GlobalData highlights importance of CMV tests during National Congenital Cytomegalovirus awareness month

National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month is observed in June every year to raise awareness over cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that typically causes mild or asymptomatic infections in individuals with healthy immune systems. However, when it comes to congenital CMV, the virus can have severe consequences for newborns, including permanent hearing loss, neurodevelopmental delays, and cerebral palsy. Therefore, CMV testing, especially in the pregnant community, has acquired importance, says GlobalData.

The condition of congenital CMV arises when expectant mothers pass the virus to their unborn babies, making it the primary infectious cause of birth defects in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 200 infants is affected by congenital CMV each year. Early identification and intervention are crucial for optimising outcomes in these cases. The CDC also states that CMV has already infected about one-third of children under five and over half of adults by the age of 40.

Selena Yu, Senior Medical Analyst, at GlobalData, states, “Despite the dangerous complications associated with congenital CMV, there is currently no routine screening for CMV in pregnant women in major health markets like the US and the UK. Typically, family doctors will screen pregnant women who exhibit signs of CMV infection or have concerns that they are infected, leaving a large demographic of asymptomatic pregnancies unscreened. This could lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment for affected infants. Additionally, there is no shortage of tests, as there are 60 CMV tests on the market, according to GlobalData’s Products database.”

According to GlobalData’s CMV Tests market model, the market value will reach $40.1 million by 2033, with a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.62 per cent during 2023-33.

Yu concludes, “The decreasing market size is due to more affordable test availability and lower testing volume due to decreasing rates of congenital CMV, declining birth rates, and the release of a CMV vaccine in the near future. The Moderna CMV vaccine candidate, mRNA-1647, is in stage 3 clinical trial, with results to be published later this year. The CMV market size might increase over the years if more countries prioritise implementing CMV screening during pregnancy.”

Edits made by EH News Bureau