APAC Next Generation Sequencing Market Outlook to 2030

APAC Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Market Overview

• The APAC Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Market is currently witnessing significant growth, reaching a market size of USD 20 Bn, driven by advances in genomic research, rising prevalence of genetic disorders, and increasing adoption of personalized medicine. NGS technologies allow for rapid sequencing of DNA and RNA, making them essential for a range of applications including cancer diagnostics, drug discovery, and agriculture. The growing demand for high-throughput sequencing solutions in clinical and research settings has led to widespread adoption of NGS technologies across the region.

• Major markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea are leading the APAC NGS market due to their strong focus on healthcare innovation, government funding for genomic research, and the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructures. In China, for instance, the government has been actively promoting precision medicine initiatives, contributing to increased NGS adoption. Meanwhile, emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia are also experiencing growth in the NGS sector, as the awareness of genetic testing and its applications in healthcare continues to rise.
• Government policies and initiatives play a critical role in shaping the NGS landscape across the region. Chinas National Health Commission has implemented guidelines to expand the use of NGS in clinical settings, particularly for cancer diagnostics. Similarly, Japans Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved several NGS-based tests for genetic diseases, driving market growth in the country. These supportive policies, combined with the growing demand for precision medicine, are expected to propel the APAC NGS market forward in the coming years.

APAC Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Market Segmentation

• By Technology: The market is segmented by technology into Sequencing by Synthesis (SBS), Ion Semiconductor Sequencing, Nanopore Sequencing, and Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing. Sequencing by Synthesis (SBS) is the dominant technology, with a market share of 57% in 2023. Its dominance is attributed to its widespread use in research and clinical applications, offering high accuracy and throughput. SBS platforms, such as Illuminas, are favored in academic research and hospitals for oncology diagnostics, which require large-scale sequencing and detailed genomic analysis.

• By Application: The market is segmented by application into diagnostics, drug discovery, agriculture, infectious disease and others. Diagnostics represent the largest segment, as NGS is increasingly being used for cancer screening, genetic testing, and infectious disease diagnostics. The ability to sequence entire genomes at a relatively low cost has made NGS an indispensable tool in personalized medicine, particularly for identifying genetic mutations linked to diseases. In the field of drug discovery, NGS is being utilized to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, driving the market growth for pharmaceutical applications.

APAC Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Market Competitive Landscape

The APAC NGS market is highly competitive, with both global and regional players investing in advanced sequencing technologies and expanding their product portfolios. Key players such as Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and BGI Genomics dominate the market with their cutting-edge sequencing platforms and consumables. These companies are also focusing on strategic partnerships, collaborations, and mergers to enhance their market presence and cater to the growing demand for NGS across the APAC region.

APAC Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Technological Advancements in Sequencing Platforms: Technological advancements in sequencing platforms have been a key driver for the growth of the APAC NGS market. For example, next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms in countries like China and Japan have been enhanced with more efficient sequencing techniques, reducing sequencing times and increasing data accuracy. The number of genome sequences available has risen dramatically, with over 350 human genomes sequenced globally as of 2023, a significant portion of which originates from APAC. Increased automation and integration of AI in sequencing have also reduced human errors, further driving adoption.
• Increasing Adoption in Clinical Diagnostics: The use of NGS in clinical diagnostics, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases, is expanding in APAC. NGS is widely adopted for cancer diagnosis and monitoring, with China leading the region in the number of genomic tests performed annually. According to the National Health Commission of China, thousands of cancer patients underwent genomic testing in 2023. Additionally, NGS-based diagnostics played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic in sequencing viral strains across countries like India and Singapore, where genomic surveillance programs have identified over 100,000 virus samples.
• Growing Adoption of Personalized Medicine: Personalized medicine is gaining traction in APAC, particularly in oncology, where NGS is being used to identify specific genetic mutations that guide treatment decisions. The increasing use of NGS in cancer diagnostics and treatment is a key growth driver, as it enables healthcare providers to offer targeted therapies based on a patients genetic profile. The expansion of personalized medicine programs in countries like Japan and South Korea is expected to boost the NGS market significantly.

Market Challenges

• High Cost of NGS Technologies: One of the major challenges facing the APAC NGS market is the high cost associated with NGS technologies. Although the cost of sequencing has decreased significantly over the past decade, the initial investment required for NGS platforms, reagents, and data analysis remains high. This is particularly challenging for smaller research institutions and healthcare providers in emerging markets, where financial constraints may limit the adoption of NGS technologies.
• Data Privacy and Security Concerns: The growing use of NGS in clinical settings has raised concerns about data privacy and security, particularly with regard to the handling of genetic information. As more patient data is generated through NGS technologies, there is an increasing need for robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information. The lack of clear regulations around genetic data privacy in some APAC countries could pose challenges to the widespread adoption of NGS technologies in healthcare.

APAC Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Market Future Outlook

The APAC NGS market is expected to experience strong growth over the next five years, driven by advancements in genomic research, the rising prevalence of genetic diseases, and the growing adoption of precision medicine. The increasing use of NGS technologies in clinical diagnostics, particularly for cancer and rare diseases, will further propel market growth. As governments continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure and genomic research, the demand for NGS solutions is expected to rise across the region.

Future Market Opportunities

• Integration of NGS in Personalized Medicine and Precision Health: The integration of NGS in personalized medicine and precision health presents vast opportunities in APAC. Japan's precision health initiatives have already benefited thousands of patients, using NGS for tailored treatment plans in oncology. Similarly, South Korea has launched a national program aimed at integrating NGS into healthcare by 2025, which will make genomic testing a standard practice for cancer diagnosis and rare disease treatment. As the healthcare sector shifts towards personalized medicine, NGS is expected to play an integral role in improving treatment outcomes.
• Expansion of NGS Applications in Agricultural Genomics: NGS technologies are increasingly applied in agricultural genomics, contributing to advancements in crop breeding and livestock production in APAC. In 2023, China sequenced the genomes of over 1,000 rice varieties to enhance crop resilience to climate change. Similarly, in Australia, NGS has been used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance in livestock, with over 2 million cattle genotyped in 2023. This expansion of NGS into agriculture presents significant opportunities for improving food security in the region.