GMP試験サービスの世界市場：2023-2030年

世界のGMP試験サービス市場は、予測期間（2023-2030年）にCAGR 6.7％で成長すると予測されます。同市場の成長は、ヘルスケアの予防保全の拡大に起因しています。GMPプログラムは予防ヘルスケアの一種であり、子供の成長障害の早期発見に焦点を当てています。GMP検査が必要とされるのは、次世代の健康と幸福を確保することが優先されるからです。国立衛生研究所によると、2023年5月、世界保健機関（WHO）は、推定1億4,900万人の5歳未満の子供が発育不全に罹患し、約4,540万人の子供が消耗症を経験していると発表しました。小児期の栄養不良を放置しておくと、身体や知能の発達に悪影響を及ぼし、病気のリスクが高まり、体力や労働生産性の低下、失業、貧困のリスクが高まり、それが将来の世代にまで及ぶ可能性があります。この問題に取り組むため、国連児童基金（WHO）は成長モニタリングと促進（GMP）プログラムを推奨しています。

さらに、成長モニタリング・プロモーション（GMP）とは、子どもの体重と身長を定期的に追跡し、特定された健康上の問題に対処するための措置を講じることです。GMPは1980年代から実施されており、その目的は、子どもの健康と栄養上の問題を特定すること、母乳育児と適切な補完栄養を推進すること、子どもの保健サービスの利用率を高めることです。

セグメント別展望

製品バリデーション試験、生物分析サービス、その他。サービス提供者に基づいて、市場は自社検査施設と外部委託施設に細分化されます。さらに、エンドユーザー別では、製薬・バイオ医薬品企業、医療機器企業、その他に細分化されます。サービスタイプ別では、製品バリデーション試験のサブカテゴリーが市場シェアの大部分を占めると予想されます。この背景には、より高品質で安全なサービス提供に対する需要の高まりがあります。

製薬・バイオ製薬企業がGMP試験サービスの世界市場で大きなシェアを占めると予測

エンドユーザーの中でも、製薬会社およびバイオ製薬会社のサブセグメントが世界のGMP試験サービス市場でかなりのシェアを占めると予想されています。このセグメントの成長は、薬局の統合が進んでいることに起因しています。薬の管理と投与は、薬局や病院が行うことが多くなっています。オンサイト3Dプリンティングは、個別化された医薬品の作成を効率化することで、ヘルスケア施設がより広範でカスタマイズされたさまざまな治療を提供するのに役立ちます。例えば、2023年10月、キュリファイラボは、薬局や病院での個別化医薬品のオンサイト3Dプリント用のGMPファーマインクを発売しました。製薬業界は、遺伝、年齢、性別、アレルギー、障害の違いなど、薬を処方する際の個人差を考慮することの価値を認識しつつあります。

地域別展望

世界のGMP試験サービス市場は、北米（米国、カナダ）、欧州（英国、イタリア、スペイン、ドイツ、フランス、その他欧州地域）、アジア太平洋地域（インド、中国、日本、韓国、その他アジア地域）、世界のその他の地域（中東とアフリカ、中南米）を含む地域別にさらに細分化されます。中でも北米は、米国のような国々に重要なバイオ製薬企業や製薬企業が存在することから、世界全体で大きなシェアを占めると予想されています。さらに、大規模な製薬企業やその研究開発業務の頻度が増加していることも、この地域のGMP試験需要を後押ししています。

アジア太平洋地域は、世界のGMP試験サービス市場において著しいCAGRで成長する見込み

すべての地域の中で、アジア太平洋地域は予測期間中にかなりのCAGRで成長すると予想されています。この地域の成長の背景には、公衆衛生に関する懸念の高まりがあります。質の悪い医薬品は、治療の失敗、薬剤耐性の増加、患者の傷害を引き起こすことにより、公衆衛生を損なう可能性があります。このような懸念が、GMP基準や試験サービスを採用する大きな動機となっています。BMCによると、2022年4月、世界保健機関（WHO）は、低所得国（LICs）とアジアで入手可能な医薬品のかなりの部分が品質不良であることを確認しました。アジアで入手可能な医薬品の最大13.7％が品質不良であると報告されており、3分の1以上の国で医薬品規制システムが存在しないか、厳格なプロトコルが欠如しています。品質が悪い医薬品や標準以下の医薬品は、効果的な治療を妨げ、抗菌薬耐性を増加させ、社会経済的な負担をもたらす可能性があるため、これは世界ヘルスに対する課題となっています。

さらに、アフガニスタンの医薬品セクターは世界的に見ても最も発展が遅れており、国内メーカーは医薬品総需要の5％しか満たしていないです。残りの95％はパキスタン、中国、インド、イラン、アラブ首長国連邦（UAE）、トルコなどの国々から輸入されています。WHOは、高品質な製品を安定的に生産するための適正製造ガイドライン（GMP）基準を策定しています。年間約10億米ドルの医薬品がアフガニスタンに密輸されていると推定されています。

目次

第1章 レポート概要

• 業界の現状分析と成長ポテンシャルの展望
• 調査方法とツール
• 市場内訳
  • セグメント別
  • 地域別

第2章 市場概要と洞察

• 調査範囲
• アナリストの洞察と現在の市場動向
  • 主な調査結果
  • 推奨事項
  • 結論

第3章 競合情勢

• 主要企業分析
• aguar Transport Holdings, LLC
  • 概要
  • 財務分析
  • SWOT分析
  • 最近の動向
• Almac Group Ltd.
  • 会社概要
  • 財務分析
  • SWOT分析
  • 最近の動向
• Intertek Group plc
  • 概要
  • 財務分析
  • SWOT分析
  • 最近の動向
• 主要戦略分析

第4章 市場セグメンテーション

• GMP試験サービスの世界市場：サービスタイプ別
  • 包装・賞味期限試験
  • 製品バリデーション試験
  • バイオ分析サービス
  • その他（分析試験サービス、バリデーションサービス）
• GMP試験サービスの世界市場：サービスプロバイダー別
  • 自社試験施設
  • 外部委託施設
• GMP試験サービスの世界市場：エンドユーザー別
  • 製薬・バイオ医薬品企業
  • 医療機器企業
  • その他（医薬品開発業務受託機関（CRO）、研究・学術機関）
• GMP試験サービスの世界市場：業界別
  • 小売・eコマース
  • ITおよび電気通信
  • 教育
  • BFSI
  • 製造業
  • ヘルスケア
  • 政府機関
  • その他（金融サービス、法律サービス）

第5章 地域分析

• 北米
  • 米国
  • カナダ
• 欧州
  • 英国
  • ドイツ
  • イタリア
  • スペイン
  • フランス
  • その他欧州
• アジア太平洋
  • 中国
  • インド
  • 日本
  • 韓国
  • その他アジア太平洋地域
• 世界のその他の地域

第6章 企業プロファイル

• Labcorp
• Merck KGaA
• Microchem Laboratories
• North American Science Associates, LLC
• Pace Analytical Services, LLC
• Sartorius
• SGS
• Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
• Sotera Health Co.
• Svar Life Science AB
• Takara Bio USA, Inc.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.,
• UL Solutions
• WuXi AppTec

LIST OF TABLES

• 1. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE TYPE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 2. GLOBAL PACKAGING AND SHELF-LIFE GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 3. GLOBAL PRODUCT VALIDATION GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 4. GLOBAL BIOANALYTICAL SERVICES GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 5. GLOBAL OTHERS GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 6. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE PROVIDER , 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 7. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE BY IN-HOUSE TESTING FACILITIES MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 8. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE BY OUTSOURCED FACILITY MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 9. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY END USER , 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 10. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOPHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 11. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE FOR MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANIES MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 12. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE FOR OTHERS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 13. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 14. NORTH AMERICAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 15. NORTH AMERICAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE TYPE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 16. NORTH AMERICAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE PROVIDER , 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 17. NORTH AMERICAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY END USER, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 18. EUROPEAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 19. EUROPEAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE TYPE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 20. EUROPEAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE PROVIDER, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 21. EUROPEAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY END USER, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 22. ASIA-PACIFIC GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 23. ASIA-PACIFIC GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE TYPE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 24. ASIA-PACIFIC GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE PROVIDER , 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 25. ASIA-PACIFIC GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY END USER, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 26. REST OF THE WORLD GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE TYPE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 27. REST OF THE WORLD GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY SERVICE PROVIDER , 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 28. REST OF THE WORLD GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY END USER, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)

LIST OF FIGURES

• 1. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY SERVICE TYPE, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 2. GLOBAL PACKAGING AND SHELF-LIFE GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 3. GLOBAL PRODUCT VALIDATION GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 4. GLOBAL BIOANALYTICAL SERVICES GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 5. GLOBAL OTHERS GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 6. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY SERVICE PROVIDER, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 7. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE IN IN-HOUSE TESTING FACILITIES MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 8. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE IN OUTSOURCED FACILITY MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 9. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY END USER, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 10. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOPHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 11. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE FOR MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANIES MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 12. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE FOR OTHERS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 13. GLOBAL GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 VS 2030 (%)
• 14. US GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 15. CANADA GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 16. UK GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 17. FRANCE GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 18. GERMANY GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 19. ITALY GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 20. SPAIN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 21. REST OF EUROPE GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 22. INDIA GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 23. CHINA GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 24. JAPAN GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 25. SOUTH KOREA GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 26. REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)
• 27. REST OF THE WORLD GMP TESTING SERVICE MARKET SIZE, 2022-2030 ($ MILLION)

Global GMP Testing Service Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Technology (Single Stage and Double Stage), by Absorber Type (Lithium Bromide and Ammonia), by Power Source (Direct Fired, Indirect Fired, and Water Driven), and by Application (Chemicals, Food & Beverages, Power, Paper & Pulp, power & energy and Others), Forecast Period (2023-2030)

The global GMP testing service market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7 % during the forecast period (2023-2030). The market's growth is attributed to growing healthcare preventive maintenance. GMP programs are a type of preventive healthcare that focuses on the early detection of growth problems in children. The requirement for GMP testing stems from the priority of ensuring the health and well-being of the next generation. According to the National Institute of Health, in May 2023, World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 149 million children below the age of five years are affected by stunted growth and approximately 45.4 million children experience wasting. If left unaddressed, childhood malnutrition can lead to adverse effects on physical and intellectual development, an increased risk of diseases, reduced physical strength and work productivity, unemployment, and a higher risk of poverty that can extend to future generations. To tackle this issue, the United Nations Children's Fund (WHO) recommends the growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) program.

Furthermore, Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) involves regularly tracking a child's weight and height, and taking actions to address any identified health issues. It has been implemented since the 1980s with the aims of identifying health and nutritional problems in children; promoting breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding; and increasing the utilization of child health services.

Segmental Outlook

The global GMP testing service market is segmented on the service type, service provider, and end-user. Based on the service type, the market is sub-segmented into packaging and shelf-life testing,

product validation testing, bioanalytical services, and others. Based on the service provider, the market is sub-segmented into in-house testing facilities, and outsourced facility. Further, on the basis of end-user, the market is sub-segmented into pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and others. The product validation testing subcategory is expected to capture a significant portion of the market share within the service type segment. This is attributed to the rise in demand for higher-quality and safe administration of service.

The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies Sub-Segment is Anticipated to Hold a Considerable Share of the Global GMP Testing Service Market

Among the end-user, the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies sub-segment is expected to hold a considerable share of the global GMP Testing Service market. The segmental growth is attributed to the growing integration of pharmacies. Medication management and administration are increasingly being handled by pharmacies and hospitals. On-site 3D printing can help healthcare facilities offer a more extensive and customized variety of therapies by streamlining the creation of personalized pharmaceuticals. For instance, in October 2023, CurifyLabs has launched GMP Pharma Inks for On-Site 3D Printing of Personalized medicines in pharmacies and hospitals. The pharmaceutical industry is recognizing the value in considering individual variation when prescribing medications, such as differences in genetics, age, gender, allergies, and disabilities.

Regional Outlook

The global GMP testing service market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). Among these, North America is anticipated to hold a prominent share of the market across the globe, owing to the presence of significant biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical corporations in the countries such as the US. Furthermore, the increased frequency of substantial pharmaceutical businesses and their research and development operations drives the region's demand for GMP testing.

The Asia-Pacific Region is Expected to Grow at a Significant CAGR in the Global GMP Testing Service Market

Among all regions, the Asia-Pacific regions is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. Regional growth is attributed to the rising concerns regarding public health. Poor-quality pharmaceuticals can impair public health by causing treatment failure, increasing drug resistance, and patient injury. This apprehension is a major motivator for the adoption of GMP standards and testing services. According to the BMC, in April 2022, World Health Organization (WHO), a significant portion of medicines available in low-income countries (LICs) and in Asia have been confirmed to be of poor quality. Up to 13.7% of medicines available in Asia have been reported to be of poor quality, and in more than one-third of countries, drug regulatory systems are either absent or lack stringent protocols. This poses a challenge to global health, as poor quality or substandard medicines can impede effective treatment, increase antimicrobial resistance, and create a socioeconomic burden.

Furthermore, the Afghan pharmaceutical sector is one of the least developed globally, with domestic manufacturers only meeting 5% of total pharmaceutical demand. The remaining 95% is imported from countries including Pakistan, China, India, Iran, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Turkey. WHO has developed Good Manufacturing Guideline (GMP) standards to ensure consistent production of quality products. It is estimated that about one billion dollars of pharmaceuticals are smuggled into Afghanistan annually.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the GMP testing service market include includes Labcorp, Merck KGaA, Microchem Laboratories, North American Science Associates, LLC, Pace Analytical Services, LLC and others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, funding, and new product launches, to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in May 2022,GenScript USA Inc. launched the availability of new GMP-grade GenExact single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and GenWand closed-end linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) services. The services provided enable next-generation gene and cell therapy R&D programs to proceed faster and more efficiently to IND filing and clinical trials.

The Report Covers:

• Market value data analysis of 2022 and forecast to 2030.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global GMP testing service market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market.

Table of Contents

1. Report Summary

• Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook
• 1.1. Research Methods and Tools
• 1.2. Market Breakdown
  • 1.2.1. By Segments
  • 1.2.2. By Region

2. Market Overview and Insights

• 2.1. Scope of the Report
• 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends
  • 2.2.1. Key Findings
  • 2.2.2. Recommendations
  • 2.2.3. Conclusion

3. Competitive Landscape

• 3.1. Key Company Analysis
• 3.2. aguar Transport Holdings, LLC
  • 3.2.1. Overview
  • 3.2.2. Financial Analysis
  • 3.2.3. SWOT Analysis
  • 3.2.4. Recent Developments
• 3.3. Almac Group Ltd.
  • 3.3.1. Overview
  • 3.3.2. Financial Analysis
  • 3.3.3. SWOT Analysis
  • 3.3.4. Recent Developments
• 3.4. Intertek Group plc
  • 3.4.1. Overview
  • 3.4.2. Financial Analysis
  • 3.4.3. SWOT Analysis
  • 3.4.4. Recent Developments
• 3.5. Key Strategy Analysis

4. Market Segmentation

• 4.1. Global GMP Testing Service Market by Service Type
  • 4.1.1. Packaging and Shelf-Life Testing
  • 4.1.2. Product Validation Testing
  • 4.1.3. Bioanalytical Services
  • 4.1.4. Others(Analytical Testing Services, and Validation Services)
• 4.2. Global GMP Testing Service Market by Service Provider
  • 4.2.1. In-House Testing Facilities
  • 4.2.2. Outsourced facility
• 4.3. Global GMP Testing Service Market by End-User
  • 4.3.1. Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies
  • 4.3.2. Medical Device Companies
  • 4.3.3. Others(Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and Research and Academic Institutions)
• 4.4. Global GMP Testing Service Market by Industry Vertical
  • 4.4.1. Retail and E-commerce
  • 4.4.2. IT and Telecom
  • 4.4.3. Education
  • 4.4.4. BFSI
  • 4.4.5. Manufacturing
  • 4.4.6. Healthcare
  • 4.4.7. Government
  • 4.4.8. Others(Financial Services, and Legal Services)

5. Regional Analysis

• 5.1. North America
  • 5.1.1. United States
  • 5.1.2. Canada
• 5.2. Europe
  • 5.2.1. UK
  • 5.2.2. Germany
  • 5.2.3. Italy
  • 5.2.4. Spain
  • 5.2.5. France
  • 5.2.6. Rest of Europe
• 5.3. Asia-Pacific
  • 5.3.1. China
  • 5.3.2. India
  • 5.3.3. Japan
  • 5.3.4. South Korea
  • 5.3.5. Rest of Asia-Pacific
• 5.4. Rest of the World

6. Company Profiles

• 6.1. Labcorp
• 6.2. Merck KGaA
• 6.3. Microchem Laboratories
• 6.4. North American Science Associates, LLC
• 6.5. Pace Analytical Services, LLC
• 6.6. Sartorius
• 6.7. SGS
• 6.8. Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
• 6.9. Sotera Health Co.
• 6.10. Svar Life Science AB
• 6.11. Takara Bio USA, Inc.
• 6.12. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.,
• 6.13. UL Solutions
• 6.14. WuXi AppTec