Europe Genetic Testing Market

Europe Genetic Testing Market Size

The genetic testing market size in Europe was valued at USD 18.5 billion in 2023. The European market is further expected to grow from USD 20.27 billion in 2024 to USD 41.96 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.52% during the forecast period. The European genetic testing market is growing continuously due to chronic disorders, cancer disease, and advanced diagnosis technology in Europe.

Genetic testing is the rapidly evolving sector focused on analyzing an individual's DNA to identify genetic variations associated with diseases, traits, or ancestry. This market encompasses a wide range of tests, including diagnostic testing, carrier testing, prenatal testing, newborn screening, and predictive testing for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and rare genetic disorders. Genetic testing plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine, enabling early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and preventive healthcare strategies.

Europe has emerged as a key region in the global genetic testing market and is primarily supported by robust healthcare infrastructure, favorable government policies, and significant investments in research and development. According to the European Commission, the European Union allocated over €1.7 billion to genomics research under the Horizon 2020 program, fostering innovation in genetic testing technologies. The market is also bolstered by the rising prevalence of genetic disorders, with the World Health Organization estimating that approximately 30 million Europeans suffer from rare diseases, many of which are genetic in origin. Additionally, the increasing adoption of direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits, which saw a 35% growth in sales in 2022, reflects growing consumer interest in understanding their genetic makeup.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Prevalence of Genetic Disorders 

The increasing prevalence of genetic disorders is a major driver of the European genetic testing market growth. According to the European Commission, rare diseases affect approximately 30 million people in Europe, with 80% of these conditions having a genetic origin. Genetic testing enables early diagnosis and intervention, improving patient outcomes. The World Health Organization highlights that genetic testing has reduced infant mortality rates by 20% in regions with high adoption rates. Additionally, the growing awareness of hereditary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease, has spurred demand for genetic testing. This trend is further supported by government initiatives, such as the EU's Rare Diseases Strategy, which promotes research and accessibility to genetic diagnostics. 

Advancements in Genomic Technologies 

Technological advancements in genomics are significantly driving the Europe Genetic Testing Market. The European Union's Horizon 2020 program has invested over €1.7 billion in genomics research, fostering innovation in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR-based technologies. These advancements have reduced the cost of genetic testing by 40% since 2018, according to the European Society of Human Genetics. The integration of artificial intelligence and big data analytics has further enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of genetic tests. For instance, the UK's National Health Service reports a 30% increase in the use of genetic testing for cancer diagnosis in 2022. These innovations are expanding the applications of genetic testing, making it a cornerstone of modern healthcare.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Costs and Limited Reimbursement Policies 

One of the primary restraints of the European genetic testing market is the high cost of genetic tests and limited reimbursement policies. According to the European Society of Human Genetics, the average cost of comprehensive genetic testing ranges from €1,000 to €5,000, making it inaccessible for many patients. While some countries, like Germany and the UK, offer partial reimbursement, others lack consistent coverage. The European Commission reports that only 40% of genetic tests are reimbursed in EU member states, creating financial barriers for patients. This disparity limits market growth, particularly in lower-income regions, and highlights the need for standardized reimbursement frameworks to improve accessibility and affordability. 

Ethical and Data Privacy Concerns 

Ethical and data privacy concerns pose significant challenges to the European genetic testing market. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict guidelines on the handling of genetic data, increasing compliance costs for testing companies. The European Data Protection Board highlights that 25% of genetic testing companies faced regulatory penalties in 2022 due to non-compliance. Additionally, ethical concerns, such as the potential misuse of genetic information for discrimination in employment or insurance, deter individuals from undergoing testing. The Council of Europe emphasizes that public trust in genetic testing remains low, with only 30% of Europeans willing to share their genetic data. These issues hinder market expansion and adoption rates.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Rising Demand for Personalized Medicine

The growing focus on personalized medicine is a major opportunity in the European genetic testing market. Personalized medicine uses genetic testing to tailor treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile, improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects. The European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program allocated €1.5 billion for research in health and genomic advancements, promoting precision medicine. The increasing adoption of pharmacogenomics, where genetic testing helps determine drug responses, is transforming treatment approaches. With cancer and rare disease cases rising, genetic testing is becoming essential for early diagnosis and targeted therapies, creating significant market growth potential.

Expansion of Newborn Genetic Screening Programs

The expansion of newborn genetic screening programs across Europe is driving demand for advanced genetic testing. Early detection of genetic disorders can prevent severe health complications and improve long-term outcomes. NHS England launched a program in 2024 to screen 100,000 newborns for over 200 genetic conditions, setting a precedent for broader European adoption. Countries like Germany and France are also increasing their screening programs, recognizing the benefits of early intervention. As government initiatives continue to support newborn screening, demand for genetic tests is expected to surge, fostering innovation in diagnostic technologies and expanding market opportunities.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Regulatory Challenges and Lack of Standardization

The European genetic testing market faces hurdles due to inconsistent regulations across countries. The European Commission has identified gaps in the regulatory framework, with variations in test quality and approval processes. The In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) aims to address these issues, but implementation challenges remain, causing delays in bringing new genetic tests to market. Different national guidelines lead to disparities in patient access and test reliability, making it difficult for companies to operate uniformly across Europe. Without a standardized approach, healthcare providers and patients struggle with inconsistent test results, hindering the widespread adoption of genetic testing in clinical practice.

Ethical and Privacy Concerns

Ethical and privacy concerns are significant barriers to genetic testing adoption in Europe. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforces strict guidelines on genetic data usage, requiring explicit consent and stringent security measures. While necessary for data protection, these regulations create challenges for companies offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Public concerns over genetic discrimination by insurers and employers further limit participation in genetic testing programs. A lack of trust in data security also discourages individuals from opting for genetic analysis. Balancing privacy laws with accessibility remains a key challenge as policymakers and healthcare providers work to ensure genetic data is used responsibly while maintaining public confidence.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Test Insights

The diagnostic testing segment dominated the market in 2023 by holding a significant share of the European genetic testing market. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases drives market growth as early diagnosis helps reduce complications. According to the European Cancer Information System, the number of new cancer cases in Europe is estimated to reach 3.13 million by 2035. The increasing number of cases of cancer is raising the demand for diagnostic testing for cancers in Europe. The increasing number of innovative product launches in diagnostic testing is boosting the market growth. For instance, In February 2021, the launch of the COVID-19 blood test assisted the hospitals in identifying the patients with higher risks in Europe. 

By Application Insights

The cancer testing segment held the largest share of the European genetic testing market revenue and is expected to maintain its domination in the forecast period. Genetic testing is highly beneficial to the oncology department compared to other departments. The early detection and prevention of increasing demand for personalized medicines is driving genetic testing in cancer testing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), a type of genetic testing, is viral in oncology to identify individual tumors and specific receptors. 

Prenatal testing has been gaining traction in recent years. According to a study published in Prenatal Diagnosis in March 2021, the Pandemic had influenced many pregnant women on prenatal genetic testing. These developments and new launches are accelerating the growth of market size. 

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Germany was the top-performing regional market for genetic testing in Europe in 2024. The genetic testing market growth in Germany is majorly driven by the advanced healthcare system of Germany and strong focus on research and development. The country has integrated genetic testing into routine diagnostics, enhancing early detection and personalized treatment approaches. With a well-established regulatory framework ensuring test accuracy and reliability, Germany remains a leader in genetic screening and diagnostics. The presence of leading biotech companies and academic research institutions further strengthens its market position, driving continuous innovation in genetic testing technologies.

The United Kingdom is one of the fastest-growing markets for genetic testing in Europe. Government-led initiatives, such as the 100,000 Genomes Project, have accelerated genetic research and its integration into mainstream healthcare. The UK’s focus on precision medicine and genomics-based healthcare solutions has driven demand for advanced genetic testing services. With increasing public awareness and government funding, the country is rapidly expanding access to genetic diagnostics, making it a key player in the European market.

France is another leading player in the European genetic testing market due to its well-developed healthcare infrastructure and substantial investments in genetic research. The country has implemented widespread genetic screening programs, improving early disease detection and treatment planning. Government policies promoting genetic research and innovation have enabled broader access to testing services. With a growing emphasis on public health initiatives, genetic testing adoption continues to rise in hospitals and specialized diagnostic centers across France, reinforcing its strong position in the market.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

A few of the noteworthy companies operating in the European genetic testing market profiled in this report are Abbott Laboratories, Roche Molecular Diagnostics Inc., Abbott Molecular Inc., AutoGenomics Inc., Celera Group, ELITech Group, BioRad Laboratories, PerkinElmer Inc., Roche Diagnostics Corp., Quest Diagnostics Inc., Transgenomic Inc., and Applied Biosystems Inc.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

The research report on the European genetic testing market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Application

• Cancer Testing
• Pharmacogenomics Testing
• Prenatal Testing
• Predisposition Testing

By Test

• Carrier Testing
• Diagnostic Testing
• Prenatal Testing
• Neonatal Testing

By Country

• UK
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• Italy
• Russia
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Turkey
• Czech Republic
• Rest of Europe