Human Reproductive Technologies: Products, Markets and Manufacturers

Report Highlights

• The total U.S. market for human reproductive technologies reached $6.9 billion in 2001. It is expected to rise at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 10.1% to $11 billion in 2006.
• Treatments for infertility will show the most dynamic growth during the forecast period among reproductive technology products. The market for infertility treatments, both pharmaceuticals and procedures, is expected to exhibit an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 19.7% from 2001 to 2006. Approximately 28% of the market in 2001 was generated by fertility drugs and the remainder of the market was contributed by revenues from assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), primarily in vitro fertilization (IVF).

INTRODUCTION

There are dynamic changes ongoing on several fronts of the reproductive technology market. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to enhance fertility include procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT). It is projected that as reproductive technologies continue to evolve, as success rates improve, and as education about these technologies becomes more widespread, an increasing number of couples will seek medical evaluation and treatment for infertility. The infertility market is viewed as a major opportunity, and interest in infertility treatments and diagnostics has generated a number of start-up companies that are developing novel technologies and products.

Contraception, although a mature market, has seen changes in existing product usage and the introduction of increasing contraceptive options and innovative products. New delivery systems, in particular, are making a significant impact on this market. Another "contraceptive revolution" is foreseen for the next decade, which will represent a quantum leap in approaches to birth control that include contraceptive vaccines.

Diagnostics related to reproduction continue to advance and technologies are emerging that will allow screening for genetic diseases and disorders as well as a means of detecting chromosomal abnormalities. And the possibility of human cloning has provided a challenge to all of us to determine the course that will now be taken in this ethically loaded scientific pursuit.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report provides technology and usage trends, markets and forecasts, and manufacturer profiles and pipelines for the following areas of reproductive technology:

• Fertility Enhancement (pharmaceuticals and procedures)
• Contraception and Abortion (prescription pharmaceuticals and devices)
• Reproduction Related Diagnostics (including fertility status and monitoring diagnostics)

METHODOLOGY

The base year for the study is 2001. Revenues for procedures (surgical and diagnostic) are calculated at the consumer level and figures for pharmaceuticals are based on revenue at the manufacturers' level, unless otherwise noted. Market figures are projected at 2001-dollar value; that is, inflation is not computed into the projection figures.

Information to prepare this study was derived from information provided by product managers, marketing strategists, research executives and others at leading companies in the industry with products that compete in the reproductive technology market. Information was also obtained from researchers and product planners at companies that do not yet participate in this market but which have products in development that are poised to be introduced during the forecast period. Searches of secondary material such as company annual reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Comission (10Ks), journal articles, prospectus assessments, government resources and data from health care institutions were also conducted.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Information to prepare this report was obtained from companies in the reproductive markets; industry analysts; health care personnel; various divisions of the National Institutes Health that conduct research into reproduction-related products and services; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in particular the Division for Reproductive Medicine; and other government agencies, literature searches, annual reports, 10Ks and product literature.