South Korea Point-of-Care Sepsis Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Instruments and Reagents & Kits), By Technology (Molecular Diagnostics and Immunoassays), By Pathogen (Bacterial Sepsis and Fungal Sepsis), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics and Standalone Laboratories), and Country Forecast, 2024-2032

The South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market size was USD 13.7 million in 2023. The market is expected to grow from USD 15.2 million in 2024 to USD 36.8 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period.

Sepsis represents a critical medical emergency that arises when the body reacts to an infection, resulting in damage to the essential organs and frequently leading to mortality. This condition necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention. It may progress to severe sepsis and septic shock. Various types of infections, including bacterial, viral, or fungal, can trigger sepsis episodes. In South Korea, the rising prevalence of bacterial and fungal sepsis, the increasing rates of hospital-acquired infections, and the adoption of point-of-care devices for early detection are driving the market expansion.

• According to an article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2019, the incidence of sepsis increased from 173.8 per 100,000 population in 2007 to 233.6 per 100,000 population in 2016 in South Korea. The rising sepsis cases are expected to promote the segment's growth in the coming years. Such growing cases of fungal sepsis are expected to expand the segmental growth.

The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions that result in sepsis, coupled with advancements in healthcare infrastructure, is driving South Korea's point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market growth. In addition, both major and regional companies are actively working to enhance their product offerings through regular product launches and strategic initiatives, which further support the market expansion.

The South Korean market experienced a favorable influence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as patients infected with the virus were at a higher risk of developing sepsis, leading to a rise in sepsis cases. This situation significantly boosted the sales of point-of-care sepsis diagnostic products in the country. By 2021, the patient visits and company revenues had returned to the pre-pandemic growth levels, achieving full normalization by 2022 and 2023. The market is expected to attain strong growth potential from 2024 to 2032.

South Korea Point-of-Care Sepsis Diagnostics Market Trends 

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies in Sepsis Diagnosis is Prominent Trend

Diagnostic procedures are crucial in the management of sepsis. Timely and precise identification of sepsis is imperative for patients to receive suitable treatment, thereby enhancing their health and curtailing the progression of infection. The benefits of point-of-care testing, including enhanced staffing, portability in the community and rural environments, patient mobility, and swift result turnaround times, are contributing to a growing preference for point-of-care testing over traditional laboratory testing.

• For instance, in November 2022, Syntekabio launched its cloud service platform named AITRICS' AI sepsis prediction software in South Korea. Such technological advancements are expected to propel the growth of the market in the future.

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South Korea Point-of-Care Sepsis Diagnostics Market Growth Factors

Growing Incidence of Sepsis to Bolster Market Growth Prospects

A rise in the occurrence of sepsis cases throughout South Korea is fueling the expansion of the market. A growing share of the South Korean population is affected by this condition, which is anticipated to boost the demand for point-of-care products over the projected timeframe.

• As per an article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023, a longitudinal, population-based epidemiological study of sepsis from 2005 to 2012 was conducted by using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, a population-based cohort representing 2.2% of the Korean population. The primary objective was to assess the incidence, mortality, and cost of sepsis. The study concludes that the burden of sepsis in Korea is high and is expected to increase, considering the aging population.

Moreover, the incidence of sepsis is higher among hospitalized patients, which results in an increased demand for point-of-care devices for early diagnosis of sepsis, which is a key market driver. Such a scenario intensifies the demand for these point-of-care devices in the South Korean market.

Development of Pipeline Products for Detection of Novel Biomarkers to Drive Market Growth

Various market players have been staggering their research and development activities in South Korea. Multiple companies are working on novel sepsis diagnostic biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment. Such factors are propelling the market growth.

• For instance, the South Korean Company, JW Bioscience is developing a rapid diagnostic platform for measuring biomarkers in blood for WRS (Tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase) biomarker.

Moreover, suitable reimbursement support for diagnostic methods is expected to augment the overall South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Limited Sepsis Awareness Among Population Limits Growth Prospects

In spite of the growing demand for efficient point-of-care tools for treating sepsis, a major obstacle to the market's growth is the low level of sepsis knowledge among the people in South Korea. This lack of awareness results in a slower uptake of products, thereby restricting the market's growth in the country.

• For instance, according to an article published by The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases in 2020, public awareness of sepsis has been reported to be lower than that of other common medical diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Moreover, the sepsis-related mortality rate was estimated to be around 30.0% in Korea, and the number of deaths from sepsis has recently increased at the national level. Such factors are expected to hamper the demand for point-of-care tests, thereby limiting the market growth across the country.

This situation highlights a critical requirement for adopting measures to enhance the success rates of treating sepsis in Korea. The restricted knowledge levels ultimately affect the market's ability to adopt these products. These factors are anticipated to restrict the total market expansion over the projected period.

South Korea Point-of-Care Sepsis Diagnostics Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type Analysis

Strong Usage of Products in Early Sepsis Diagnosis Enabled Reagents & Kits Segment to Dominate Market

The South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market is divided into instruments and reagents & kits on the basis of product type.

In 2023, the reagents & kits segment dominated the market. The rise in sepsis cases and heightened awareness regarding early diagnosis among the public are the key drivers behind this segment's expansion. Additionally, the extensive use of reagents & kits across various technologies further supports the growth of this segment.

The instruments segment accounted for a significant portion of the market in 2023. It is anticipated that technological innovations and enhancements in healthcare infrastructure will drive the growth of this segment throughout the year. Additionally, the increasing incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical devices is contributing to the expansion of this segment.

• In June 2023, SPASS received approval for the AI-based sepsis diagnosis software SpassageQ, which demonstrates the field of medical AI solutions in South Korea to analyze patient vital signs instead of medical images alone. It is also the first time in South Korea that the FDA has approved a signaling medical device other than image reading. It proactively detects sepsis, anaphylaxis, and hypovolemic shock in recognition of its innovative research and development capabilities. Such initiatives are contributing to segmental growth.

By Technology Analysis

Growing Usage of Immunoassays to Hold Highest Share During Forecast Period

In terms of technology, the market segmentation is bifurcated into molecular diagnostics and immunoassays.

The immunoassays segment maintained a leading position in the market in 2023. Ongoing participation in diverse research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing immunoassay technologies, coupled with clinical studies to support research efforts, is anticipated to drive growth within this segment.

• According to an article published by the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases in 2020, a web-based sepsis registry system (Korean Registry for Improving Sepsis Survival [KISS]) protocol was used in hospitals in Korea for the evaluation of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with sepsis. The analysis concluded that the data that was collected and analyzed provides information on sepsis epidemiology, the application of sepsis bundles, and the impact of antibiotic stewardship efforts in real-life settings. This valuable information can then be used for further improvements in the clinical management of sepsis. Furthermore, the KISS will facilitate research that may lead to the formulation of public health policies regarding the sepsis bundle and antibiotic stewardship strategies in Korea.

In 2023, the molecular diagnostics segment accounted for a significant portion of the market. Its anticipated growth is attributed to its enhanced sensitivity and speed. Additionally, the increasing awareness surrounding early diagnosis, coupled with the rising demand for advanced technologies, is expected to create valuable growth opportunities throughout the forecast period.

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By Pathogen Analysis

Substantial Number of Bacterial Sepsis Cases Promotes Bacterial Sepsis Segment Dominance in 2023

Based on the pathogen segment, the market is divided into bacterial sepsis and fungal sepsis.

The bacterial sepsis segment held the lion’s South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market share. The growing number of research initiatives to increase the efficacy of instruments will increase the adoption of sepsis diagnostics. Increasing cases of sepsis due to bacterial infections are expected to boost the segment’s growth.

• For instance, according to an article published by the Journal of Korean Medical Science in 2023, a prospective observational study was performed among adult patients diagnosed with sepsis according to Sepsis-3 from 19 institutions in South Korea. It was found that multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-positive bacteria were more prevalent in the southern region of South Korea, of which nursing home-acquired sepsis cases were significantly fewer than in other regions. In contrast, MDR gram-negative bacteria were more prevalent in the central region, in which nursing home-acquired sepsis cases were more common.

The fungal segment is projected to witness the maximum CAGR during the forecast period of 2024-2032. People with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop sepsis from fungal infections than people with normal immune systems.

By End User Analysis

Increasing Incidence of Sepsis Cases in Hospitals & Clinics Led to Segment’s Dominance

The end user segment is divided into hospitals & clinics and standalone laboratories.

The hospitals and clinics segment held the largest market share within the South Korean point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market. The affordability of healthcare services in South Korea, facilitated by the National Health Insurance (NHI) system that provides coverage for the entire population at minimal premiums and fees and increasing hospital-acquired infection incidences, is expected to bolster this segment’s dominance. Additionally, the increasing collaborative initiatives among major stakeholders aimed at enhancing sepsis services in healthcare facilities are driving growth in this segment.

• For instance, in April 2020, AITRICS, a South Korea-based startup offering AI solutions, signed a joint research agreement with Cleveland Clinic, a private, non-profit hospital health system. Both parties collaborated on verifying VitalCare, AITRICS's AI platform that predicts critical events in hospitals. Such rising efforts by key players to integrate AI in hospitals for sepsis diagnosis contribute to the segment’s growth.

The standalone laboratories segment held a notable share of the market. A rising number of standalone laboratories and superior healthcare systems are anticipated to contribute to the expansion of the standalone laboratories segment.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Robust Product Portfolio and Strong Brand Presence to Promote Boditech Med Inc.’s Dominance in 2023

The competitive landscape of the market reflects a semi-consolidated structure. Boditech Med Inc. dominated the South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market. The company’s strong position is attributed to its robust product portfolio, direct presence, and strategic partnerships with hospitals. Such factors promote the high position of the company in the market.

SD Biosensor, INC., Nanoentek Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., bioMérieux, Inc., Roche, and others are also some of the other key players in terms of share in the South Korean market. These companies are focusing on strategic activities and actively participating in conferences in South Korea. Such factors will help emerging players gain a position in the South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market.

List of Top South Korea Point-of-Care Sepsis Diagnostics Companies:

• Abbott (U.S.)


• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.)


• Radiometer Medical ApS (Danaher) (U.S.)


• bioMérieux, Inc. (France)


• DiaSorin S.p.A. (Italy)


• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland)


• Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany)


• Wondfu (China)


• Boditech Med Inc. (South Korea)


• SD Biosensor, INC (South Korea)


• NanoEntek (South Korea)


• SUGENTECH, Inc. (South Korea)


• HUMASIS.COM (South Korea)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• June 2024: EngeneBio announced that it was selected for the 'Korea-led K-Sensor Technology Development Project for Market Leadership' hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and completed an agreement for project execution with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Evaluation and Planning.


• November 2023: The Research Investment for Global Health Technology (RIGHT) Foundation awarded the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) 4.0 billion South Korean Won (USD 2.9 million) to improve antibiotic regimens for neonatal sepsis.


• October 2021: T2 Biosystems, Inc. announced execution of territory exclusive distribution agreements in Singapore and South Korea. Under the terms of the agreements, T2 Biosystems will sell T2Dx Instruments, along with T2Bacteria, T2Candida and T2Resistance Panels through these distributors.

REPORT COVERAGE

South Korea point-of-care sepsis diagnostics market report focuses on analysis and forecasting of the market. The report focuses on segmentation including product types, technology, pathogen, and end users. Moreover, it offers insights into sepsis prevalence, regulatory and reimbursement scenarios, novel biomarkers data, product launches, industry developments, and technological advancements in South Korea. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19, market dynamics, i.e., market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends, and several factors have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation