Key Medical Membrane Devices for the New Millennium

Report Highlights

• The U.S. medical membrane device market is valued at $1.7 billion in 2001.
• Increasing at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 7.1%, this market is expected to reach nearly $2.5 billion in 2006.
• Sales of dialyzers and blood oxygenators, and increasingly leukofilters, are primarily market driven and are valued at $883 million in 2001 and growing at an AAGR 8.1%.
• Sales of IV filters, blood/apheresis filters and diagnostic devices are principally technology driven and have a combined value of $859 million, with a 5.9% AAGR.
• Sales of diagnostic devices have skyrocketed, driven by managed care, point-of-care and home tests for a host of applications.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

This BCC technical/market study provides an in-depth analysis of the relevant technical and economic drivers for the medical membrane device market by technology type, forecasting growth, and trends in the various sectors over the next 5 years. The conclusions are illustrated with important statistical and analytical information on markets, applications, industry structure, and dynamics, along with technological developments.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

This report is intended for those who require a thorough analysis of the medical membrane device industry that traces significant developments and forecasts, important trends, quantifies the various market sectors, and profiles companies active in those areas. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, it is difficult to find studies that gather extensive data from such diverse resources and evaluate it in the context of one comprehensive document. This analysis contains a unique collection of membrane device-related information that is difficult or impossible to find elsewhere.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM

This study aims to provide those interested in investment, acquisition, or expansion in the medical membrane device industry with specific, detailed information crucial to making informed decisions. Senior marketing personnel, venture capitalists, executive planners, research directors, and government officials should find the report of value. Readers who simply wish to understand how regulations, market pressures, and technology interact in the medical membrane device arena also will find this study worthwhile.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

Five-year projections for market activity and value are provided. Industry structure, device applications and trends, pricing considerations, R&D, environmental influences, companies, and competitive technologies are included in the study.

To simplify and focus on the most promising and clearly relevant technologies, the study concentrates on existing and potentially major uses of the technology. The membranes used in medical devices work in tandem with other materials and processes, adding critical functionality and value. To clarify the dynamic, the report addresses the membrane component of each sector in context with the market dynamics of the overall technology. The report includes comparison of costs for various membrane materials and devices. Players and potential market players are identified and examined.

METHODOLOGY

Research for this report began with an in-depth analysis of technical and literature, as well as a review of the history of the technology. Interviews with industry experts, company representatives, federal government researchers, and university scientists provided the basis for an assessment of the outlook for the medical membrane device industry. Secondary sources of information included product literature from membrane and device suppliers, and numerous scientific references, patent searches, and BCC's monthly newsletters Membrane & Separation Technology News and Medical Devices Technology News.

The study is divided into certain key chapters dealing with the structure and properties of six types of medical membrane devices, including critical components, manufacturing processes necessary for their final function, and their applications. The study emphasizes areas under research and the resulting trends.

The report makes projections for each market in terms of constant dollars. Historical values are presented for the given year, with focus on the U.S. market. Overseas activity is briefly mentioned, to put the U.S. market into the global context. Estimates of the membrane areas used in particular applications were obtained either from surveys or estimates from knowledgeable industry participants. Final analyses and projections are based upon a combination of a consensus among the primary contacts combined with BCC's understanding of the impact of trends from a historical perspective.

INFORMATION SOURCES

The material presented in this report is based on information gathered from participants in the medical device industry and extensive reviews of secondary sources such as , scientific and industry publications, company literature, annual reports, SEC filings, patent literature, and on-line databases.