagents market has become relatively established, while the pharmaceutical market is still in its infancy.
Tremendous opportunities exist in both areas.
Advances in molecular and cellular biology are fueling basic discoveries, while processes like combinatorial chemistry and new therapies such as antisense technology are fueling pharmaceutical discoveries. Current trends indicate that apoptosis-modulating drugs may eventually form a major therapeutic category, especially in the area of cancer therapy. Considerable activity in both industries focuses on licensing and patenting technologies. Many licensing opportunities come from academic laboratories, although in-house development is also common. This report discusses the structure of the industry, and provides profiles of major companies in each area.