Biocompatible materials market in US to touch $5.6 bn

US demand for biocompatible materials is forecast to increase 4.9 percent annually to $5.6 billion in 2018, according to the Freedonia Group’s new study, ‘Biocompatible materials’. Bill Martineau, analyst, Freedonia, said, “Synthetic polymers will remain the top-selling product group by far, due to quality, performance, and cost advantages in a broad range of applications.”
 
Ceramic materials will generate the fastest long-term growth in demand among all biocompatible materials as advances in nanotechnology lead to the introduction of new and improved compounds for orthopedic implants, spinal fixation devices, and dental repair and restoration products. Spurred by increasing applications in cosmetic surgery, wound management, and arthritis therapy, hyaluronic acid will post the fastest revenue gains among natural biocompatible polymers.
 
Titanium and titanium alloys will grow the fastest in demand among biocompatible metals as high strength, lightweight, and shape memory advantages promote their expanding use in cardiac, orthopedic, and dental implants. Competition from alternative polymer materials will hold down revenues generated by other biocompatible metals, including precious metals and stainless steel.
 
“Demand for synthetic biocompatible polymers will increase 4.7 percent annually to $3.2 billion in 2018, representing more than 1.4 billion pounds. Engineered resins - especially thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, sulfone, and polyketone materials - will command the fastest revenue and volume growth based on quality and safety advantages in high value-added catheters and implants.  By contrast, demand for polyvinyl chloride, the most widely used biocompatible resin, will drop slightly in volume terms over the forecast period due to recurring safety controversies and competition from improved grades of polypropylene and thermoplastic polyesters,” said Freedonia in a press release.
 
Widening use in drug delivery systems, cosmetic implants, tissue engineering products, wound management supplies, and orthopedic pain therapies will boost demand for natural biocompatible polymers 5.4 percent per year to $1.2 billion in 2018, representing 280 million pounds. “Cellulose polymers and starch derivatives will remain the top-selling product groups based on well-established performance results in drug formulations and drug delivery systems. Hyaluronic acid will generate the fastest revenue gains spurred by expanding applications in injectable arthritis treatments,” added the release.