Demand for breast cancer gene testing as a preventative measure is rising and emerging tests may be a key factor in supporting financially-troubled state healthcare systems, a research and consulting firm has reported.
GlobalData estimates the global predictive breast cancer gene testing market will grow significantly, from 2011 to 2018 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14%.
Gene-testing company Myriad Genetics has a major presence in the European Union and currently has exclusivity in the US, Japan and Brazil to provide testing for the most common breast cancer gene mutations.
The company's product, BRACAnalysis, accounted for 83% of all breast cancer gene test revenue in 2011 across the UK and nine other countries.
Dr Andrew Thompson, senior analyst at GlobalData, said: "Myriad Genetics enjoys a monopoly over the predictive breast cancer gene testing market but the company's dominance is set to be challenged during the next few years with increasing demand for gene testing.
"While some physicians might remain loyal to Myriad Genetics, competing companies may offer other tests, which can also test for several different mutations, reducing investigatory time and increasing cost effectiveness. These may be key factors in a product's success in emerging economies and cash-strapped European state healthcare systems."
GlobalData said 2015 to 2018 will mark the expiry of several patents and licenses relating to Myriad Genetics' gene test and will open up to competition.
