Research Overview
Hyaluronic Acid-based Biomaterials Pervade the Healthcare Industry
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based biomaterials have wide-ranging applications in the
healthcare industry. The materials derived from HA are being used to relieve the
pain of knee osteoarthritis, in cataract surgeries, in abdominal and pelvic
surgeries, and as a dermal filler to erase facial wrinkles. Moreover, an aging
population, several product innovations, and underserved end-user segments are
creating a huge market for HA-based biomaterials. Some existing end users
include rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons,
anti-adhesive wound care specialists, and gynecologists.
This Frost & Sullivan strategic analysis service provides an overview of
and an outlook for the U.S. biomaterial applications of hyaluronic acid. The
study is segmented into viscosupplementation products for osteoarthritis,
viscoelastic products for ophthalmic applications, facial aesthetic implants,
and post-surgical anti-adhesion barriers. It enables the development of growth
strategies to enhance companiesf market shares and revenue.
HA-based Biomaterials Need a Dose of Innovation to Stay Ahead
Many market segments where HA-based biomaterials have become firmly
entrenched are facing increasing reimbursement pressure from Medicare and other
healthcare providers. An example is the lower reimbursements for physicians for
cataract surgeries, who, in turn, want reduced prices for HA-based viscoelastics.
Medicare is also cutting reimbursements of viscosupplementation procedures using
HA-based material for knee osteoarthritis. These market segments have not seen
significant recent innovation with HA-based biomaterials. The market also needs
to fight price erosion by adding value to its products.
Some market participants are already planning to develop the next generation
of viscosupplements as good carriers for drug delivery. Medical device
manufacturers can also fund research to unravel the mechanism of
viscosupplements. "Once this is done, it will boost physician confidence
leading to increased use of this procedure," says the analyst. Product
manufacturers and marketers are also likely to ensure that their products
maintain the value-to-price ratio in order to gain wide customer appeal.
Demand Expected to be Buoyed by Aging Baby Boomers
The number of people above 65 years is expected to more than double from 35
million in 2000 to 71 million in 2020 in the United States. People in this age
group will be entering a stage where the incidence of osteoarthritis, cataract,
and facial wrinkles increases. HA-based biomaterials have a significant role to
play in the treatment of all these afflictions. Thus, the demand for HA-based
biomaterials is expected to be spurred by the aging demographics.
Since the knee osteoarthritis patient population is expected to increase by
26 percent from 15 million in 2000 to 19 million in 2010, viscosupplements can
expect an escalation in demand. Apart from a huge market for osteoarthritis
medication, the post-surgical anti-adhesion barrier market also carries a huge
potential. Internal adhesions after abdominal surgeries can cause problems, such
as bowel obstruction and pain. "Due to the critical nature of these
complications, surgeons are demanding anti-adhesion barriers that perform
consistently," notes the analyst. Adhesion lysis surgeries are performed
more frequently on those above 65 years than on younger age groups.
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