Markets for Advanced Wound Care Technologies

Report Highlights

• The total U.S. market for advanced wound care was estimated at more than $1.7 billion in 2003 and is expected to rise at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 10.2% to $2.8 billion.
• Biological dressings, surgical sealants, synthetic dressings and other wound healing products account for $1.1 billion and will rise at an AAGR of 7.2%.
• Wound healing devices, e.g., electrostimulation products, hyperbaric oxygen therapies and vacuum-assisted therapies, account for a smaller portion with $608.2 million in sales but are rising faster at an AAGR of 15%.

INTRODUCTION

From antiquity, humanity has explored means of controlling hemorrhage and closing wounds. Egyptian papyri dating back to 2100 B.C. describe how various injuries, including head injuries and fractures, were treated. Early surgeons in India surpassed those of Egypt in their skills in treating fractures and other injuries and in performing plastic surgery. Other records describe epidemics, purulence, fumigation, and wound management. These early concepts of infection and crude methods to combat it seem strange in light of modern scientific knowledge.

Advanced wound care technologies have emerged from the shadows to become, in the last 20 years, significant products in wound treatment. While conventionally made wound care products are considerable and generally less expensive, new products and biotechnological advancements are beginning to revolutionize the wound care market. New technological products are competing in a fast track market that seeks to improve the quality of life for millions of individuals needing both acute and chronic wound care.

This timely BCC study provides an overview of products included in this market, and detailed market analyses and competitive environments. It includes information about significant products, players, issues and trends, and other information affecting the wound care industry. The report supplies the knowledge to adequately view and assess the advanced wound care movement and provide insights into market potentials.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• An overview of products and technologies included in this market
• Identifies markets in five general advanced segments: biological dressings, surgical sealants, synthetic dressings, other wound healing products and wound healing devices
• Use of products and forecasts for the U.S. market through 2008
• Competitive analyses of each segment
• Competitor market share estimates for each market segment for the 2003 base year.

METHODOLOGY

The information for this BCC, Inc. report was obtained through primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary methods included interviews with more than 50 key executives, product managers, clinical specialists and other related key personnel involved in the wound care industry. Secondary methods included published literature, investment reports, company literature, and various journals that have emphases on wound care and related areas.

Market data for this report pertains to the U.S. market in U.S. dollars at the manufacturer level. The base year of the report is 2003, with historical data provided for 2001 and 2002 and forecast data provided for 2008. Historical, base year, and forecast data are provided for each market segment of the report. Growth rates are determined through a compilation of data, including past trends, future trends, demographics, incidence, mortality, products in research and development, current product growth, etc. Competitor market share estimates are provided for each market segment for the 2003 base year.ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Melissa Elder is an experienced healthcare market analyst specializing in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and various healthcare related topics. Ms. Elder has worked in the healthcare field for the past 8 years and has a wide range of experience.