Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Drug Type (Monoclonal Antibodies, Immunomodulators, Cancer Vaccines and Oncolytic Viral Therapy, others), By Service Type (Target Identification and Validation, Lead Screening and Characterization, Cell-based Assays), by Cancer Type (Lung, Breast, Colorectal, Melanoma, Prostate, Others), by region, and Competition

Market Overview

Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market was valued at USD 1.05 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to witness an impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.70% through 2028. Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing is a specialized service model within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. It involves the outsourcing of various aspects of the drug discovery and development process for cancer immunotherapies to external service providers, often known as Contract Research Organizations (CROs) or Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). This outsourcing model is designed to accelerate the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies while allowing pharmaceutical companies to leverage external expertise, infrastructure, and resources. The drug discovery process for cancer immunotherapies typically involves several stages, including target identification, preclinical research, clinical trial management, and regulatory approval. Outsourcing can cover various aspects of these stages. Sharing risks with outsourcing partners is a common strategy in the pharmaceutical industry. By partnering with external experts, companies can mitigate scientific and financial risks. The rapid development and success of immunotherapy approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, and monoclonal antibodies, have driven significant interest and investment in the field. The shift toward personalized medicine has led to a focus on identifying specific biomarkers and genetic targets for individual patients. This necessitates outsourcing services for biomarker discovery and drug development. Patients are becoming more aware of immunotherapy as a viable cancer treatment option, and they often seek out these therapies. This increased patient demand drives pharmaceutical companies to invest in immunotherapy drug discovery. As research uncovers new insights into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of cancer, the focus on developing immunotherapies for a broader range of cancer types, including rare cancers, has increased. Outsourcing certain aspects of drug discovery, such as target identification, preclinical research, and clinical trial management, helps pharmaceutical companies reduce research and development costs and allocate resources more efficiently.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Patient Demand and Awareness

Patients today have greater access to information about cancer treatment options, including immunotherapy, through the internet, social media, and patient advocacy groups. This increased awareness leads patients to seek out the latest and most promising therapies. Many patients with cancer are seeking innovative and more effective treatments, especially when traditional therapies have not yielded satisfactory results or are associated with significant side effects. Immunotherapies represent a promising and less toxic approach. Awareness about the concept of personalized medicine has grown. Patients are increasingly aware that cancer immunotherapies can be tailored to their specific genetic and molecular profiles, making them more effective and less likely to cause adverse effects. Patients are more willing to participate in clinical trials, as they recognize the potential benefits of receiving cutting-edge treatments. Clinical trials often rely on outsourcing services for various aspects, including patient recruitment and data management. Patient advocacy groups and organizations dedicated to specific types of cancer actively promote awareness about the latest treatments, including immunotherapies. They often collaborate with researchers and pharmaceutical companies, indirectly contributing to the growth of outsourcing services. As patients become more informed, they engage in discussions with their healthcare providers about treatment options, including immunotherapy. This dialogue drives interest in these therapies and encourages healthcare professionals to explore outsourcing for the latest treatments.

Personal success stories shared by other patients who have benefited from immunotherapy can influence a patient's decision to explore these treatments. Such stories often lead to increased inquiries about immunotherapies and clinical trials. Patients and their families, driven by a desire for better treatment options, often support cancer research funding and philanthropic efforts. These contributions can indirectly lead to an increase in cancer immunotherapy research and, by extension, outsourcing services. Patients in various regions and socioeconomic backgrounds are demanding improved access to advanced treatments, including immunotherapies. Outsourcing can help bridge the gap by making these treatments more widely available. Patient demand and awareness are not limited to a single geographic region. These factors are increasingly shaping the global landscape of cancer immunotherapy research and outsourcing. This factor will help in the development of the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market.

Technological Advancements

 Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized genomics by enabling the rapid and cost-effective sequencing of large volumes of DNA and RNA. This technology is crucial for identifying genetic mutations and biomarkers in cancer patients, which is essential for the development of personalized immunotherapies. High-Throughput Screening (HTS) technologies allow the rapid testing of thousands of drug compounds to identify potential immunotherapeutic agents. This accelerates the drug discovery process by identifying promising candidates for further development. Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) is a powerful imaging technique that has advanced our understanding of the structural biology of proteins and their interactions. It has been instrumental in studying the structures of immune checkpoint proteins and antibodies, which are crucial for immunotherapy development. Single-cell RNA sequencing and mass cytometry techniques enable researchers to analyze individual cells within a tumor or immune microenvironment. This level of detail is essential for understanding the heterogeneity of tumors and the immune response.

AI and machine learning algorithms are used to analyze large datasets, predict potential drug candidates, and identify biomarkers. These technologies can speed up drug discovery and improve the accuracy of target identification. CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows for precise and targeted genetic modifications. It is used to develop preclinical models, validate potential drug targets, and study the role of specific genes in cancer and the immune response. Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of more sophisticated monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and other biologics used in cancer immunotherapy. Technologies for vaccine development, such as mRNA vaccine platforms (similar to the ones used in COVID-19 vaccines), are being explored for their potential in cancer immunotherapy.

These technologies allow for the detailed analysis of immune cell populations and their functional characteristics in response to cancer. They help in identifying potential targets for immunotherapies. Liquid biopsies, which involve the analysis of blood or other body fluids, provide a non-invasive way to monitor tumor mutations and immune response markers, aiding in patient selection and monitoring of therapy responses. Managing and analyzing the vast amount of data generated in cancer immunotherapy research is made possible through big data analytics tools, which help in identifying patterns and insights. Improved cell culture methods, including organoids and patient-derived xenograft models, enable more accurate testing of potential therapies before moving to clinical trials. This factor will pace up the demand of the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market.

Emerging Cancer Types

Emerging cancer types often lack effective treatment options, leading to unmet medical needs. Immunotherapy offers a promising avenue for addressing these needs, and the outsourcing of drug discovery services becomes crucial in developing innovative therapies. Advances in genomics and molecular biology have led to the discovery of specific genetic mutations and biomarkers associated with rare or newly recognized cancer types. Outsourcing services play a role in identifying these targets and developing tailored immunotherapies.

Patients and advocacy groups dedicated to less common cancers actively raise awareness and support research efforts. This advocacy can drive research funding and partnerships, increasing the demand for outsourcing services to accelerate drug development. The concept of personalized or precision medicine is especially relevant for emerging cancer types, where the genetic and molecular profiles of tumors vary widely. Outsourcing helps develop therapies tailored to individual patients. Regulatory agencies may provide incentives or expedited pathways for the development of treatments for rare or orphan diseases, including rare cancer types. This can encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and outsourcing.

Collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and outsourcing firms can bring together specialized expertise in rare cancer types, ensuring that innovative solutions are developed. Outsourcing services enable access to global expertise and resources, allowing for a wider and more diverse approach to addressing rare and emerging cancer types. The design and management of clinical trials for rare cancers requires expertise in patient recruitment, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. Outsourcing is often used to optimize these processes. While individual rare cancer markets may be smaller, the cumulative market potential for emerging cancer types can be significant. Pharmaceutical companies recognize this growth potential and invest in research and outsourcing services. The introduction of immunotherapies for rare cancers expands the range of therapeutic options available to patients, providing hope and improving the quality of life for those affected. This factor will accelerate the demand of the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market.

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Key Market Challenges

Quality Control and Standardization

The drug discovery process for cancer immunotherapies is complex and continually evolving. Ensuring consistent quality and standards across different stages of this process, from target identification to clinical trials, is a significant challenge. Outsourcing projects often involve multiple sites, including research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations (CROs). Coordinating and maintaining quality standards across these different entities can be challenging. Immunotherapy research and development employ a wide range of technologies and techniques, from genomics to cell-based assays. Standardizing procedures and ensuring quality across these diverse methods is essential. Quality control extends to data management and integration. Diverse data sources, such as genomics data, clinical trial data, and patient records, need to be standardized and integrated for comprehensive analysis.

Long Development Timelines

Cancer immunotherapy drug discovery involves a multifaceted process, from target identification to clinical trials. Each step requires rigorous testing and validation, contributing to lengthy timelines. Preclinical research, including target identification, biomarker discovery, and initial drug testing, can be time-consuming. The need for extensive validation and optimization of potential therapies adds to the timeline. Clinical trials, which are a critical stage in drug development, are inherently time-consuming. These trials often consist of multiple phases, including safety and efficacy assessments, and each phase requires a substantial amount of time. Navigating the regulatory approval process, which varies by region, adds time to drug development. Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and addressing regulatory queries can lead to delays. Patient recruitment for clinical trials, especially in the case of rare cancers, can be a major bottleneck. Finding and enrolling eligible participants often takes longer than anticipated. The analysis and reporting of clinical trial data are time-intensive tasks. Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data adds to the timeline before a therapy can progress to the next phase or regulatory submission.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Research in Checkpoint Inhibitors

Checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, have demonstrated substantial clinical success in the treatment of various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and more. This success has driven increased research and development in this area. Research is ongoing to explore the use of checkpoint inhibitors for a broader range of cancer types and stages. This expansion of indications requires extensive outsourcing services for clinical trial management and patient recruitment. Researchers are investigating combinations of checkpoint inhibitors with other immunotherapies, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiation therapy. This approach requires extensive research and outsourcing support. Identifying predictive and prognostic biomarkers to guide the use of checkpoint inhibitors is a key focus of research. Outsourcing services play a critical role in biomarker discovery. The trend toward personalized medicine in cancer treatment emphasizes the need to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from checkpoint inhibitors. Outsourcing services contribute to this patient-centric approach.

Segmental Insights

Service Type Insights

In 2022, the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market largest share was held by target identification segment and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Target identification is a fundamental step in the drug discovery process. It involves pinpointing specific molecules, proteins, or genetic markers that are associated with cancer cells or the immune system's response to these cells. It's the starting point for developing cancer immunotherapies. With the growing emphasis on personalized medicine in cancer treatment, target identification becomes even more crucial. Researchers aim to identify specific targets that can be tailored to individual patients, increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy. Target identification encompasses various techniques, including genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. These diverse approaches allow for a comprehensive understanding of cancer and potential therapeutic targets. Identifying suitable targets requires a high level of expertise in molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics. Many pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms outsource this critical step to specialized service providers with the necessary knowledge and technology. The pharmaceutical industry often collaborates with outsourcing firms and research institutions to discover and validate potential targets. This collaborative approach accelerates the target identification process.

Drug Type Insights

In 2022, the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market largest share was held by monoclonal antibodies segment and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years.  Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific and can be designed to target cancer cells or specific markers on these cells. This targeted approach often results in a more effective and less toxic treatment, making monoclonal antibodies a preferred choice for cancer immunotherapy. Many monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated success in clinical trials and have been approved for the treatment of various cancers. Their proven efficacy has led to a growing interest in developing new monoclonal antibodies for different cancer types. Monoclonal antibodies have been used in the treatment of a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and more. Their versatility and adaptability contribute to their dominant position in the market. Pharmaceutical companies often collaborate with outsourcing service providers to research, discover, and develop new monoclonal antibody-based cancer immunotherapies. This collaboration drives demand for outsourcing services in this segment. The development of monoclonal antibodies often relies on the identification of specific biomarkers on cancer cells. Outsourcing services play a crucial role in biomarker discovery, which is essential for creating targeted monoclonal antibodies.

Cancer Type Insights

In 2022, the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market largest share was held by lung cancer segment in the forecast period and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years.  Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer worldwide. Its high incidence and prevalence mean that there is a significant demand for effective treatments, driving research and development efforts. Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of lung cancer, particularly in the case of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Researchers and pharmaceutical companies have focused on developing immunotherapies specific to lung cancer, leading to more outsourcing in this segment. Lung cancer has various subtypes with distinct genetic mutations. Identifying specific biomarkers in lung cancer patients is essential for developing personalized immunotherapies, which has led to increased outsourcing for biomarker discovery. There is a significant number of clinical trials for lung cancer immunotherapies. These trials often require extensive outsourcing services for patient recruitment, data analysis, and other aspects of drug development. Regions like North America and Europe have a well-established research and development ecosystem for lung cancer treatment. This includes academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical research organizations that actively engage in outsourcing services.

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Regional Insights

The North America region dominates the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market in 2022. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure and a well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This infrastructure supports and accelerates drug discovery and development efforts. The region is home to numerous leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic research institutions, and healthcare facilities that collaborate extensively on cancer immunotherapy research and development. North America has robust funding mechanisms for healthcare and life sciences research. This access to capital allows for increased investment in cancer immunotherapy drug discovery and outsourcing services. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada have extensive experience in evaluating and approving immunotherapy drugs. Their expertise facilitates smoother development and regulatory processes. The region attracts and retains top talent in fields like immunology, genetics, bioinformatics, and clinical research, which are crucial for cancer immunotherapy research and development.

Recent Developments

• In February 2023, Personalis, Inc., a prominent player in advanced genomics for precision oncology, has announced a new agreement with Moderna, Inc., a pioneering biotechnology company in the field of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines. This agreement extends the use of the Personalis NeXT Platform in upcoming clinical studies focused on mRNA-4157/V940, an investigational personalized cancer vaccine jointly developed by Moderna and Merck (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada). The NeXT Platform, previously employed in the Phase 2b clinical study of the vaccine candidate, will continue to be utilized. It serves the purpose of sequencing genomic data derived from a patient's tumor sample. This sequencing is aimed at identifying the distinct genetic mutations that are most likely to elicit a customized antitumor response.
•  Personalis, Inc. is at the forefront of advanced cancer genomics, facilitating the development of the next generation of precision cancer therapies and diagnostics. The Personalis NeXT Platform is thoughtfully designed to adapt to the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of cancer. It equips biopharmaceutical clients and healthcare practitioners with comprehensive information on all approximately 20,000 human genes and the immune system, all derived from a single sample.
• In July 2021, Labcorp unveiled its plans for an expansion of its oncology offerings by acquiring OmniSeq, a trailblazer in solid tumor profiling utilizing next generation sequencing technologies and providing extensive pharmaceutical services to advance drug development. This strategic move further strengthens Labcorp's expanding array of diagnostic tests and clinical trial prospects for individuals grappling with cancer and the healthcare professionals dedicated to their care. With the integration of OmniSeq, Labcorp enriches its oncology test lineup, which is tailored to harness cutting-edge scientific advancements and insights from clinical and patient data, ultimately delivering precise solutions for cancer and enhancing patient outcomes.

Key Market Players

• Covance, Inc.
• Horizon Discovery Group PLC
• Crown Bioscience, Inc.
• Promega Corporation
• HD Biosciences Co., Ltd.
• BPS Bioscience, Inc.
• Genscript Biotech Corporation
• DiscoverX Corporation
• Celentyx Ltd.
• ImmunXperts SA

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market, By Service Type:

o   Target Identification and Validation

o   Lead Screening and Characterization

o   Cell-based Assays

• Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market, By Drug Type:

o   Monoclonal Antibodies

o   Immunomodulators

o   Cancer Vaccines and Oncolytic Viral Therapy

o   others

• Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market, By Cancer Type:

o   Lung

o   Breast

o   Colorectal

o   Melanoma

o   Prostate

o   Others

• Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market, By region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Australia

§  Japan

o   Europe

§  Germany

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Spain

§  Italy

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Cancer Immunotherapy Drug Discovery Outsourcing Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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