Biocompatible Materials for the Human Body

Report Highlights

• The U.S. biocompatibles market in 2003 is expected to reach $8.2 billion in sales
• This market will grow at a 7.7% AAGR (average annual growth rate) through 2008 to reach $11.9 billion.
• Polymer consumption, of which 80% are PVCs, will grow at a 7.9% AAGR.
• Titanium, stainless steel and other metals will reach $212.8 million in 2008.
• Nanotechnology is expected to yield new drug delivery products, sensors and high-performance biocompatible materials that will allow "smart" rejection resistant implants.

INTRODUCTION

The biocompatible materials market is unique. It is driven by medical device development coupled with the need to find materials that most replicate human tissue structure. Biocompatible materials must be capable of being used in or on the human body without eliciting a rejection response from surrounding body tissues. They must pass stringent tests to ensure they will not cause inflammation, infection, thrombogenesis, adverse immunological response or neoplasm induction or promotion.

In this study, BCC examines the market for biocompatible materials found in medical devices for use on or within the human body. Biocompatible materials used in the worldwide $50 billion end-use device market account for current annual sales of approximately $1 billion. The study focuses on major materials now in use, including medical-grade polymers, metals, advanced ceramics, pyrolytic carbon, composites and natural materials. End-use devices include implants, valves, grafts, pacemakers, bone repair and replacement devices, artificial organs, dental materials, drug delivery systems, dialysis/separation/filtration systems and catheters and stents.

The report provides readers with a comprehensive description and evaluation of this dynamic marketplace so its significance to the practice of modern medicine is understood. It will supply information on the structure, size and dynamics of the major end-market segments, as well as provide a full description of the materials markets including corporate strategies. Other areas covered include technological and research advances, regulatory impact and international developments. Particular emphasis is placed on technological advances, and research and development activities that will yield the products being introduced in the future.

This analysis of changing biocompatible materials for the human body market will prove invaluable to those holding management, marketing, development, strategic planning and technical development positions in the medical and medical device industries. It also will benefit readers who are suppliers to this industry as well as investors and venture capitalists.

SCOPE OF STUDY

Specifically, the report includes:

• The changing biocompatible materials industry and end-user segments
• Market influences and predictions of the future shape of the market
• Trends within the market segments and their future outlook
• activities of market leaders in each segment
• Emerging and leading technologies likely to have an impact in the future
• An overview of the worldwide nature of the industry.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The primary data collection methodology for this report focuses on interviews with industry personnel, government agency personnel, industry observers, scientists, and industry professional organizations. In addition to these primary data sources, secondary data research techniques include a literature search of BCC's extensive library, as well as medical and libraries.

All data collected were analyzed by BCC personnel to determine specific findings and make forecasts. Once these forecasts were obtained, they were validated by consultation with industry experts. Consequently, all estimates provided in this report represent a consensus opinion of BCC personnel, industry participants, and industry observers. Growth forecasts are made in constant dollars based on the U.S. manufacturers' (wholesale) price level unless otherwise noted.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Breindel, the author and project director of this report, holds both medical technology and advanced marketing degrees. Further supporting the analyst's knowledge in this area is an extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, the medical device industry, and other high-technology markets.