INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
This BCC Research market opportunity study provides an in-depth analysis of the market for kidney failure treatment products and services, forecasting growth and trends in the various sectors over the next 5 years. Products and services will include those for treating acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, and end-stage renal disease, the final phase of chronic kidney failure.
Market sectors to be covered in this report include pharmaceuticals used to address the conditions associated with kidney failure (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, and anemia); hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis products and services; and surgical procedures used to keep the end-stage kidney patient alive (i.e., surgeries to create vascular access sites for dialysis, and kidney transplantation).
The conclusions are illustrated with important statistical and analytical information on markets, industry structure and dynamics, as well as technological developments.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
Kidney failure is the ninth-leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for about 85,000 fatalities each year. Approximately 27 million Americans currently have chronic kidney disease, while another 20 million are at increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease. More than 500,000 individuals currently are being treated for kidney failure via dialysis or kidney transplant. Nearly 400,000 individuals receive dialysis treatments three or more times each week. Over the last decade, the chronic kidney disease rate has risen more than 25%. During the past 5 years, the number of new patients with kidney failure has averaged 90,000 to more than 100,000 annually.
In addition to the individuals struggling with chronic kidney disease, more than 200,000 people suffer acute renal failure in the U.S. each year. The rate of ARF diagnosis as a percentage of all kidney failure hospitalizations rose from 7.3% in 1980 to 60% in 2005. Experts note that some of the increase may be due to changes in the definition of acute renal failure. Many of these patients acquire the condition while already hospitalized for other problems. While sometimes temporary and reversible, acute renal failure also may lead to chronic kidney failure.
The total annual cost of treating end-stage renal disease caused by either chronic kidney disease or acute renal failure is in the tens of billions of dollars each year. Much of the care for chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease is provided in the outpatient setting; however, the number of hospitalizations for acute renal failure and chronic kidney failure is substantial.
Over the past 20 years, both the numbers and rates of kidney disease hospital discharges have increased, especially among adults age 65 years or older. In addition, a shift has occurred for reported hospitalizations in the type of kidney disease, from chronic to acute renal failure. An increasing number of kidney disease hospitalizations also are associated with a concomitant diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or hypertension.
For both acute and chronic conditions, and outpatient or in-hospital settings, nearly all of these kidney problems require some sort of intervention, whether pharmaceutical, mechanical, and/or surgical. This report details the various products and services used to address renal failure. Three categories of treatment are most prevalent: prescription medications, dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy), and surgical intervention, which are often used in combination to treat a single case of renal failure.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This study aims to provide those interested in investment, acquisition, or expansion into the renal failure treatment market with specific, detailed information crucial to making informed decisions. Senior marketing personnel, venture capitalists, executive planners, and research directors should find the report of value. Readers who simply wish to understand how regulations, market pressures, and technology interact in the renal failure treatment industry also will find the study worthwhile.
SCOPE OF REPORT
Five-year projections for market activity and value are provided. Treatment types and trends for acute and chronic renal failure, pricing considerations for medications, dialysis products (dialysis machines, dialysates and dialyzers) and therapies, and surgical procedures; companies, industry structure and participating companies are included in the study.
Not included in the study are market analyses for water treatment systems used in making dialysate solutions, or lower-cost dialysis supplies such as fistula needles, bloodlines, topical anesthetics, wipes, bandages, dressings, etc. Diagnostics, testing, and other lab services are not included, nor are training sessions for home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. For hospitalizations related to acute renal failure and vascular access maintenance, therapy/surgical costs reflect, as much as possible, only those expenses directly related to kidney care. Charges for the stay in intensive care, ventilation, laboratory services, and drugs not directly related to renal failure treatment are not included. Ambulance costs, nursing home expenses, and non-nephrology-related physician fees also are excluded.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Research for this report began with an in-depth analysis of technical and business literature, as well as a review of the history of the technology. Information from industry experts, company representatives, government researchers, and university scientists provided the basis for an assessment of the industry. Specific information sources include company annual reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Renal System Database, National Kidney Foundation, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, Network 13, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, National Kidney Disease Education Program, product literature from pharmaceutical and equipment manufacturers, scientific journals, and patent searches.
The study is divided into key chapters dealing with the three types of interventions used in treating kidney failure: medication, dialysis, and surgery. The report makes projections for each market in terms of constant 2009 dollars. Historical values are presented for the given year, with focus on the U.S. market. Overseas activity is mentioned briefly in order to put the U.S. market into a global context.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
During the past 13 years, Susan Hanft has authored more than 14 BCC market opportunity reports in the fields of membrane technology, medical devices, water and wastewater treatment, and bioenergy.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.
Report Code: HLC073A, Published: November 2009, Analyst: Susan Hanft
