Oligonucleotides (commonly referred to as oligos) are short single stranded DNA or RNA molecules, typically comprising of 15-20 nucleotide residues. These molecules are widely used in biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for a wide range of applications, including research and genetic testing, forensic analysis and other analytical procedures. Presently, researchers are actively exploring the use of oligonucleotides as a pharmacological intervention, for the treatment of a myriad of disease indications.
In fact, post the approval of the first antisense oligonucleotide drug in 1998, a number of such candidates have progressed into late-stage clinical trials. As a result, the demand for oligonucleotide-based products has increased significantly in the last few years.
Oligonucleotides are used in a variety of applications, ranging from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing to carrying out mutagenesis and single-nucleotide polymorphism assays. These molecules can be manufactured synthetically as per the customizations and specific needs of the customers. Oligonucleotide synthesis involves creating of short segments of nucleic acids with specific sequences.
The global oligonucleotide synthesis market size is estimated to be worth $ 4.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% during the forecast period 2024-2035.
Over the past few decades, the process of oligonucleotide synthesis was quite inefficient and labor intensive. The growing need for a significant volume of oligonucleotide material for therapeutic and research applications has prompted the development of more economically efficient manufacturing methods. Since the field of oligonucleotides is relatively niche in terms of commercial applications, it lacks decades-long experience in large-scale manufacturing. Historically, much of the oligonucleotide advancement occurred within laboratory settings. However, with the rapid expansion of the field, manufacturers are shifting from laboratory-based production to more scaled-up manufacturing processes.
The top 5 oligonucleotide synthesis companies, based on their service portfolio / capabilities.
| Agilent Technologies | 1999 |  | 10,000+ |
| Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services | 1989 |  | 1,001-5,000 |
| Integrated DNA Technologies | 1987 |  | 1,001-5,000 |
| Merck | 1668 |  | 10,000+ |
| Nitto Avecia | 2011 |  | 501-1,000 |
Agilent Technologies is a US-based company that specializes in offering application focused solutions, including instruments, software, services and consumables for various laboratory purposes; and manufacturing of several advanced analytical, research, and diagnostic solutions and tools. The firm operates through three business segments, including Life Sciences and Applied Markets, Diagnostics and Genomics, and Agilent CrossLab.
Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services is a US based contract development and manufacturing organization with over 100 manufacturing facilities and offices across 35 different nations, worldwide. The company provides a wide portfolio of development, cGMP manufacturing and aseptic fill / finish services for the production of small and large molecules. In addition, the company offers services related to ADCs, HPAPIs, oligonucleotides, continuous flow manufacturing, and protein expression technology, at preclinical, clinical and commercial scales.
Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is a US based company that specializes in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-quality DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, across the globe. In addition, IDT claims to be an innovative diagnostic solution provider for oncological disorders, infectious diseases and other complex diseases. Further, the firm is focused on providing proprietary synthesis platforms, processing technology, automation, rapid prototyping and custom reagent production offerings. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, IDT meets the challenges of translating research from the lab to real-world applications, offering expanded production facilities with GMP and cGMP manufacturing grades.
Nitto Avecia is a US-based contract manufacturer, that specializes in the development, manufacturing and modification of a wide range of oligonucleotides. In 2011, Nitto Denko acquired Avecia Biologics in order to expand its contract manufacturing business, specifically in the domain of nucleic acid drugs. In addition to oligonucleotide manufacturing, the company offers analytical testing and method validation, process development, and quality control services to its clients.
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