Technological Advances and Expansion into Japan to Boost Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Market

Monday 2 July 2012, Amsterdam

The Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) market is primed for impressive growth due to technological boosts, successful clinical trials and profitable inroads into Japan, estimates the new Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Market to 2017 - Recent Approvals in Japan and Large Diabetes Patient Pool in Emerging Countries to Present Opportunities for Growth report.

The report shows that the availability of portable NPWT equipment that does not require access to an external power outlet has increased the adoption rates within the healthcare industry, while the future introduction of single use and disposable versions is likely to pique the interest of the medical community and reinforce awareness of the therapy globally.

Currently, the largest market for NPWT is the US, which held a 72% share worth $1.2 bn in 2010. This report attributes striking results in the US to a combination of strong physician recommendations, and increases in both rental business models and the availability of reimbursement.

In addition, a global panel of experts drafted recommendations for NPWT uses, including traumatic wounds such as soft tissue defects, open fractures and burns, and reconstructive procedures. This international panel consisted of 422 members and made 12 recommendations, with the strongest evidence supporting the use of NPWT in skin grafts.

In the near future, Japan is expected to become a key market for NPWT. As Kinetic Concepts Inc. (KCI) are currently the only company with product approval here, the country offered a greater than expected contribution to KCI’s sales in 2010, quickly leading them to announce a target of $25m for 2011.

However, other companies will shortly enter this new market with hopes of substantial returns in a promising environment for NPWT.

KCI dominated the global NPWT market in 2010 with a 74% share and started up operations in India and China in the same year. Robust clinical data, a premium rental business and an effective service model have all contributed to KCI’s cornering of the worldwide market, but this report predicts a threat to this supremacy as more companies enter the market.

Several other companies have already revised their strategies and developed marketing and distribution partnerships. While Smith & Nephew was the only major company to compete with KCI, others such as Medela, Talley Group and Molnlycke now have competing products available with operations in the US and other locations.

The report provides comprehensive information on the key trends and key analytical content on the market dynamics. The report also reviews the competitive landscape, with analysis of major mergers and acquisitions in the last four years.

This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by a team of industry experts.