by Phosphoramidite chemistry was developed in the early 1980s by Michael Caruthers and co-workers as a method for the efficient synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides. In phosphoramidite chemistry, a phosphoramidite group is used to temporarily protect the phosphate group during oligonucleotide synthesis. This allows for a mild and stable reactive intermediate that can undergo repeated coupling reactions to efficiently assemble the oligonucleotide chain.
Specifically, Phosphoramidite Market Growth chemistry involves the use of a phosphoramidite group (typically a dimethoxytrityl (DMTr)-protected phosphodiester -P(N(iPr)2)-O-tetrahydrofuran derivative) which is coupled to a nucleoside or growing oligonucleotide chain in the presence of an activating agent such as tetrazole. This forms a phosphite-linked intermediate that is subsequently oxidized to the more stable phosphate form using an oxidizing agent such as iodine. The cycle is then repeated to couple the next nucleoside or extend the oligonucleotide chain. By providing temporary yet stable phosphorus protection, phosphoramidite chemistry has allowed for the highly efficient automated synthesis of DNA and RNA oligos on a large commercial scale.
Growth of the Phosphoramidite Industry
The development of phosphoramidite chemistry revolutionized the field of nucleic acid synthesis and directly led to the growth of a large dedicated phosphoramidite market worldwide. Key factors fueling the rapid expansion of the global phosphoramidite market include:
– Widespread use of oligonucleotides in DNA sequencing, genetic testing, forensics, and research. As the use of oligos grows in these areas, demand for phosphoramidite reagents continues to rise proportionally.
– Advancements in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. The development of antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, miRNA, and other oligo drugs has further expanded the commercial oligo market and driven phosphoramidite demand.
– Growth of personalized medicine and Companion Diagnostics (CDx). As precision medicine based on an individual’s genetic profile expands, so too will the need for DNA synthesis capabilities and associated phosphoramidite reagents.
– Next-generation DNA sequencing driving reagent needs. The proliferation of NGS technologies such as nanopore sequencing is resulting in exponentially growing sequencing capacity and reagent needs.
– Automated DNA synthesis expanding the capacity for oligo production. Continuous improvement and scaling up of phosphoramidite-based oligo synthesizers is enabling larger production volumes to meet rising global demand.
– Emerging oligonucleotide applications in nanotechnology, material science and more. Novel applications of DNA and RNA in areas beyond traditional biomedical use cases will further fuel long term phosphoramidite market growth.
– Globalization of oligonucleotide production. As oligo production expands internationally, particularly in Asian markets, it is driving greater phosphoramidite distribution and supply worldwide.
Market Leaders and Innovations
A number of leading phosphoramidite suppliers have emerged to meet the ballooning global demand. Major companies currently dominating the commercial phosphoramidite market include:
– Link Technologies (USA) – One of the largest and oldest suppliers with a wide portfolio of phosphoramidites, reagents, and consumables for oligo synthesis.
– BioAutomation (USA) – Known for high quality phosphoramidite building blocks and automation solutions to scale up oligo production.
– Glen Research (USA) – Provides an extensive range of phosphoramidite reagents, customized oligo services, and process improvements.
– ChemGenes (USA) – Specializes in more specialized phosphoramidites including PNA, LNA, unlocked nucleic acids and other chemically modified building blocks.
– Merck (Germany) – A top pharmaceutical company with deep expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis and commercialization of therapeutic oligos.
These leaders are continuously innovating to develop new phosphoramidite chemistries to access longer, more potent therapeutic oligonucleotides. Some recent innovations include:
– Novel backbone chemistries (e.g. methylphosphonate) for increased nuclease stability.
– Site-specific phosphoramidite modifiers for conjugation to lipids, antibodies, proteins and other delivery vectors.
– Automated synthesis platforms with integrated chemistries and quality control for GMP oligo production.
– Process improvements enabling multi-kilogram commercial-scale syntheses.
Looking Ahead
With oligonucleotides establishing a growing foothold in medicine, agriculture, and technology market sectors worldwide, the demand drivers underpinning future phosphoramidite market growth appear highly favorable. Key projections for the coming decade include:
– Global phosphoramidite market expected to exceed $1 billion by 2030 based on current trends. Growth rates averaging 8-10% annually.
– Therapeutic oligo segment to remain the fastest growing as more agents receive regulatory approvals and enter the commercial market.
– Asia-Pacific phosphoramidite market estimated to surpass North America/EU markets by 2025 given expanding oligo manufacturing in China and India.
– Custom and large-scale automated oligonucleotide synthesis capabilities to attract more companies previously reliant on smaller contract production.
– Further technological innovations continue refining phosphoramidite chemistries, efficiency, and scale-up capabilities for next-gen applications.
– Potential new application areas like transcriptional oligos, aptamers, spare parts medicine provide upside potential beyond current projections.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
