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Originally Published MDT January/February 2008 THIS MONTH
Developments Across the Industry
Buoyant implants market
US demand for implantable medical devices is projected to increase by 9.3 per cent annually to reach US$43.6 billion in 2011, according to the Freedonia Group. Cardiac implants are expected to remain the top selling group of devices. Outcome advantages over drugs in the treatment of congestive heart failure will boost the patient base for cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices. Improved products and effectiveness in stroke prevention will build demand for carotid stents. Devices comprised of thinner struts will enhance the performance of drug eluting stents. Demand for orthopaedic implants is forecast to grow by 8.8 per cent annually. In other device groups it will be led by implantable stimulators for neurological conditions and brachytherapy. www.freedoniagroup.com
Collagen from the greenhouse
Plant derived human collagen is addressing the need for safe recombinant human collagen biomaterials. The hazards associated with animal derived collagen mean companies are looking for alterative materials for their products. Medical applications of collagen include orthopaedics, tissue regeneration and wound healing. ” The market size of existing products and the number of emerging products that incorporate collagen is rapidly expanding,” says Efi Cohen-Arazi, Executive Chairman of CollPlant. The company recently inaugurated a 1000 m2 greenhouse, which houses thousands of human collagen producing transgenic tobacco plants for the commercial supply of collagen. www.collplant.com
Good prospects for microneedles
Evolving microneedle systems are expected to have significant applications the large-molecule biological drugs segment that is emerging from the convergence of automated discovery and genome mapping. Microneedles will also be important in continuous and remote patient monitors and point-of-care diagnostics. Before they achieve widespread use, however, researchers must complete the integration of microneedles into full diagnostic, monitoring and drug delivery systems, says Greystone. www.greystoneassociates.org
Copyright ©2008 Medical Device Technology
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