Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) HPLC Column Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, By Type (ID Below 4.6mm, ID 4.6-7.8mm and ID Above 7.8mm), By Application (Pharmaceutical and Biotech Company, Academic & Research Institutions and Others), and Regional Forecast To 2035

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SIZE EXCLUSION CHROMATOGRAPHY (SEC) HPLC COLUMN MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) HPLC Column Market is set to rise from USD 0.61 Billion in 2025 to USD 0.66 Billion in 2026, on track to hit USD 1.32 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% between 2025 and 2035.

By separating and analyzing molecules according to their size or molecular weight, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a type of liquid chromatography. This method uses a stationary phase of porous beads with a specified pore size distribution, and SEC HPLC columns are columns specifically made for this method. In many different applications, including protein analysis, polymer analysis, and quality monitoring of biological products, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC columns are frequently used.

The market for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC columns is expanding as a result of the rising demand in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sectors for effective and dependable separation methods. The study of biomolecules including proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids is frequently carried out using SEC HPLC columns, which is why these columns are crucial for drug development and quality control. The SEC HPLC column sector is expanding as a result of technological developments such the creation of better resins and columns with higher resolution and sensitivity.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Disruption of the Supply Chain Resulted in Shortage of Raw Materials 

Many unfavorable effects of the COVID-19 epidemic have been observed in the HPLC column industry. The disruption of the global supply chain caused by production facility closures and transit limitations, which resulted in a shortage of raw materials and delivery delays, was one of the biggest problems the market faced. Due to the large price increase brought on by this, some end users were no longer able to afford SEC HPLC columns. At several organizations, budget cuts as a result of the pandemic's economic uncertainties reduced their capacity to fund research and development, including the acquisition of these columns.

LATEST TRENDS

Using High-performance Columns with Enhanced Sensitivity for Less Frequent Replacements

The growing use of high-performance columns with increased resolution and sensitivity is one of the most recent trends in the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC column industry. In order to deliver better resolution and quicker analysis times, manufacturers are investing in R&D to create SEC HPLC columns with cutting-edge materials, enhanced particle sizes, and improved pore size distributions. These columns are also intended to be stronger and more resilient, resulting in longer lifespans and less frequent replacement. In general, the newest advancements in the SEC HPLC Column market are concentrated on providing more efficient and reliable analysis of complex biomolecules with improved resolution, sensitivity, and automation.

• According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 2,300 ongoing biopharmaceutical research projects in 2024 incorporated Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) methods for protein purity analysis, showing a 42 percent increase from 2020 as biologics and monoclonal antibody development expanded.

• According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), 68 percent of biosimilar quality-control laboratories across the European Union applied SEC-HPLC columns for molecular-weight distribution testing in 2023, compared with 49 percent in 2019, reflecting a rising standardization of chromatographic QC procedures in regulated markets.

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SIZE EXCLUSION CHROMATOGRAPHY (SEC) HPLC COLUMN MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

According to type, the market can be segmented into ID Below 4.6mm, ID 4.6-7.8mm and ID Above 7.8mm

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market can be divided into Pharmaceutical and Biotech Company, Academic & Research Institutions and Others

DRIVING FACTORS

HPLC Industry is Being Driven by the Developing Biopharmaceutical Sector

Due to the rising need for innovative medicines and personalized medicine, the biopharmaceutical business is expanding significantly. For the analysis and quality control of biomolecules used extensively in the biopharmaceutical sector, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, SEC HPLC columns are crucial. As a result, one of the key factors propelling the market for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC columns is the expansion of the biopharmaceutical sector.

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the number of approved biologic drugs increased from 92 in 2018 to 136 by 2023, driving high analytical demand for SEC-HPLC columns to evaluate aggregation and molecular integrity during development.

• According to the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), over 57 percent of domestic drug-manufacturing companies in Japan implemented SEC-HPLC columns for process validation and protein analysis by 2023, supported by government quality-control guidelines for biopharmaceuticals.

Increased Emphasis on R&D Due to Rising Demand for Personalized Medication

The need for SEC HPLC columns is being fueled by the increased emphasis on research and development across a variety of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and life sciences. Complex biomolecules are frequently utilized in research and development, making these columns crucial for the study and purification of these substances. A more sophisticated size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC column is required in order to handle complex biomolecules with greater sensitivity and resolution, which is driven in part by the growing need for customized medicine and precision healthcare.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost Involved with the Columns Might Hinder the Expansion of the Industry

The high cost involved with the development, production, and acquisition of these products is a significant restraint on the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC column market growth. Specialized materials and methods are needed, together with extensive R&D and quality control efforts, for the manufacture of the columns. The price of HPLC columns is also increased by the high cost of raw materials and manufacturing tools. Generally speaking, the high price of SEC columns is a significant market restraint as it might prevent adoption and expansion, especially in price-sensitive market groups.

• According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), approximately 34 percent of chromatographic laboratories reported higher operational costs in 2023 due to stricter regulations on organic solvents used in column operation and cleaning, limiting accessibility for small laboratories.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), analytical labs using SEC-HPLC columns consume on average 22 percent more power per analytical run than ion-exchange systems, creating sustainability concerns and higher operational expenditures.

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SIZE EXCLUSION CHROMATOGRAPHY (SEC) HPLC COLUMN MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Well Established Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sectors are Driving the Regional Market

In terms of revenue and demand, North America is anticipated to rule the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC column market share throughout the projected timeline. This is explained by the presence of numerous important companies in the area, considerable R&D expenditures, and an increase in the demand for cutting-edge treatments and personalized medicine. Furthermore, the region's well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are what are driving the demand for HPLC columns for R&D projects and quality assurance of biopharmaceuticals. Demand for SEC columns in the area is also anticipated to increase as a result of the growing emphasis on precision medicine and the creation of cutting-edge treatments such as cell and gene therapies.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Alliances and Mergers to Grow their Market Positions

Businesses in the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC column are forming alliances with other significant market participants to broaden their product offering and delivery system. These alliances can give businesses access to new markets and clients, enable them to offer a wider range of products, and give them a competitive edge. To grow their market position and share, several businesses are now partaking in mergers and acquisitions. Companies can acquire new technology, product lines, and customer bases through acquisitions, which can aid them in achieving their growth goals.

• Agilent Technologies – According to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Agilent supplied over 18,000 SEC-HPLC columns to certified laboratories in 2023, representing 29 percent of total U.S. chromatographic column calibrations that year.

• Waters Corporation – According to the U.K. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Waters instruments were used in 63 percent of peer-reviewed studies involving SEC analysis published in 2023, emphasizing their dominance in biopolymer characterization applications.

List of Top Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) HPLC Column Companies

• Agilent Technologies (U.S.)
• Waters Corporation (U.S.)
• Shimadzu (Japan)
• Tosoh Corporation (Japan)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.)
• Danaher (U.S.)
• Bio-Rad (U.S.)
• Merck (Germany)

REPORT COVERAGE

This report covers the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) HPLC column market. The CAGR expected to be in during the forecast period, and also the USD value in 2021 and what it is expected to be in 2028. The effect COVID-19 had on the market in the beginning of the pandemic. The latest trends taking place in this industry. The factors that are driving this market as well as the factors that are restraining the growth of industry. The segmentation of this market based on type and applications. The region leading in the industry and why they will continue to do so during the forecast period. Further, the key market players, what all is being done by them to stay ahead of their competition as well as retain their market positions. All these details are covered in the report.