Nanobodies Market – Industry Trends & Overview
Nanobodies Market reached US$ 602.98 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 3,317.93 Million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 20.9% during the forecast period 2025-2033.
Nanobodies are also known as single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) or VHH antibodies. They are derived from the heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs) found in camelids, such as alpacas, llamas, and camels. Unlike conventional antibodies that consist of both heavy and light chains, HCAbs are composed of heavy chains, which allows for the production of smaller antibody fragments.
Key drivers of the market include the increasing adoption of nanobodies in diagnostics, especially for viral infections like COVID-19, and their growing use in targeted therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. The demand for next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics, along with rising investments in R&D by pharmaceutical companies, further propels market growth.
Opportunities in the market are expanding with advancements in biotechnology, the development of new nanobody-based products, and the growing awareness and early diagnosis initiatives for diseases such as cancer. The ability to manufacture nanobodies simply and their application in biosensors and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for precision medicine are also significant opportunities.
Major trends shaping the market include a shift toward personalized medicine, increased focus on oncology, and the integration of nanobodies in rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Strategic collaborations and technological innovations are also contributing to the momentum of the nanobodies market.
Executive Summary
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Nanobodies Market Dynamics: Drivers
Advancements in precision medicine and personalized therapeutics
Advancements in precision medicine and personalized therapeutics are vital for the expansion of the global nanobodies market. This growth is driven by their ability to deliver customized treatments, improve targeting capabilities, minimize immunogenicity, facilitate rapid development, and support a wide range of applications across various diseases.
Additionally, the integration of nanobodies into diagnostic tools enhances their significance in personalized medicine, positioning them as a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes through tailored therapeutic strategies. For instance, in June 2023, Attovia is positioned to contribute to the next generation of precision medicines in immunology and oncology.
The company emerged as a spinout from Alamar Biosciences, leveraging Alamar’s proprietary Attobody platform, which creates “biparatopic” nanobodies engineered molecules that combine two nanobody fragments to bind two different sites on a single target protein.
Nanobodies Market Dynamics: Restraints
High production costs
The high production costs are expected to hinder the global nanobodies market growth. The production of nanobodies involves complex biotechnological processes, including recombinant DNA technology and phage display, which necessitate specialized equipment and skilled personnel. These complexities contribute to significantly higher production costs compared to traditional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
For instance, according to Kerafast, custom nanobody production can reach prices as high as $18,000 for just 1 mg. Such costs may limit accessibility for smaller research institutions and hinder widespread adoption in clinical settings. Similarly, from the same source, the production of nanobodies is associated with high costs, with prices reaching up to $21,000 for just 1 mg in some cases. Thus, the above factors could be limiting the global nanobodies market's potential growth.
Nanobodies Market - Segment Analysis
The global nanobodies market is segmented based on product type, application, end-user, and region.
Product Type:
The monovalent nanobodies segment is expected to hold 34.3% of the global nanobodies market in 2024
Monovalent nanobodies are specifically designed to target a single antigen with high specificity. This design simplifies their application in diagnostics and research, making them valuable tools across various settings. Their selective binding capability enhances their effectiveness in identifying specific biomarkers, which is particularly important in the context of precision medicine.
There is a rising need for molecular probes utilized in research, diagnostics, and imaging applications. Monovalent nanobodies are particularly well-suited for these roles due to their small size and high affinity, enabling them to effectively target and visualize specific molecules within complex biological systems.
For instance, according to the NCBI research publication in January 2023, monovalent nanobodies exhibit superior abilities to target tumor-associated macrophages compared to bivalent nanobodies, particularly in tumor environments. Their enhanced diffusion and selective binding make them effective tools in cancer therapy. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the nanobodies market.
Additionally, using bivalent nanobodies can help reduce peripheral antigenic sinks, thereby increasing the availability of monovalent nanobodies in tumors and optimizing their therapeutic effectiveness. This research provides valuable insights into how different formats of nanobodies can be strategically utilized to improve cancer treatment outcomes by enhancing the targeting of immune cells within tumors. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the nanobodies market.
The bispecific nanobodies segment is expected to hold 24.56% of the global nanobodies market in 2024
Bispecific nanobodies are specifically designed to bind to two different antigens or epitopes at the same time. This unique feature enables them to target multiple pathways, which can lead to better therapeutic outcomes, especially in complex diseases like cancer, where various mechanisms are often involved.
The ability of bispecific nanobodies to simultaneously target tumor-associated antigens and immune checkpoints, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, can significantly boost anti-tumor activity. Research has indicated that these bispecific nanobodies can effectively inhibit tumor growth by engaging T cells more efficiently than traditional monoclonal antibodies.
For instance, the oncogene research study in May 2024 showed that bispecific nanobodies can enhance T-cell activation and improve overall anti-tumor responses, demonstrating their potential as powerful tools in cancer immunotherapy. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the nanobodies market.
Nanobodies Market – Geographical Analysis
North America is expected to hold 42.8% of the global nanobodies market in 2024
The increasing incidence of chronic diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, is driving the need for effective nanobody treatment solutions. There is an increasing inclination towards targeted therapies across various medical fields, especially in oncology.
Nanobodies, recognized for their high specificity and ability to bind to intricate biomolecules, are considered ideal candidates for such targeted treatment options. Their distinct properties facilitate improved therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects compared to traditional monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, in this region, a major number of key players' presence, well-advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong investment in research and development, technological advancements, and product launches & approvals help to propel the nanobodies market growth.
For instance, in June 2024, in the US, Shaperon, a South Korean biopharmaceutical company known for its expertise in immune therapeutics, and Dong-A ST, a leading pharmaceutical company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on developing new drugs based on nanobody technology. Nanobodies are a new class of therapeutic molecules derived from the antibodies of camelids (like alpacas and llamas). Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as a dominant force in the nanobodies market.
Asia Pacific is expected to hold 16.5% of the global nanobodies market in 2024
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a significant increase in its elderly population, which is more vulnerable to chronic diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. This shift is driving the demand for innovative therapeutic options, including nanobodies. Chronic diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly cancer and infectious diseases. For instance, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) reported around 62,970 new HIV infections in India in 2021, this demands effective treatment solutions such as nanobodies. The increasing burden of such diseases is fueling the demand for targeted therapies like nanobodies.
The region is enhancing its research capabilities through increased investments in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. Countries such as China and India are focusing on strengthening their healthcare systems and fostering research institutions specializing in nanobody technology. This commitment to developing advanced medical solutions is contributing significantly to the nanobodies market growth.
Japan, China, and India are expected to hold the largest market share within the Asia-Pacific region due to their robust pharmaceutical industry, significant investments in biopharmaceutical research, and product launches & approvals. The country’s commitment to advancing healthcare technology positions it as a leader in the nanobodies market.
Nanobodies Market Major Players
The major global players in the nanobodies market include Sanofi, Biocytogen, Abnova Corporation, Proteintech Group, Inc., CUSABIO TECHNOLOGY LLC, Sino Biological, Inc., Capra Science, LubioScience GmbH, R&D Systems, Inc., ProteoGenix, and Kerafast, among others.
Nanobodies Market Emerging Players
The emerging players in the global nanobodies market include GT Biopharma, Inc., MoonLake TX, Legend Biotech, and Rapid Novor, Inc., among others.
Nanobodies Market - Key Developments
In May 2024, MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for inflammatory diseases, announced the initiation of its global Phase 3 clinical program called VELA. This program is designed to evaluate sonelokimab, an investigational nanobody, in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
In March 2024, MoonLake Immunotherapeutics announced significant progress regarding its investigational nanobody, sonelokimab, in treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The company reported that continued treatment with sonelokimab led to substantial improvements in key clinical outcomes at the 24-week mark of the ARGO trial, a Phase 2 clinical trial specifically designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab in patients with active PsA.
Market Scope
Metrics | Details | |
CAGR | 20.9% | |
Market Size Available for Years | 2022-2033 | |
Estimation Forecast Period | 2025-2033 | |
Revenue Units | Value (US$ Mn) | |
Segments Covered | Product Type | Monovalent Nanobodies, Bivalent Nanobodies, Bispecific Nanobodies, Multivalent Nanobodies, Others |
Application | Therapeutic, Diagnostic, Research | |
End-User | Hospitals, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Diagnostic Laboratories, Others | |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa | |
The global nanobodies market report delivers a detailed analysis with 65 key tables, more than 56 visually impactful figures, and 173 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.
