Medical Membrane Devices: Markets and Technologies

Report Highlights

• The medical membrane device market, including dialyzers, blood oxygenators, IV filters and blood/apheresis filters, is valued at nearly $1.8 billion in 2007 and is increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% to reach $ 2.3 billion in 2012.
• The combined worth of market-driven devices is about $623 million, rising at a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. More than 235,000 U.S. kidney patients require dialysis on an ongoing basis to maintain renal function. Growth in the hemodialyzer market is driven by an increasing patient population, the phaseout of reusable dialyzers and the discovery that nonmembrane home dialysis may be applicable to a broader target audience
• Technology driven products, such as blood/apheresis microfilters and diagnostic devices, have a combined value of $1.1 billion, with a 6.2% CAGR. Sales of these products for the most part, are spurred by improvements in design and materials, and by new applications.

INTRODUCTION

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

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

METHODOLOGY

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

The study is divided into key chapters dealing with the structure and properties of five types of medical membrane devices, including critical components, manufacturing processes necessary for their final function, and their applications. The report emphasizes areas under research and the resulting trends. It makes projections for each market in terms of constant dollars. Historical values are presented for the given year, with a focus on the U.S. market.

Overseas activity is mentioned briefly, to put the U.S. market into global context. Estimates of the membrane areas used for particular applications were obtained either from surveys or estimates by knowledgeable industry participants. Final analyses and projections are based upon a combination of a consensus among primary contacts combined with BCC Research's understanding of the impact of trends from a historical perspective.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Material presented in this report comes from information gathered from participants in the medical device industry as well as extensive reviews of secondary sources such as business, scientific and industry publications, company literature, annual reports, SEC filings, patent literature, and online databases.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

During the past 7 years, Susan Hanft has authored more than 12 BCC Research market opportunity reports in the fields of membrane technology and water/ wastewater treatment. Hanft also serves as editor of the BCC Research newsletter, Membrane & Separation Technology News.

• Industry structure covering, membrane device manufacturers, technology companies, distribution channels, and customers
• Company profiles
• Medical membrane device technology
• Patent analysis
• History, overview, company sales and five-year market forecasts for the following five product areas: hemodialyzers, blood oxygenators, IV filters, diagnostic devices and blood microfilters