Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing (RIDT) Market Analysis: Emerging Trends and Opportunities 2024-2031
Influenza, one of the prime mortality causes, led to around 7 million cases in the US alone in 2019. Seasonal flu remains a serious condition, underpinning the need for hospitalization in a majority of the afflicted patients. The need for rapid critical diagnosis prevails, driving the demand for rapid influenza diagnostic testing (RIDT) in the global market. Concerns are more severe in high-risk populations such as those living with diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic ailments. The consistently rising use of rapid diagnostic tests as a means of point-of-care testing forms a strong base for accelerating the adoption of RIDT, which is driven by the rapid and accurate results it provides.
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Influenza A and B Drive Demand for RIDT
Influenza A, highly communicable and responsible for multiple epidemic outbreaks in the past, remains a top demand generator for RIDT worldwide. These outbreaks, often referred to as avian flu or bird flu, result in thousands of deaths annually. On the other side, the prevalence of influenza B is also rising, as humans are the most common hosts of this virus. Consequently, the demand for RIDT for influenza B is set to climb in the near future.
The COVID-19 Impact on RIDT Market Expansion
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the demand for RIDT. Patients frequently confuse flu with COVID-19 due to similar initial symptoms, although the viruses differ in terms of their serial intervals and associated mortality rates. Alongside COVID-19 diagnostics, the demand for RIDT has surged amid the pandemic, with flu testing rates rocketing across the US.
Government and Non-Governmental Support Fuels RIDT Market Growth
Various research funds favor market growth through novel influenza research outcomes that potentially aid in the discovery of flu diagnostics, vaccines, treatment, and therapeutics.
Internationally recognized entities like the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) extend support to such research studies. Projects like the Universal Influenza Vaccine Initiative, backed by strong governmental support, are pivotal for the buildup of the RIDT market. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has stringent regulations for all rapid antigen influenza tests, ensuring high standards.
Paediatrics Segment Emerges as Highly Lucrative for RIDT Providers
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests are likely to gain rapid traction within the paediatrics segment during the assessment period. The significant rise in influenza prevalence among children demands serious severity control measures, driving the growth of the RIDT market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the seasonal flu burden on the paediatric care system has led to alarmingly high rates of mortality and morbidity. This trend pushes the market growth as the swelling hospitalization rate boosts adoption. The prevalence of influenza is also high among adults, especially younger adults, elderly people with comorbidities, and pregnant women, further fostering the RIDT business.
The US Provides a Strong Fertile Ground for RIDT Market Players
The US, with its solid technological advances and research-favorable environment, stands as a strong regional ground for the proliferation of the influenza diagnostic testing market. The sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, advancing field of diagnostics, skilled professionals, and strong government support uplift the prospects of the US market in the RIDT landscape. In 2017, the FDA re-classified RIDTs to class II devices from class I, mandating specific minimum criteria for sensitivity and specificity.
Canada and Asia Pacific Also See Rising Demand for RIDT
The demand for RIDT has also been on the rise in Canada, thanks to exceptional-quality healthcare facilities and a high rate of hospital admissions. The Canadian market benefits from substantial government funds aimed at public education to raise awareness about influenza diagnosis and treatment.
In the Asia Pacific region, expanding flu patient populations and the presence of a large highrisk patient mass make it a key market for RIDT providers. India, in particular, offers promising opportunities due to the thriving rate of RIDT kit adoption in recent years.
Competition Landscape and Recent Developments in Global RIDT Space
Leading companies in the global RIDT market include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Hologic, Luminex Corporation, Quidel Corporation, GenMark Diagnostics, Inc., Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Danaher Corporation (Cepheid), Biocartis, bioMérieux Inc., and Endress+Hauser (Analytik Jena AG).
R&D and innovations remain key growth strategies for market leaders. Acquisitions and collaborations are also preferred moves for companies seeking stronger footholds in regional and global markets. In 2020, Sekisui Diagnostics received FDA approval and a CLIA Waiver for its OSOM® Ultra Plus Flu A&B Test. The launch of this improved and more accurate test kit aims to fortify the company’s flu portfolio performance.
Conclusion
The rapid influenza diagnostic testing market continues to expand as influenza remains a critical health concern globally. The ongoing advancements in diagnostic technology, coupled with robust government support and increasing awareness, are set to drive further growth in the RIDT market.