Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market By Product Type (Synthesized Oligonucleotides, Reagents & Consumables, Synthesizers & Automation Platforms); By Application (Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Research and Development); By End User (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Academic & Research Institutes, Clinical Laboratories, CROs & CDMOs); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

1. Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market will witness a robust CAGR of 11.2% , valued at $3.9 billion in 2024 , expected to appreciate and reach $8.1 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

Oligonucleotide synthesis refers to the artificial generation of short sequences of nucleotides (DNA or RNA), commonly used in diagnostics, therapeutics, genetic engineering, and advanced molecular biology research. As demand for personalized medicine, gene editing tools (like CRISPR), and nucleic acid-based diagnostics surges globally, oligonucleotide synthesis becomes a foundational technology.

In 2024, the market is strategically positioned at the intersection of several transformative healthcare forces:

• Precision medicine and genomic sequencing: Accelerated use of oligonucleotides in antisense therapy and siRNA drugs is expanding therapeutic pipelines.
• Biopharma investment in nucleic acid drugs: Numerous oligo-based therapeutics are now progressing through late-phase clinical trials.
• CRISPR- Cas and synthetic biology: These revolutionary platforms demand high-fidelity oligos for guide RNA (gRNA), primers, and probes.
• Infectious disease management and cancer diagnostics: PCR, NGS, and molecular assays, heavily reliant on synthetic oligos , have seen broad deployment since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strategic adoption is particularly evident among:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) supplying synthesizers and reagent kits,
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing RNA therapeutics and DNA-based vaccines,
• Academic and research institutions conducting basic and translational studies,
• Clinical laboratories and hospitals employing oligos for diagnostics,
• Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) offering oligo API services, and
• Government and funding bodies promoting biotech innovation and pandemic preparedness.

With synthetic biology gaining traction and more therapeutic oligos moving into commercialization, the market's relevance between 2024 and 2030 is expected to intensify significantly across both developed and emerging economies.

2. Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

To provide strategic granularity, the oligonucleotide synthesis market can be segmented across four key dimensions: By Product Type, By Application, By End User, and By Region . These dimensions align with the full breadth of oligo usage in therapeutic development, diagnostics, and scientific research.

By Product Type

This segment encompasses the raw materials, finished oligonucleotides, and instrumentation used for synthesis. Key sub-categories include:

• Synthesized Oligonucleotides (DNA oligos , RNA oligos , custom primers and probes)
• Reagents and Consumables
• Synthesizers and Automation Platforms

In 2024 , Synthesized Oligonucleotides dominate the market, accounting for approximately 61.4% of total revenue , driven by rising demand for diagnostic probes, antisense therapies, and guide RNAs.

However, Reagents and Consumables are expected to be the fastest-growing sub-segment, particularly in academic and clinical labs seeking flexibility and cost-effective synthesis workflows.

By Application

Applications are broadly distributed across both research and clinical domains. The main categories include:

• Therapeutics (Antisense oligos , siRNA, aptamers , miRNA)
• Diagnostics (PCR, FISH, NGS-based tests)
• Research and Development (Gene synthesis, molecular cloning, CRISPR tools)

The Therapeutics segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR through 2030, supported by the increasing number of oligo-based drugs in Phase II and III clinical trials and rising approvals for nucleic acid therapies targeting genetic and rare diseases.

By End User

The major end user categories are:

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers
• Contract Research and Manufacturing Organizations (CROs and CDMOs)

Biopharmaceutical companies represent the largest end-user segment, as oligos become integral to next-gen RNA therapies and personalized treatments. Notably, CDMOs are becoming crucial outsourcing partners, particularly for smaller biotech firms with limited in-house manufacturing capabilities.

By Region

The geographic segmentation includes:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East & Africa)

North America holds a leading market share due to advanced biotech infrastructure, high R&D spend, and early regulatory approvals for oligo-based therapies. However, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region, fueled by rising genomic research funding in China, South Korea, India, and increasing local CDMO activity.

This multi-layered segmentation framework enables strategic insight into where value is created, how innovation flows, and which areas represent white space or saturation risk.

3. Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

The oligonucleotide synthesis market is rapidly evolving, shaped by a dynamic intersection of molecular biology, chemical synthesis, and therapeutic biotechnology. From digital microfluidics to enzymatic synthesis, several disruptive trends are redefining how oligos are designed, produced, and delivered across the life sciences value chain.

1. Emergence of Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Platforms

Traditional phosphoramidite -based synthesis methods, while proven, face limitations in scalability, error rates, and environmental sustainability. Enzymatic DNA synthesis is gaining traction as a cleaner, faster, and more accurate alternative , especially for producing longer and more complex oligos for synthetic biology applications. Companies and academic consortia are investing in enzymatic platforms to enable high-throughput gene and genome construction.

2. Integration of AI and Automation in Custom Synthesis

Machine learning algorithms are being deployed to optimize oligo design for specificity, stability, and reduced off-target effects , especially in CRISPR and RNAi therapeutics. Coupled with robotic liquid handling systems and cloud-based ordering portals, these tools enable fully automated, error-minimized custom oligo production. This is particularly relevant for diagnostic labs handling high volumes of custom primers and probes.

3. Therapeutic Pipeline Acceleration

The past five years have seen a rapid expansion in RNA- and DNA-based therapeutics targeting oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases. Oligonucleotide drugs like antisense oligos , aptamers , and siRNAs are now central to multiple late-stage pipelines , driving demand for clinical-grade GMP synthesis, scalability, and regulatory compliance.

Moreover, oligos are being used as delivery vehicles and adjuvants in DNA/RNA vaccines, especially in personalized cancer vaccine trials.

4. Strategic Collaborations and M&A Activity

The market is witnessing frequent strategic partnerships between biotech companies and CDMOs to accelerate drug development timelines. Examples include licensing deals for proprietary synthesis chemistries, joint development of LNP-based delivery systems, and vertical integration strategies.

Increased M&A among oligo manufacturers and specialized service providers is also consolidating expertise and improving end-to-end capabilities in clinical oligo production.

5. Sustainable and Green Chemistry Initiatives

Environmental concerns related to solvent waste and hazardous byproducts in chemical synthesis are prompting the industry to explore greener approaches. Sustainability is becoming a differentiator, with several CDMOs and academic labs adopting solvent-recycling systems and low-waste synthesis protocols.

6. Advanced Delivery Systems for Oligo Therapeutics

Efficient intracellular delivery remains a challenge for oligo-based drugs. Recent R&D has focused on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), dendrimers, and cell-penetrating peptides to enhance uptake, reduce degradation, and enable tissue targeting. These innovations are expanding the therapeutic applicability of oligos beyond liver-targeted treatments.

Together, these trends are accelerating the transition of oligonucleotide synthesis from a research commodity to a critical enabler of advanced diagnostics and next-generation therapeutics.

4. Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

The oligonucleotide synthesis market is marked by a blend of established chemical synthesis giants, nimble biotech firms, and emerging CDMO specialists. Competitive differentiation hinges on synthesis technology, scalability, GMP compliance, and vertical integration into therapeutics, diagnostics, or research services.

Below are some of the most prominent and strategically positioned players in the market:

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific remains a global leader through its expansive portfolio of custom DNA/RNA oligos , high-throughput synthesis tools, and reagents. The company’s integration of Applied Biosystems and Life Technologies gives it broad reach in both diagnostics and research.

Thermo's strength lies in offering end-to-end workflows — from oligo design software and synthesis kits to analytical QC and delivery tools — particularly favored in academic labs and NGS applications.

Agilent Technologies

Agilent has carved out a niche in large-scale and clinical-grade oligonucleotide production. Its SurePrint and SureSelect platforms are widely adopted for target enrichment and gene expression studies.

Strategically, Agilent is focused on innovation in array-based synthesis and partnerships with drug developers seeking scalable oligo production under GMP conditions.

Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)

A subsidiary of Danaher Corporation , IDT is one of the most vertically integrated companies in the market. It offers both custom and off-the-shelf oligonucleotides for PCR, CRISPR, and antisense applications.

IDT’s strong academic presence, global distribution, and high-fidelity synthesis capabilities make it a trusted brand in both discovery research and clinical diagnostics.

Eurofins Genomics

Eurofins Genomics leverages its pan-European network to offer rapid synthesis and delivery of primers, probes, and gene fragments. Its automated ordering platforms and 24-hour dispatch for standard oligos give it an edge in time-sensitive applications.

Recent investments in CRISPR guide RNA production and synthetic long oligos are enhancing its footprint in genome editing and synthetic biology.

Bio-Synthesis Inc.

A specialized player in custom oligo and peptide synthesis, Bio-Synthesis Inc. is known for flexibility and customization. The company supports both research and therapeutic-grade synthesis.

Their ability to produce highly modified oligonucleotides — including phosphorothioates , locked nucleic acids, and fluorescently labeled probes — makes them an attractive partner for diagnostic assay developers.

LGC Biosearch Technologies

LGC , through its Biosearch Technologies division, focuses on probe-based qPCR and diagnostic assay development. Its patented Black Hole Quencher® technology and robust GMP-grade capabilities make it a preferred vendor for clinical assay manufacturers.

LGC’s recent investments in expanding oligo manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and Europe position it well to support growing demand in clinical and regulatory-compliant environments.

Bioneer Corporation

Based in South Korea, Bioneer is a vertically integrated manufacturer of both oligonucleotides and related instruments, including gene synthesis robots and automated extractors.

Its strategic focus on automation and global export of complete molecular diagnostic solutions strengthens its positioning in emerging markets, particularly Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Overall, the competitive landscape is intensifying, with regional specialists rising, global leaders consolidating, and CDMOs expanding capabilities to accommodate both high-throughput research and clinical-scale manufacturing.

5. Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

The oligonucleotide synthesis market demonstrates geographically varied growth trajectories, shaped by national biotech strategies, healthcare infrastructure, regulatory pathways, and academic-industrial collaboration. While North America leads in revenue share and therapeutic innovation, emerging markets are aggressively building out their capabilities in research and clinical synthesis.

North America

North America , particularly the United States , holds the dominant market position, accounting for an estimated 40–45% of global revenue in 2024. This is driven by:

• A robust biopharmaceutical industry, with over 150 oligo-based therapeutics in development pipelines.
• Strong federal funding from agencies like NIH , BARDA , and DARPA , fueling oligo-enabled infectious disease and cancer research.
• A highly established regulatory framework that accelerates approval pathways for nucleic acid therapeutics.

Major universities and clinical labs in the U.S. serve as both consumers and collaborators in oligo development, reinforcing domestic demand and innovation.

Europe

Europe represents the second-largest regional market, with countries like Germany , UK , France , and Netherlands leading adoption. Regional growth is supported by:

• EU-backed genomics and synthetic biology programs (e.g., Horizon Europe).
• Increasing investment in mRNA and antisense drug development.
• The rise of biomanufacturing clusters in Switzerland and Belgium , which demand GMP-grade oligo APIs.

European regulatory authorities are increasingly harmonizing oligo guidelines, giving a structured push to CDMO growth and clinical trial initiation.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing regional market , forecast to expand at a CAGR exceeding 13% from 2024 to 2030. Drivers include:

• Large-scale genomics initiatives in China , India , and Japan .
• Expansion of diagnostic and research infrastructure.
• Growing number of regional CDMOs offering oligo synthesis as a service.

China’s domestic production of oligonucleotides is scaling rapidly, driven by demand from precision medicine and localized vaccine manufacturing. India, with its cost-competitive biotech ecosystem, is also emerging as a manufacturing hub for global oligo demand.

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

While LAMEA holds a smaller market share today, it represents strategic white space, particularly for:

• Research partnerships with public universities in Brazil , South Africa , and UAE .
• National healthcare agencies investing in diagnostic self-sufficiency post-COVID-19.
• Regional uptake of molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, including TB, HIV, and malaria.

Middle Eastern countries are also investing in biotech zones and innovation clusters (e.g., in Saudi Arabia and the UAE), providing incentives for localized oligo manufacturing.

Overall, while North America and Europe remain innovation epicenters, Asia Pacific and LAMEA offer robust opportunity zones for capacity expansion, localization strategies, and supply chain diversification — particularly for diagnostic and clinical-grade oligos .

6. End-User Dynamics and Use Case

End users in the oligonucleotide synthesis market span a diverse array of sectors, ranging from research laboratories to global pharmaceutical firms. Adoption patterns are influenced by use case complexity, volume needs, regulatory standards, and the degree of in-house vs. outsourced synthesis capability. As oligonucleotides become increasingly central to personalized healthcare, synthetic biology, and gene-based therapies, end-user behavior continues to evolve rapidly.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

These constitute the largest and most strategically important end-user group . Oligonucleotides are core components in:

• Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs
• siRNA-based therapies
• CRISPR-based gene editing systems
• Aptamer -based diagnostics and drug delivery mechanisms

Large biopharma companies often partner with CDMOs to scale oligo production under GMP conditions, especially when moving from preclinical research to commercial trials.

Academic and Research Institutions

Universities and research institutes remain a high-volume, high-frequency buyer group , especially for:

• PCR and qPCR primers
• NGS adaptors
• Guide RNAs for CRISPR experiments
• Molecular probes and fluorescent tags

The ability to rapidly order custom oligos online, with same-day or 24-hour turnaround, is a key operational priority for this group. These institutions often rely on suppliers that offer strong bioinformatics tools and quality assurance for experimental reproducibility.

Clinical Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers

This segment is experiencing accelerated adoption , especially post-COVID, as molecular diagnostics become mainstream for both infectious and non-infectious conditions. Oligonucleotides are used in:

• PCR-based diagnostic assays
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)
• Companion diagnostics for oncology and rare diseases

Lab-developed tests (LDTs) increasingly depend on customized oligos , making synthesis speed and specificity crucial for clinical labs. Regulatory compliance (e.g., CLIA, CE-IVD) also drives demand for validated and GMP-grade oligo materials.

Contract Research and Manufacturing Organizations (CROs & CDMOs)

These organizations play an essential outsourcing role, particularly for small-to-mid-sized biotechs . Services include:

• Custom oligo design and synthesis
• GMP-grade production
• Regulatory documentation and analytical testing

The growing number of oligonucleotide drugs in clinical trials is pushing CDMOs to invest in purification, modification, and scale-up capabilities.

Representative Use Case: Therapeutic Oligos in South Korea

A prominent tertiary hospital in South Korea partnered with a local biotech and CDMO to develop and test an antisense oligonucleotide targeting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

The process involved:

• Designing custom ASOs based on patient-specific gene mutations
• Synthesizing GMP-grade oligos through a Korean CDMO with EU-GMP certification
• Administering the therapy under an early access program monitored by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

This collaborative model shortened development time by 30%, enhanced patient safety, and laid the foundation for Korea’s regulatory pathway for oligo-based therapies.

Overall, the market is witnessing a strong shift from research-only use to clinical and commercial-grade applications, fundamentally altering the expectations and procurement dynamics across user types.

7. Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints (Short Section)

Recent Developments (2022–2024)

• Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its GMP oligonucleotide manufacturing site in Richmond, Virginia, to meet growing demand for clinical-grade materials used in RNA-based drugs and gene therapies.
• Agilent Technologies launched an automated high-throughput oligo synthesis platform integrated with analytical QC modules aimed at supporting commercial drug developers.
• Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) unveiled a new bioinformatics suite for guide RNA design, enhancing the accuracy and delivery efficiency of CRISPR-based oligos .
• LGC Biosearch Technologies inaugurated a new oligonucleotide production facility in Petaluma, California, with capacity focused on diagnostics and regulatory-grade assays.
• Bioneer Corporation signed a strategic agreement with Vietnam's Ministry of Health to supply diagnostic oligos for national infectious disease programs. https://eng.bioneer.com

Opportunities

• Rising demand for GMP oligos in clinical trials — As RNA and DNA therapies enter later-stage trials, demand is surging for scalable, regulatory-compliant synthesis.
• Expansion in emerging markets — Governments in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are incentivizing local oligo production to reduce diagnostic and therapeutic import dependencies.
• Integration with AI and automated design platforms — Predictive algorithms are improving sequence accuracy, speeding up development, and reducing synthesis failures.

Restraints

• High capital costs for GMP synthesis facilities — Establishing clinical-grade manufacturing units requires significant investment and regulatory overhead.
• Lack of skilled workforce for complex oligo synthesis — Especially in emerging regions, there is a shortfall in trained personnel capable of operating precision synthesis and purification equipment.