Originally Published IVD Technology April 2005
EDITOR'S PAGE
Forecasting the future
Predicting the future is never an easy task, but in this issue of IVD Technology, some leading figures in the IVD industry offer their outlook for the field during the next 10 years (page 92). The editors of IVD Technology also make the following predictions about the IVD industry:
• IVD manufacturers will continue to develop innovative molecular diagnostic tests and related instruments. Such developments will lead to greater proliferation and
use of molecular tests in clinical labs. Many IVD industry analysts believe molecular diagnostics constitute industry’s biggest and most promising growth area.
• Personalized medicine will develop from concept to reality. It will become increasingly apparent that IVDs must play a key role in customizing individual therapy regimens for patients and then monitoring patient responses to such therapies.
• Closer cooperation will develop between the IVD and pharmaceutical industries. To realize fully the potential of personalized medicine, IVD manufacturers will have to form alliances and work closely with their counterparts at drug companies.
• IVD companies will improve their organization and coordination to address long-standing IVD industrywide concerns about the ways that IVDs are regulated and reimbursed. Industry organizations are currently looking for ways to bring industry issues to the forefront and to formulate an effective strategy for dealing with such issues.
• IVD manufacturers will develop better and more-effective educational programs and materials to teach physicians and patients about the clinical benefits that IVDs offer. Such education will lead to greater awareness of the value of IVDs and increased use of IVDs by clinicians and patients.
• With a more united and coordinated vision, the IVD industry will organize and undertake aggressive lobbying of policymakers to advocate the value of IVDs and demonstrate how they can reduce overall healthcare costs. The industry will also become more politically active in an effort to push for more-favorable policies.
• Reimbursement rates for IVDs will be increased. With policymakers realizing the great value that IVDs offer to healthcare, they will be convinced to improve both reimbursement policies and patient access to IVD testing.
• Emerging IVD markets will show faster growth. Studies have shown that while the established markets in North America, Europe, and Japan will grow at a steady pace, the underdeveloped markets in China, Latin America, India, and Eastern Europe will experience growth rates of 10–20%.
• And, most importantly, IVD Technology will continue to provide readers with the latest news and information regarding business developments and cutting-edge technologies in the IVD industry.
Copyright ©2005 IVD Technology
