Specialty Enzymes Market Business Insights, Key Trend Analysis

 Specialty enzymes are specific proteins designed to catalyse biochemical reactions for specialized applications in various industries. These enzymes are tailored to meet the unique requirements of different industrial processes, enhancing efficiency, specificity, and performance. The global specialty enzymes market size is estimated to be valued at USD 6.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9.2 billion by 2029, recording a CAGR of 8.5%.

Key Applications of Specialty Enzymes:

Food and Beverage Industry:

• Baking: Enzymes like amylases and proteases improve dough handling and bread quality.
• Dairy: Lactases break down lactose, aiding in the production of lactose-free products.
• Brewing: Proteases and beta-glucanases improve filtration and clarity in beer production.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Therapeutic Enzymes: Used to treat diseases such as enzyme replacement therapies for lysosomal storage disorders.
• Diagnostic Enzymes: Enzymes like glucose oxidase are used in biosensors for blood glucose monitoring.

 

Biofuels:

• Cellulases and Hemicellulases: Break down plant biomass into fermentable sugars for ethanol production.
• Lipases: Enhance biodiesel production by breaking down fats and oils.

Textile Industry:

• Amylases: Remove starch-based sizing agents from fabrics.
• Cellulases: Provide a soft finish to fabrics and improve color brightness.

Agriculture:

• Phytases: Improve the bioavailability of phosphorus in animal feed, enhancing nutrition.
• Proteases: Enhance the digestibility of feed proteins for better animal growth.

Enzymes sourced from animals hold a significant specialty enzymes market share

Animal-derived enzymes are often preferred for their high specificity and efficiency in catalyzing biochemical reactions, which is essential in various specialized processes. Pancreatic enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, are extensively used in drug formulation and the production of biologics. These enzymes facilitate the precise cleavage of peptide bonds, crucial for developing and manufacturing therapeutic proteins and peptides. Their specificity and activity levels make them indispensable in pharmaceutical applications, significantly contributing to their market share.

Moreover, animal-derived enzymes are essential in clinical diagnostics. For example, rennet, obtained from the stomachs of calves, is used in the coagulation process for cheese production, highlighting their importance in the food industry. In clinical settings, enzymes like lactase, derived from animal sources, are used in diagnostic kits to test for lactose intolerance, demonstrating their versatility and utility in both food processing and medical diagnostics.

A notable example of the significance of animal-sourced enzymes is the use of thrombin, derived from bovine sources, in surgical procedures. Thrombin is crucial for promoting blood clotting and is used in topical hemostatic agents to control bleeding during surgeries. The high efficacy and reliability of thrombin in medical applications underscore the importance of animal-derived enzymes in the specialty enzymes market.

Factors Driving the Specialty Enzymes Market Growth

Public funding and incentives for biotechnological research are critical drivers of growth and innovation in the specialty enzymes market. The EU’s Horizon Europe program, with a budget of USD 103.6 billion for 2021-2027, is focused on research and innovation, including biotechnology. This program supports projects aimed at developing advanced biotechnological processes and products. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) allocated over USD 42.0 billion for biomedical research in 2022, with part of this funding directed towards biotechnology research, including the development of novel enzymes for medical and industrial applications.

In India, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) plays a significant role in fostering innovation and growth within the specialty enzymes market. Established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, BIRAC actively supports biotech startups and research institutions through various funding schemes. One of the key initiatives is the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme, which provides early-stage funding to startups and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in biotechnology. In July 2020, BIRAC allocated Rs. 50 crores (approximately USD 6.7 million) under the BIG scheme to support around 100 startups and entrepreneurs in the biotechnology sector. This funding aims to catalyze innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and accelerate the development of novel enzyme-based solutions for various applications in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. By providing financial support and fostering a conducive ecosystem for research and development, initiatives like BIRAC’s BIG scheme contribute significantly to the growth and competitiveness of the enzyme market in India.

Top Specialty Enzymes Companies

• BRAIN Biotech AG (Germany)
• Novozymes A/S (Denmark)
• Codexis, Inc. (US)
• Sanofi (France)
• Merck KGaA (Germany)
• Dyadic International Inc (US)
• Advanced Enzyme Technologies (India)
• Amano Enzyme Inc (Japan)
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland)
• New England Biolabs (US)
• BBI Solutions (UK)

North America region to dominate the specialty enzymes industry during the forecast period.

North America holds the highest market share in the specialty enzymes market due to several key factors. The region is home to a robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, characterized by significant investments in research and development. This investment landscape fosters innovation, leading to the development of advanced enzyme-based solutions. For instance, companies like Codexis, Inc. (US), are at the forefront of enzyme engineering, continuously developing new enzymes for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Moreover, the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure and a high demand for diagnostic tools contribute to the market’s growth. Specialty enzymes are crucial in various diagnostic applications, including ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests, which are widely used in medical diagnostics. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes in North America drives the demand for these advanced diagnostic tools, further propelling the specialty enzymes industry.