1 Global Urease Market Insight Analysis
The global urease market is valued at USD 55.66 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.95% from 2024 to 2033.
Urease is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. It is produced by certain bacteria, fungi, and plants. Urease plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and is involved in various biological processes.
Figure Global Urease Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2024-2033)
2 Urease Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
Wide range of applications: As an important biological enzyme, urease is widely used in many fields. In the field of biotechnology, it can be used for the detection of urea in blood and urine, the determination of creatinine and arginine, and can also play a role in biosensors for hemodialysis. In medicine, urease inhibitors can be used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection in children. In the chemical industry, it is used in chemical synthesis and alcoholic beverage production.
In addition, it is also involved in agriculture, environmental protection and other fields, such as the treatment of urea wastewater. The wide range of applications has led to a continuous increase in the demand for urease in downstream industries, which has strongly promoted the development of the market.
Large demand for biotechnology and medicine: In the pharmaceutical and biological industries, the determination of urea concentration is of great significance. The concentration of urea in the blood is an important indicator for judging whether renal function is normal, which makes urease indispensable in clinical diagnosis. With the development of medical technology and the increase in people’s attention to health, the demand for urease has also increased.
At the same time, the continuous development of immobilized urease technology, such as the application of various technologies such as potentiometric method and amperometric method, has further expanded the scope of application of urease in the detection field and promoted market growth.
Negative impact on food production: In agriculture, urease in the soil will decompose urea, reduce the utilization rate of nitrogen-containing compounds by plants, and release a large amount of ammonia, causing environmental problems such as soil pollution and eutrophication of water bodies, which in turn affects food production. This negative effect may lead to the loss of nitrogen nutrients in farmland using urea as fertilizer, causing concerns about the use of urease in agricultural production, and to a certain extent limiting the market expansion of urease in agricultural-related fields.
Fierce market competition: With the increase in market demand, the urease industry continues to develop and market competition becomes increasingly fierce. Listed companies and well-known companies in the industry have advantages in capital, scale and technology, and have an advantageous position in production scale, popularity, production cost, product price, upstream and downstream bargaining power and customer base, which creates great competitive pressure on new entrants. When new companies enter the market, they face many difficulties in gaining market share, reducing costs, and improving technical levels, which hinders the further expansion and diversified development of the market.
Impact of raw material price fluctuations: The raw materials for urease production are mostly agricultural by-products such as beans. Their supply and market prices are greatly affected by natural factors such as climate conditions, pests and diseases, and market supply and demand. Since the cost of raw materials accounts for a high proportion of the cost of urease products, large fluctuations in raw material prices will significantly affect the company’s operating performance.
If raw material prices continue to rise, manufacturers will either bear the pressure of increased costs themselves or pass the prices on to consumers. Both situations will have an adverse impact on market demand and corporate competitiveness, restricting the stable development of the urease market.
3 Technological Innovations in the Urease Market
Application technology innovation: Clinical needs are an important driving force for urease technology innovation. In the field of detection, the application of urease in biosensors continues to develop, which can detect the urea concentration in serum, urine, natural water and wastewater more accurately and quickly. Immobilized urease technology is also continuously improving. Through various technical means such as potentiometric method, amperometric method, and conductivity titration method, the stability and accuracy of urease in the detection process are improved, and its application range in medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring is broadened.
Product R&D innovation: With the in-depth study of plant-derived urease, it is found that it has the advantages of low toxicity and small side effects. The market demand for such products has grown rapidly, prompting companies to increase their investment in the research and development of plant-derived urease, which has promoted product renewal and technological upgrading. At the same time, in the production process of urease, more efficient and environmentally friendly methods are constantly being explored. For example, the extraction process using leguminous plants as raw materials is continuously optimized to improve the quality and output of the product.
BBI Solutions’ M&A initiatives: On January 4, 2022, BBI Solutions completed the acquisition of BioTeZ Berlin-Buch GmbH. BioTeZ is a German manufacturer of reagents and finished test products for the in vitro diagnostic and food safety markets. Through this acquisition, BBI Solutions has enhanced its product capabilities, improved its immunoassay reagent product line, consolidated its position in the field of immunodiagnostic reagent supply, enhanced its competitiveness in the global market, and further expanded its market share.
Sekisui Diagnostics’ investment expansion: On July 29, 2020, Sekisui Diagnostics announced an investment of £14.4 million to expand the cGMP microbial capacity of its biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business. This investment is part of its long-term investment strategy to expand its share in the microbial biopharmaceutical CDMO market. Previously, the company also invested in the construction of a bioprocess innovation center. These initiatives will help Sekisui Diagnostics expand its business in the biopharmaceutical field, improve production capacity, better meet the market demand for related products and services, and occupy a more advantageous position in market competition.
4 Global Urease Market Size by Type
In terms of market revenue, Plants Urease demonstrated a dominant position. Its production value reached 50.63 million US dollars in 2024. This significant revenue is attributed to its wide – ranging applications. For instance, in the medical field, plant – derived urease is often preferred due to its relatively low toxicity and fewer side effects, which makes it suitable for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications related to urea – based processes in the human body. In biotechnology, it plays a crucial role in assays for detecting urea in biological samples, such as blood and urine.
On the other hand, Fungi & Others Urease had a production value of 5.03 million US dollars in 2024. Although its revenue is much lower compared to Plants Urease, it still holds a place in the market. Fungi – derived urease may have unique properties that are exploited in certain niche applications, such as specific industrial chemical reactions or in some environmental remediation processes where its enzymatic activity can be effectively utilized.
Regarding market share, Plants Urease accounted for 90.96% of the global urease production value market share in 2024. This high percentage reflects its widespread use and preference across multiple industries. Over the years from 2018 – 2023, Plants Urease had maintained a market share above 91%, indicating its long – standing dominance. However, starting from 2024, a slight downward trend is projected, but it is still expected to remain the major contributor to the urease market.
Fungi & Others Urease held a market share of 9.04% in 2024. From 2018 – 2023, its market share had been gradually increasing, from 7.65% in 2018 to 9.04% in 2024. This upward trend suggests that there is growing interest and application expansion for this type of urease. It is likely that with further research and development, Fungi & Others Urease will continue to carve out a larger niche in the market, potentially through innovative applications in emerging fields such as advanced biocatalysis or novel diagnostic techniques.
Table Global Urease Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
Plants Urease | 50.63 | 90.96% |
Fungi & Others Urease | 5.03 | 9.04% |
5 Global Urease Market Size by Application
In terms of market revenue, the Biotechnology sector led with a production value of 32.41 million US dollars. This sector has been leveraging urease in various applications such as the detection of urea in blood and urine, determination of creatinine and arginine, and in biosensors for hemodialysis. The continuous development of biotechnology and the increasing demand for accurate diagnostic tools have contributed to its significant revenue.
The Medicine sector followed, with a production value of 15.86 million US dollars. Urease plays a crucial role in medical applications, especially in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections in children through urease inhibitors. Additionally, the measurement of urea concentration in blood, which is an important indicator for renal function diagnosis, relies on urease – based methods.
The Chemical sector had a production value of 7.40 million US dollars. Urease is applied in chemical synthesis and the production of alcoholic beverages, among other chemical – related processes.
Regarding market share, in 2024, the Biotechnology sector accounted for 58.22% of the global urease production value market share. Its dominant position is a result of the wide – ranging and essential applications of urease in biotechnology – related research and development.
The Medicine sector held a market share of 28.49%. The growing emphasis on healthcare and the need for precise medical diagnostics and treatments have sustained the demand for urease in this field.
The Chemical sector had a market share of 13.29%. Although its share is relatively smaller compared to the other two sectors, the consistent demand for urease in chemical processes has ensured its stable presence in the market.
Table Global Urease Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
Biotechnology | 32.41 | 58.22% |
Medicine | 15.86 | 28.49% |
Chemical | 7.40 | 13.29% |
6 Global Urease Market Size by Region
North America: Dominated the market with a production value of 24.78 million US dollars. It has a well – established biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, which drives the high demand for urease. The region’s advanced research and development infrastructure, along with significant investment in healthcare and life sciences, contribute to its leading position in the urease market.
Europe: Followed closely with a production value of 22.42 million US dollars. Europe has a long – standing tradition in chemical and pharmaceutical research. The presence of numerous research institutions and companies in the fields of biotechnology and medicine fuels the demand for urease. Moreover, strict regulatory requirements in the healthcare sector in Europe ensure a continuous need for high – quality urease – based diagnostic and therapeutic products.
Japan: Had a production value of 4.03 million US dollars. Japan’s strong focus on advanced technology and precision manufacturing extends to the biotech and medical sectors. The country’s emphasis on research in areas such as enzyme – based diagnostics and its high – tech manufacturing capabilities contribute to its share in the urease market.
China: Recorded a production value of 3.09 million US dollars. China has been rapidly developing its biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in recent years. The increasing investment in research and development, along with a growing population with rising healthcare needs, is driving the demand for urease. Additionally, the country’s manufacturing base allows for cost – effective production and distribution of urease – related products.
Figure Global Urease Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2024
7 Global Urease Market Analysis by Major Players
BBI Solutions
Company Profile:
BBI Solutions is a leading independent provider of immuno-diagnostic reagents and contract services, established in 1986 and headquartered in the UK. The company has a strong global presence, serving customers in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
Business Overview:
BBI Solutions specializes in the production and supply of high-quality diagnostic reagents, including urease. The company’s core competencies include a comprehensive suite of reagents with custom development options, lateral flow development, diagnostic manufacturing services, and smartphone reader technology. BBI Solutions is known for its innovative approach and commitment to delivering reliable diagnostic solutions.
Product Offered:
BBI Solutions offers a wide range of urease products, primarily derived from plant sources. These products are used in various applications, including the determination of urea in biological fluids, enzyme labeling in ELISA, and biosensors for hemodialysis. The company’s urease products are known for their high purity and reliability.
2023 Financial Summary:
In 2023, BBI Solutions reported a revenue of 8.72 million USD from urease sales, with a gross margin of 45.35%. The company’s strong market position and continuous innovation have contributed to its robust financial performance.
Sekisui Diagnostics
Company Profile:
Sekisui Diagnostics is a global company dedicated to improving patient lives through innovative medical diagnostics. Established in 1981 and headquartered in the USA, Sekisui Diagnostics operates in North America and Europe, offering a broad range of diagnostic products and services.
Business Overview:
Sekisui Diagnostics is known for its comprehensive portfolio of clinical chemistry and coagulation systems, reagents, rapid test kits, and point-of-care systems. The company’s enzyme business, which includes urease, is a significant part of its offerings. Sekisui Diagnostics is committed to expanding its capabilities through strategic investments and innovations.
Product Offered:
Sekisui Diagnostics provides high-quality urease products, primarily sourced from jack beans. These products are used in various diagnostic applications, including the determination of urea in clinical analysis. The company’s urease products are known for their high activity and reliability, making them a preferred choice for many diagnostic laboratories.
2023 Financial Summary:
In 2023, Sekisui Diagnostics reported a revenue of 5.27 million USD from urease sales, with a gross margin of 42.00%. The company’s strategic investments and continuous innovation have helped maintain its strong market position.
Sigma-Aldrich
Company Profile:
Sigma-Aldrich is a leading American chemical, life science, and biotechnology company, part of the multinational chemical conglomerate Merck KGaA. Established in 1975 and headquartered in the USA, Sigma-Aldrich serves a wide range of industries, including agriculture, chemical, clinical diagnostics, energy, environmental, flavor and fragrance, food and beverage, and semiconductors.
Business Overview:
Sigma-Aldrich is renowned for its extensive product portfolio, which includes chemicals, biochemicals, and reagents. The company provides comprehensive solutions for research, product development, regulatory compliance, proteomics, genomics, and analytical services. Sigma-Aldrich’s commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a key player in the global market.
Product Offered:
Sigma-Aldrich offers a variety of urease products, primarily derived from plant sources. These products are used in various applications, including the determination of urea in biological samples, detection of pathogens, and heavy metal ions. The company’s urease products are known for their high purity and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of research and diagnostic applications.
2023 Financial Summary:
In 2023, Sigma-Aldrich reported a revenue of 4.52 million USD from urease sales, with a gross margin of 46.84%. The company’s diverse product portfolio and strong market presence have contributed to its consistent financial performance.