Bioinformatics is a set of enabling technologies responsible for the annotation, storage, analysis and search/retrieval of nucleic acid sequence, protein sequence and structural information. This includes integration of the information on the sequences and structures of nucleic acids and proteins into databases such as EMBL, as well as methods to access, search, model and analyze this information.

This BCC study examines the current status of the worldwide bioinformatics industry and assesses its growth potential over a six-year period to 2010. Of particular interest is the value added by bioinformatics in the process of drug discovery and development. Also examined are various technologies and patenting trends in the industry. In addition, market potential for emerging bioinformatics applications such as gene therapy, molecular medicine, etc. is assessed.

Primary focus is on the application of bioinformatics to the process of drug discovery and development, the major user of the technology. Worldwide activity in this sector was considered for this report.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• Technological descriptions of, and patenting trends in bioinformatics
• Examination of the economic environment impacting the deployment of bioinformatics
• Analysis of market factors and the worldwide potential of bioinformatics through 2010
• Analysis of the basis of products, applications and geographic presence
• Discussion of other influential factors such as R&D spending in the pharmaceutical sector, the growth of agrobiotechnology, and the expanded use of microbial genomics.

METHODOLOGY

This in-depth analysis of bioinformatics products and applications analyzes the current and potential opportunities for bioinformatics businesses, includes values for 2002 where available, and estimates revenues for 2005 and 2010. We also analyze the geographic divide in the bioinformatics industry and provide brief profiles of 14 key industry players.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC surveyed approximately 20 companies to obtain data for this study. The companies included major content providers, analysis software providers as well as providers of IT infrastructure and support. Interviews and discussions with industry experts and business analysts helped in building a comprehensive understanding of bioinformatics businesses. In addition, we also compiled data from current financial and trade information and government sources.