Protein Sequencing Market By Technology (Mass Spectrometry, Edman Degradation, De Novo Sequencing); By Application (Biopharmaceutical Drug Development, Disease Biomarker Identification, Antibody Characterization, Proteogenomics); By End User (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Academic & Research Institutions, CROs, Clinical Diagnostic Labs); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Protein Sequencing Market will witness a robust CAGR of 13.2%, valued at $1.35 billion in 2024 , and is expected to appreciate and reach $2.86 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research. This accelerating growth is being propelled by advancements in proteomics research, rising demand for personalized medicine, and the proliferation of biologics in drug discovery.

 

Protein sequencing refers to the process of determining the amino acid sequence of a protein molecule. As a critical tool in molecular biology and biopharmaceutical R&D, protein sequencing offers deep insights into protein structure, function, and interaction networks. These insights fuel innovation across diverse verticals, including drug development, diagnostics, synthetic biology, and agricultural genomics.

 

Strategically, the protein sequencing market plays a foundational role in supporting precision medicine and disease-specific therapeutic development. As the life sciences industry pivots toward biomarker-based diagnostics and biologic drug formulations, accurate and high-throughput protein identification is becoming indispensable.

 

Three macro forces are shaping this market’s trajectory between 2024 and 2030:

• Technological Convergence : Breakthroughs in mass spectrometry, microfluidics, and AI-enabled sequencing are boosting both speed and resolution, allowing researchers to decode increasingly complex proteomes with high fidelity.

• Rising Global Health Burden : The prevalence of diseases with proteomic signatures—such as cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and rare genetic disorders—is compelling pharmaceutical companies to deepen their molecular understanding, further increasing reliance on protein analysis tools.

• Regulatory and Institutional Backing : Government-funded initiatives in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific to enhance genomic infrastructure are directly stimulating demand for advanced proteomics solutions, including sequencing platforms and services.
   

The market ecosystem consists of several high-impact stakeholders:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of sequencing systems and reagents

• Academic and Research Institutions pioneering new protein science models

• Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology Firms driving product commercialization

• Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offering outsourced sequencing services

• Government and Public Health Agencies funding proteomics research

• Private Investors and Venture Capitalists fueling biotech startups in proteomics

In the coming years, strategic focus will shift toward automation , AI integration , and multi-omics convergence , turning protein sequencing into a cornerstone of next-generation life sciences innovation.

 

As the backbone of biologic data generation, protein sequencing is transitioning from a lab tool to a clinical and industrial enabler—transforming how we detect disease, design therapies, and engineer biology.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The protein sequencing market can be strategically segmented based on technology , application , end user , and geography . This layered segmentation reflects the interdisciplinary nature of protein research and the broad spectrum of industries leveraging sequencing insights for both foundational and applied use.

By Technology

• Mass Spectrometry-Based Protein Sequencing

• Edman Degradation-Based Protein Sequencing

• De Novo Protein Sequencing

Mass spectrometry-based protein sequencing dominated the market in 2024 , accounting for approximately 63% of global revenue, owing to its scalability, automation compatibility, and ability to analyze post-translational modifications. However, de novo sequencing is expected to grow at the fastest rate due to its utility in characterizing novel proteins, especially in orphan diseases and next-gen biologics.

 

By Application

• Biopharmaceutical Drug Development

• Disease Biomarker Identification

• Antibody Characterization

• Proteogenomics

Among these, biopharmaceutical drug development remains the largest application segment, driven by the explosive growth in biologics and biosimilars. Meanwhile, proteogenomics is emerging rapidly, especially in oncology, as researchers seek integrative datasets that combine proteomic and genomic insights.

 

By End User

• Academic & Research Institutions

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

• Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

• Clinical Diagnostic Labs

Pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies represent the dominant customer base, owing to their direct integration of sequencing data into R&D pipelines. However, CROs are expanding their footprint aggressively, especially in emerging markets, due to rising outsourcing trends among small-to-midsize pharma players.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

North America captured the largest share of the global market in 2024 , bolstered by cutting-edge research infrastructure, heavy investments from NIH, and widespread adoption of omics platforms. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by aggressive biotech expansion in China, India, and South Korea, and increased government focus on healthcare genomics.

This multi-dimensional segmentation highlights the strategic scope of protein sequencing as it evolves from academic research to a critical tool in clinical, industrial, and commercial settings.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The protein sequencing market is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by rapid technological innovation, cross-platform integration, and expanding applications in precision medicine and synthetic biology. As sequencing demand intensifies across drug discovery, diagnostics, and functional proteomics, stakeholders are investing heavily in next-gen solutions to address existing limitations around throughput, cost, and accuracy.

Key Innovation Trends Driving the Market

• AI and Machine Learning in Protein Structure Prediction Advanced deep learning models—like AlphaFold and its successors—are accelerating the interpretation of protein sequences into 3D structures, enabling real-time insights into protein folding, active sites, and therapeutic potential. This is catalyzing a shift from raw sequence data toward functional characterization.

“The ability to accurately model protein behavior from sequence data is reducing the cost and time to validate drug targets, particularly in complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer,” note computational biologists at leading pharma labs.

• Single-Molecule Protein Sequencing Researchers and biotech innovators are developing novel methods for label-free, single-molecule protein sequencing that avoid traditional enzymatic degradation steps. These technologies promise ultra-sensitive detection, even in complex biological matrices like plasma and CSF.

• Integration of Proteomics with Multi-Omics Platforms Cross-talk between genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics is gaining traction. Protein sequencing is increasingly being embedded into multi-omics workflows , allowing a more holistic view of cellular states and disease mechanisms.

“Integrated datasets that blend genomic variation with proteomic expression are becoming standard in oncology trials and rare disease programs,” highlights a director of translational medicine at a top U.S. research center .

• Miniaturization and Automation of Sample Preparation Automation of front-end workflows—sample digestion, peptide labeling , and chromatography—using microfluidic platforms is enhancing reproducibility and throughput. This shift is particularly impactful for CROs and diagnostic labs handling large sample volumes.

• CRISPR-Based Functional Proteomics Emerging applications combine CRISPR screening with proteomic readouts to dissect gene-function relationships at the protein level. This is creating a new field of functional proteomics , particularly relevant for synthetic biology and cellular therapy design.

 

Collaborations, Patents, and Emerging Pipelines

• Academic-industry collaborations are accelerating, particularly in the U.S. and EU, with large pharmaceutical companies funding university proteomics labs for access to niche sequencing technologies.

• Patent filings in de novo peptide sequencing and antibody epitope mapping have increased sharply since 2022, signaling a pipeline of proprietary, scalable technologies poised to commercialize post-2025.

• Several start-ups in North America and Europe are prototyping chip-based protein sequencing tools, hinting at an eventual move toward point-of-care proteomics in clinical settings.

The innovation landscape underscores a pivotal trend: protein sequencing is moving beyond basic science into the core of therapeutic design, diagnostics, and predictive modeling —reshaping the future of personalized healthcare.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The global protein sequencing market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of legacy players, innovative biotech firms, and research technology providers vying for market share. As sequencing becomes a critical component in therapeutic design, diagnostics, and biomarker discovery, companies are intensifying investments in R&D, automation, and service expansion to maintain competitive advantage.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

A dominant force in life sciences instrumentation, Thermo Fisher Scientific leverages its extensive mass spectrometry portfolio and global footprint to lead the protein sequencing space. The company’s competitive strength lies in its vertically integrated workflow solutions—from reagents and hardware to data analysis platforms. Its recent acquisition strategy has emphasized AI-based analytics and CRO partnerships, helping it target both academic and pharmaceutical customers.

 

Agilent Technologies

Agilent has made strategic inroads into proteomics through its high-resolution LC-MS systems and custom sample prep kits. With a focus on innovation-driven growth, Agilent collaborates with academic labs to co-develop proprietary sequencing protocols. Its flexible product architecture and modular platforms appeal strongly to small-to-mid-sized biotechs aiming for custom protein characterization.

 

Shimadzu Corporation

Known for its engineering precision, Shimadzu offers advanced mass spectrometers that are widely used in Asia-Pacific and Europe. The company is particularly strong in clinical research markets, where regulatory-compliant workflows and data integrity are essential. Shimadzu is actively expanding into the biomarker discovery domain through new hybrid sequencing technologies.

 

Bruker Corporation

Bruker maintains a stronghold in high-end mass spectrometry, specifically in MALDI-TOF and FT-ICR instruments. Its focus is increasingly shifting toward enabling single-cell proteomics , a frontier area that requires extreme sensitivity and resolution. Bruker’s collaboration with academic research centers positions it as a driver of next- gen sequencing breakthroughs.

 

Bioinformatics-Driven Players (e.g., Seer, Quantum-Si)

Startups like Seer and Quantum-Si are redefining the competitive map by integrating machine learning, nanotechnology, and chip-based sequencing. While not yet mass commercialized, these firms are pioneering next-gen protein sequencing platforms that promise single-molecule resolution without the limitations of legacy enzymatic digestion or labeling steps.

 

Waters Corporation

Waters continues to lead in chromatography-linked sequencing workflows, particularly in regulated markets such as pharmaceutical QC and bioprocess validation. Its robust data analytics infrastructure supports deep protein profiling across both discovery and production use cases.

 

Evosep and Rapid Novor

As protein sequencing becomes more service-oriented, Rapid Novor stands out as a specialist CRO offering antibody sequencing and de novo peptide sequencing . Evosep , meanwhile, is innovating in high-throughput sample preparation with systems designed to handle hundreds of clinical samples per day—an asset for biomarker-driven trials.

The competitive dynamic is shifting from pure instrument innovation to ecosystem integration—where software, service capabilities, and regulatory-readiness determine market leadership. Future winners will be those that seamlessly bridge discovery, validation, and clinical deployment.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The adoption of protein sequencing technologies is geographically varied, driven by differences in R&D investment, healthcare infrastructure, academic collaborations, and regulatory alignment. While North America currently leads the global market, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region due to aggressive national genomics programs and biotech investments.

North America

North America held the largest share of the protein sequencing market in 2024 , supported by its mature biotechnology ecosystem, deep institutional funding, and strong presence of global players like Thermo Fisher Scientific , Agilent , and Bruker .

• The United States alone accounts for over half of global sequencing revenue, fueled by NIH-backed initiatives such as the Human Proteome Project and widespread adoption of mass spectrometry in academic and pharma R&D.

• High adoption rates are observed in oncology, neurodegenerative research, and monoclonal antibody development.

• Leading universities and pharmaceutical companies often collaborate to develop proprietary proteomic assays, further anchoring the region’s technological dominance.

“North America is not only a market leader—it’s an innovation engine that sets global benchmarks for proteomic accuracy, automation, and scalability,” observes a life sciences strategist at a major CRO.

 

Europe

Europe is the second-largest market, with significant activity concentrated in Germany , UK , France , and Netherlands .

• EU-funded programs such as Horizon Europe have catalyzed research in proteogenomics and translational proteomics , enhancing demand from academic research centers and contract organizations.

• Strict regulatory frameworks in the EU also drive the adoption of compliant, high-precision sequencing systems in clinical trials and drug validation studies.

• Regional players such as Evosep are making significant strides in automating sample preparation, which is particularly appealing for high-throughput clinical laboratories.

 

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region , projected to register a CAGR exceeding 15% between 2024 and 2030.

• China and India are spearheading regional growth through national genomics missions and robust government funding in biotechnology.

• South Korea and Japan are integrating proteomics into national cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine strategies.

• The rapid growth of CROs and CDMOs in this region is also fueling demand for cost-efficient, scalable sequencing services.

“Asia-Pacific is shifting from a manufacturing hub to a discovery powerhouse—its infrastructure and talent pool are now aligned for deep proteomic innovation,” says a regional director of a European diagnostics company.

 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

While LAMEA remains the smallest regional market by revenue, pockets of growth are emerging.

• Brazil and South Africa are investing in genomic medicine, with academic research centers increasingly exploring proteomic integration for infectious diseases and public health genomics.

• The Middle East , particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia , is seeing growth in private-sector bio-innovation zones, though market maturity remains nascent.

• Key barriers include limited access to high-end instruments, low local manufacturing capabilities, and a shortage of trained proteomics professionals.

 

White Space Opportunities

• There is significant untapped potential in Eastern Europe , Southeast Asia , and Sub-Saharan Africa , where localized sequencing services could bridge cost and access barriers.

• Government investment in proteomics infrastructure and training programs will be critical for accelerating adoption in these underserved regions.

The regional landscape highlights an important strategic shift: while North America and Europe continue to dominate by volume and innovation, future growth will be increasingly shaped by Asia-Pacific’s rapid adoption and the gradual emergence of LAMEA as a next-wave opportunity.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The demand for protein sequencing technologies is expanding across a diverse base of end users, each with distinct functional requirements, budget constraints, and technological maturity levels. Understanding these dynamics is essential for vendors and investors seeking to tailor offerings and capture share in this evolving market.

1. Academic & Research Institutions

Universities and government-funded research centers remain foundational users of protein sequencing platforms. Their primary applications include basic research in molecular biology, structural proteomics, and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

• These institutions typically use high-throughput, versatile instruments with strong analytical software support.

• Grant-based funding drives equipment acquisition cycles, making affordability and long-term support critical purchasing criteria.

 

2. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

This segment constitutes the largest and most commercially valuable end-user base.

• Protein sequencing is integral to drug discovery , biologic characterization , monoclonal antibody validation , and biosimilar development .

• Large pharmaceutical companies invest in high-end mass spectrometry systems and integrate sequencing data with AI-driven drug design platforms.

• Biotech startups , especially those focused on cancer immunotherapy and rare diseases, rely on CROs or sequencing-as-a-service models to reduce capital burden.

“For biotech firms, rapid and accurate protein analysis can accelerate time-to-IND filings by several months—a competitive edge in fundraising and market entry,” notes a senior bioinformatics manager at a U.S.-based oncology company.

 

3. Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

CROs play a pivotal role in democratizing access to protein sequencing for smaller companies and academic projects.

• They offer end-to-end services including sample prep, sequencing, peptide mapping, and bioinformatics.

• CROs are especially active in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe , where cost-optimized labor and infrastructure give them a competitive edge.

The growth of functional proteomics and personalized medicine is encouraging CROs to expand sequencing capacity and invest in workflow automation.

 

4. Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories

Although still an emerging segment, clinical labs are starting to integrate protein sequencing into high-complexity diagnostic workflows.

• Use cases include biomarker validation , therapeutic monitoring , and early detection of complex diseases .

• Regulatory considerations around accuracy, reproducibility, and turnaround times influence the choice of technology—often favoring established platforms with strong compliance track records.

 

Use Case: Precision Oncology Program in South Korea

A leading tertiary hospital in Seoul launched a nationwide precision oncology initiative in collaboration with a genomics institute and a pharmaceutical company. The goal was to personalize treatment for late-stage colorectal cancer patients using multi-omics profiling. Protein sequencing, integrated with genomic and transcriptomic data, was used to identify protein biomarkers linked to therapeutic resistance.

• Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was employed to analyze tumor biopsies from over 300 patients.

• The data revealed unique protein isoform signatures associated with immunotherapy response.

• Based on the findings, the hospital developed a proteomic-guided treatment stratification algorithm now being validated in clinical trials.

This real-world case underscores how protein sequencing is moving beyond research to directly influence clinical decision-making in complex diseases.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

The past two years have witnessed significant developments in protein sequencing technologies, ranging from next-gen platform launches to strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing proteomics capabilities.

• Quantum-Si launched its first next-generation protein sequencing platform, Platinum™ , which utilizes semiconductor-based chip technology to detect single-molecule protein sequences. This launch marks a shift toward more scalable and miniaturized solutions suitable for point-of-care applications.

• Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid mass spectrometer , enhancing native protein analysis, post-translational modification detection, and throughput. This upgrade aligns with rising demand for deeper proteomic coverage in drug discovery.

• Evosep and Bruker announced a partnership to accelerate clinical proteomics workflows , enabling ultra-fast sample throughput for plasma proteome studies—critical for early disease diagnostics.

• Seer signed a multi-year collaboration with Discovery Life Sciences , combining Seer's nanoparticle-based proteomics with Discovery’s global biospecimen network to develop clinically relevant protein signatures.

• Rapid Novor expanded its sequencing-as-a-service portfolio to include comprehensive antibody de novo sequencing, targeting biotech and biosimilar developers in North America and Europe.

 

Opportunities

• AI-Driven Functional Proteomics

• Integration of AI with protein sequencing workflows offers new possibilities for predicting protein function, interaction, and disease relevance—enabling targeted drug development.

• Rise of Personalized Medicine

• Protein sequencing is becoming essential for identifying patient-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets, especially in oncology and autoimmune disorders.

• Expansion of Proteomics into Clinical Diagnostics

• Hospitals and diagnostic labs are beginning to implement proteomic assays to complement genomic testing, opening new clinical revenue streams.

 

Restraints

• High Instrumentation and Operational Costs

• Advanced sequencing systems, particularly mass spectrometry platforms, require significant capital investment and specialized operators—limiting penetration in low-resource settings.

• Shortage of Skilled Bioinformatics Professionals

• Interpreting complex protein sequencing data demands expertise in computational biology and proteomics, which remains scarce in many regions.

The combination of high innovation velocity and growing clinical demand positions protein sequencing for rapid adoption—yet overcoming infrastructure and talent barriers remains essential for equitable global market expansion.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 1.35 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 2.86 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 13.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Technology, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Technology	Mass Spectrometry, Edman Degradation, De Novo Sequencing
By Application	Biopharmaceutical Drug Development, Disease Biomarker Identification, Antibody Characterization, Proteogenomics
By End User	Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Academic & Research Institutions, CROs, Clinical Diagnostic Labs
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Rise in biologics and personalized medicine - Advancements in AI-powered proteomics - Growth in precision diagnostics
Customization Option	Available upon request