Global Dark Genome Therapeutics Market Size is valued at USD 2.6 Bn in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 15.7 Bn by the year 2034 at a 20.3% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025-2034.
The dark genome comprises long stretches of DNA, including genes that encode conventional proteins as well as a vast array of genomic repeats, repeating elements that dominate this non-coding portion of the genome. Many of these repeats originated from ancient viruses and retrotransposons that have integrated into the DNA over evolutionary time. Among them are human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), remnants of ancient viral infections that are typically inactive in healthy cells. However, under certain pathological conditions, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, these HERVs can become reactivated. This reactivation has positioned HERVs as promising targets for developing innovative immunotherapies.
Dark genome elements such as human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are gaining attention as cancer-specific antigens and gene regulators, opening new pathways for the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. RNA-based therapeutics are also being explored to suppress fibrogenic gene expression influenced by dark genome components in conditions like pulmonary and cardiac fibrosis. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, non-coding RNAs linked to brain function and neuroinflammation present promising therapeutic targets. Driving these advancements are cutting-edge technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS), CRISPR gene editing, and transcriptomics, which are allowing scientists to delve deeply into previously unexplored non-coding regions of the genome.
Competitive Landscape
Some of the Major Key Players in the Dark Genome Therapeutics Market are:
- myNEO Therapeutics
- NextRNA Therapeutics
- Haya Therapeutics
- Rome Therapeutics
- Amaroq Therapeutics
- Transposon Therapeutics
- Evaxion Therapeutics
- Hervolution Therapeutics
- Flamingo Therapeutics
- GeNeuro
Market Segmentation
The Dark Genome Therapeutics Market is segmented based on indication, phase. Based on indication, the market is segmented into cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Based on the phases, the market is divided into preclinical, phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3.
The Cancer Segment is Expected to Have the Highest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
Based on indication, the market is segmented into cancer, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Among these, the cancer segment is expected to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The cancer segment is currently experiencing the highest growth within the dark genome therapeutics market. This surge is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of various cancers worldwide and the growing adoption of gene therapy as a targeted treatment approach.
Gene therapy's ability to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells has made it an increasingly attractive treatment option. The segment's growth is further supported by extensive research and development activities focused on developing new gene therapy solutions for different types of cancers. the successful commercialization of several cancer gene therapy products and increasing regulatory approvals have strengthened this segment's market position.
The Preclinical Segment Dominates the Market
Based on the phases, the market is divided into preclinical, phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3. Among these, the preclinical segment dominates the market. The preclinical stage currently represents the highest growth segment in the dark genome therapeutics market. This phase is experiencing significant expansion due to increased research and development activities focused on non-coding genomic elements, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are being explored for their potential roles in various diseases. Dark genome elements have implications across a wide range of diseases, from cancer and autoimmune diseases to neurodegenerative and fibrotic disorders. This broad potential encourages extensive target discovery and therapeutic exploration, keeping much of the market activity within the preclinical stage.
North America Has the Largest Market Share During the Forecast Period.
The North American region holds the largest market share in the dark genome therapeutics sector and is projected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The United States and Canada boast a robust network of research institutions, biotechnology firms, and pharmaceutical companies actively engaged in genomic and gene therapy research. This infrastructure facilitates rapid advancements in dark genome therapeutics. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide clear guidelines and support for the development and approval of genomic-based therapies, encouraging innovation in the field.
Recent Developments:
- In Dec 2024, HERVolution Therapeutics ApS announced a $11.7 million Series A financing to advance its lead assets toward clinical evaluation. The funds from this financing round supported several key initiatives, including the validation of their HERV-targeting approach, cGMP manufacturing in collaboration with SII, initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials for their lead asset IPT-001, exploration of additional disease indications, and expansion of company infrastructure to support clinical development.
- In Sept 2024, HAYA Therapeutics, SA, announced a multi-year contract with Eli Lilly and Company to support preclinical drug discovery activities in obesity and related metabolic diseases using HAYA's cutting-edge RNA-guided regulatory genome technology. To treat these chronic illnesses, the partners will find several RNA-based therapeutic targets generated from the regulatory genome. In addition to an upfront payment that includes an equity investment, HAYA is eligible to collect pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial milestone payments totaling up to $1 billion, as well as royalties on product sales, under the terms of the partnership.
Dark Genome Therapeutics Market Report Scope:
Report Attribute |
Specifications |
Market Size Value In 2024 |
USD 2.6 Billion |
Revenue Forecast In 2034 |
USD 15.7 Billion |
Growth Rate CAGR |
CAGR of 20.3% from 2025 to 2034 |
Quantitative Units |
Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
Historic Year |
2021 to 2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2034 |
Report Coverage |
The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends |
Segments Covered |
By Indication, Phases |
Regional Scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Country Scope |
U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; South East Asia |
Competitive Landscape |
myNEO Therapeutics, NextRNA Therapeutics, Haya Therapeutics, Rome Therapeutics, Amaroq Therapeutics, Transposon Therapeutics, Evaxion Therapeutics, Hervolution Therapeutics, Flamingo Therapeutics, GeNeuro |
Customization Scope |
Free customization report with the procurement of the report and modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. |
Pricing and Available Payment Methods |
Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements. |