Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Research Report Information by Class (Antibiotics (Penicillin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Others), Hormones and Growth Factors (Insulin, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Erythropoietin (EPO)), Anticancer Agents (Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Others), Immunosuppressants, Others), by End-User (Pharmaceutical Companies, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and CDMOs, Research Organizations) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa) - Forecast till 2035

Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Summary

As per MRFR Analysis, the Microbial Fermentation Technology Market was valued at 37.50 USD Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach 82.48 USD Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.20% from 2025 to 2034. The market is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable manufacturing processes and the popularity of fermented food products, which are rich in probiotics and offer health benefits. The food & feed products segment dominated the market in 2023, while the medical segment is the fastest-growing due to advancements in therapeutic applications. North America leads the market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific, with significant growth expected in the latter region.

Key Market Trends & Highlights

The market is witnessing several key trends driving its growth.

• Growing demand for fermented food products is enhancing market growth.
• The food & feed products segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023.
• The medical segment is the fastest-growing category due to rising therapeutic applications.
• North America is the largest regional market, driven by bio-based product demand.

Market Size & Forecast

2024 Market Size: USD 37.50 Billion

2034 Market Size: USD 82.48 Billion

CAGR (2025-2034): 8.20%

Largest Regional Market Share in 2024: North America

Major Players

Key players include Biocon Ltd., Koninklijke DSM NV, Lonza, Danone UK, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Novozymes A/S, BioVectra Inc., TerraVia Holdings, Inc., and BIOZEEN.

The increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals and growing antibiotic resistance driving research are driving the growth of the Microbial Fermentation Technology Market.

As per the Analyst at MRFR, the rising demand for biopharmaceuticals, driven by advancements in biologics, precision medicine, and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, is significantly boosting the growth of the Global Microbial Fermentation Technology for Small Molecules Market. Biopharmaceuticals rely heavily on microbial fermentation for the production of small molecules and biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in February 2025 that the growing demand for biosimilars is driven by their ability to expand access to essential biologic therapies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where high costs have historically limited availability. WHO highlights that biosimilars, offering comparable safety and efficacy to originator biologics at significantly lower costs, are increasingly being integrated into national health systems.

 FIGURE 1: MICROBIAL FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD BILLION

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Opportunity

INCREASED OUTSOURCING TO CMOS AND CDMOS

Increased outsourcing to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are creating significant growth opportunities for the Global Microbial Fermentation Technology for Small Molecules Market for small molecules. According to a 2023 report by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), nearly 70% of pharmaceutical companies now leverage external partners for at least part of their microbial fermentation processes, up from 55% in 2019. 

As biotech and pharmaceutical companies aim to accelerate product development while reducing internal costs and operational risks, they are increasingly turning to specialized CMOs/CDMOs with deep expertise in fermentation-based manufacturing. A 2022 study published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that outsourcing fermentation processes can reduce production costs by 15–30% while improving yield consistency by 20–25% compared to in-house operations. These partners offer advanced capabilities in strain development, process optimization, and large-scale production, allowing innovators to focus on R&D and commercialization. 

The growing complexity of small molecule products, along with the need for flexible, scalable, and regulatory-compliant fermentation infrastructure, further drives this outsourcing trend. Regulatory agencies have also noted this shift: the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reported a 40% increase in regulatory submissions involving outsourced fermentation processes between 2020 and 2023. This shift is enabling faster time-to-market, access to cutting-edge biotechnologies, and expansion into new applications across pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and cosmetics—fueling the overall growth of the microbial fermentation market.

Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Segment Insights

Microbial Fermentation Technology by Class Insights

Based on Class, this segment includes Antibiotics (Penicillin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Others), Hormones and Growth Factors (Insulin, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Erythropoietin (EPO)), Anticancer Agents (Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Others), Immunosuppressants, Others. The Antibiotics segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Anticancer Agents segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. The antibiotics segment holds a significant share in the microbial fermentation technology for small molecules market, driven by the persistent global need to combat bacterial infections. 

Fermentation, the cornerstone of antibiotic production, relies on the controlled growth of microorganisms (primarily bacteria and fungi) to produce these life-saving compounds. The process involves precisely managing factors like nutrient supply, pH, temperature, and oxygenation to maximize antibiotic yield. Additionally, the rise in bacterial resistance will necessitate continuous innovation to develop new and more effective antibiotics which will boost the adoption of microbial fermentation technology, fueling the growth of the market.

FIGURE 2: MICROBIAL FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY MARKET SHARE BY CLASS 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Microbial Fermentation Technology by End-User Insights

Based on End-User, this segment includes Pharmaceutical Companies, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and CDMOs, Research Organizations. The Pharmaceutical Companies segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and CDMOs segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Pharmaceutical companies are pivotal end users in the global microbial fermentation technology for the small molecules market. 

These organizations utilize microbial fermentation to develop and manufacture a wide array of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics, anticancer agents, and other therapeutics. The increasing demand for sustainable and efficient production methods has driven pharmaceutical firms to adopt microbial fermentation, as it offers a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. The ability of microbes to produce complex molecules through biotransformation is particularly valuable in drug development, enabling the production of compounds with enhanced bioactivity and reduced toxicity.

Microbial Fermentation Technology Regional Insights

Based on the Region, the global Microbial Fermentation Technology are segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa. The North America dominated the global market in 2024, while the Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Major demand factors driving the North America market are the increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals and growing antibiotic resistance driving research. The market is segmented by class into Antibiotics, Hormones and Growth Factors, Anticancer Agents, Immunosuppressants, and Others. 

Antibiotics continue to be essential in clinical practice, particularly as antimicrobial resistance drives ongoing demand for effective antibacterial therapies. Hormones and Growth Factors are also growing, with recombinant human growth hormone and insulin driving the category because of increasing incidence of endocrine disorders and diabetes. Anticancer therapies manufactured through microbial fermentation are also picking up pace as the region witnesses rising cancer cases, with over 2 million new cancer diagnoses projected in the U.S. alone in 2025. Immunosuppressants, essential for organ transplant surgery and autoimmune disease treatment, are also witnessing increased adoption, driven by the region's improving healthcare access and biopharma pipeline.

FIGURE 3: MICROBIAL FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the countries considered in the scope of the Application Tracking System Market are the US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, GCC Countries, South Africa and others.

Global Microbial Fermentation Technology Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Microbial Fermentation Technology Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.

The major competitors in the market are Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Biocon, Abbott, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis AG, Sanofi, Astellas Pharma Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited are among others. The Microbial Fermentation Technology Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Companies in the Microbial Fermentation Technology Market include

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.


• Pfizer Inc.


• Biocon


• Abbott


• Eli Lilly and Company


• Novartis AG


• Sanofi


• Astellas Pharma Inc.


• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited


• Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited

Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Industry Developments

January 2025: Biocon Pharma Limited received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its Tacrolimus Capsules. Tacrolimus was used as an immunosuppressant to reduce the body's ability to reject transplanted organs in patients who had undergone organ transplants.

April 2024: Biocon Limited received approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for its vertically integrated, complex drug product Tacrolimus Capsules in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 5mg strengths. This marked the company’s first product approval in South Africa.

February 2021: Sandoz, a Novartis division, has acquired GSK's cephalosporin antibiotics business, strengthening the company's global leadership in antibiotics. The transaction grants global rights to three established brands (Zinnat, Zinacef, and Fortum) in over 100 markets. It excludes rights in the United States, Australia, and Germany to some brands that GSK previously divested, as well as rights in India, Pakistan, Egypt, Japan (to select products), and China, which GSK will retain.

May 2021: India-based generics manufacturers Biocon and Lupin both launched their generic versions of tacrolimus capsules in the US market. Biocon announced the launch of its generic tacrolimus capsules on December 28, 2020, following FDA approval received in November 2020.

Microbial Fermentation Technology Market Segmentation

Microbial Fermentation Technology by Class Outlook

• 
  Antibiotics
  
  
  
  • Penicillin
  
  
  • Streptomycin
  
  
  • Tetracycline
  
  
  • Others
  
  
  
  


• 
  Hormones and Growth Factors
  
  
  
  • Insulin
  
  
  • Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
  
  
  • Erythropoietin (EPO) 
  
  
  
  


• 
  Anticancer Agents
  
  
  
  • Doxorubicin
  
  
  • Daunorubicin
  
  
  • Others
  
  
  
  


• Immunosuppressants


• Others

Microbial Fermentation Technology by End-User Outlook

• Pharmaceutical Companies


• Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and CDMOs


• Research Organizations 

Microbial Fermentation Technology Regional Outlook

• 
  North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• 
  Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Russia
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• 
  Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Malaysia
  
  
  • Thailand
  
  
  • Indonesia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• 
  South America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  • Argentina
  
  
  • Rest of South America
  
  
  
  


• 
  Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • GCC Countries
  
  
  • South Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa
  
  
  
  

Report Attribute/Metric	Details
Market Size 2024	USD 81.73 Billion
Market Size 2025	USD 86.84 Billion
Market Size 2035	USD 156.75 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	6.08% (2025-2035)
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025-2035
Historical Data	2019-2023
Forecast Units	Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered	By Class, By End-User
Geographies Covered	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa
Countries Covered	The US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, GCC Countries, South Africa
Key Companies Profiled	Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Biocon, Abbott, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis AG, Sanofi, Astellas Pharma Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited
Key Market Opportunities	·         Increased outsourcing to CMOS and CDMOS ·         Expansion of CRISPR and AI in fermentation optimization
Key Market Dynamics	·         Increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals ·         Growing antibiotic resistance driving research