Genome Engineering Market Is Gaining Major Traction With Inscripta Inc. Introducing The Onyx Digital Genome Engineering Platform, A Fully Automated Benchtop Instrument For Genome-Scale Engineering

 

Genome engineering is a type of genetic engineering, where DNA is edited, inserted, deleted, or moved around in the genome of an individual living organism. This is done by disrupting the genetic instructions in the cells through a process called transcription. There are many uses for this technology and it has generated immense interest from people all over the world. The applications of genomics continue to grow with robust government funding. The number of genomics projects has increased significantly over the years with proactive government initiatives to support genome engineering projects. Recently, in April 2021, the Government of U.K. announced to fund US$ 50.86 million (£37 million) funding for genomics projects. The funding will be delivered through Genome UK Implementation Plan and the UK Functional Genomics Initiative. Hence, such factors can stimulate growth of the genome engineering market.

Another use of genome engineering is for site-specific intervention. One such example is where a patient who suffers from cystic fibrosis is given a certain DNA sequence from an acceptable donor, in the hope that it will correct the abnormalities in her condition. As far as regional impact is concerned, North America seems to be gaining significant traction in the genome engineering market. This traction can be attributed to the presence of robust research and development activities and a commercial base for advanced therapy development. On the contrary, Asia Pacific seems to be showing strong interest in the field of gene engineering with rising investment in the genomics sector. Recently, in October 2019, Inscripta Inc. launched the Onyx Digital Genome Engineering platform, a fully automated benchtop instrument for genome-scale engineering.

Gene editing can be used for different purposes. Some of these are to improve the health of patients suffering from diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, HIV, and others. It can also be used for the research of various types of viruses and to replace faulty genes with ones that function normally. However, there are certain challenges that could pose major hindrances in the development of the market. For instance, high initial investment and equipment could impede growth of the genome engineering market. Due to its high investment, emerging economies are hesitant on investing in genomics projects, which could limit the market growth.

A recent development in genome engineering is site-specific nucleases (also known as TALENs). These are specific nucleases introduced either singly or in pairs onto the target sequence. Another key factor that could augment growth of the said market is the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technology. CRISPR-Cas9 enables geneticists and medical researchers to edit parts of genome by adding, removing, or altering sections of the DNA sequence. CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to improve the immunity of bacterial cultures against viruses. Hence, such factors can augment growth of the genome engineering market.