U.S. Medical Adhesives Demand to Reach $1.3 Bil. in 2007

Demand for medical adhesives and sealants in the United States is forecast to rise 7.5% per year to $1.3 bil. in 2007. When the slower-growing dental segment is excluded, demand will rise at double-digit rates.

Much of this growth can be attributed to the aging U.S. population, since older individuals are more likely to require surgical and dental procedures than other age groups. Advances will also depend on continuing new product development and increasing acceptance of these materials in surgical and consumer settings. These and other trends are presented in Medical Adhesives & Sealants, a new study from the Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm.

The best opportunities are expected for cyanoacrylate, polyethylene glycol, and various plasma and protein types. Cyanoacrylate adhesives are projected to find greater use in external tissue bonding applications, particularly in medical emergency and consumer settings. Rapid gains should result from the commercialization of several products presently in development, including absorbable and non-absorbable cyanoacrylates for internal applications. Continued market penetration of polyethylene glycol sealants in tissue bonding and sealing applications will provide rapid growth for these materials. Rapid gains in plasma and protein sealants, including those based on albumin, collagen and fibrin, will be promoted by their expanded use in various surgical procedures. Due to the aforementioned factors, internal and external applications will achieve double-digit growth through 2007.

Although dental will remain the largest application, this segment will achieve the slowest growth through 2007. However, good opportunities still exist, especially in newer products. For example, pit and fissure sealants will register strong gains due to their use in the prevention of cavities. Bonding agents used in cosmetic dental procedures, such as braces, will continue to provide steady gains through 2007, while products such as denture adhesives, restorative adhesives and cements will achieve limited gains through 2007.

Medical Adhesives & Sealants is available for $3,800 from the Freedonia Group Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326. For more information, contact Corinne Gangloff, 440-684-9600; fax 440-646-0484; e-mail pr@freedoniagroup.com; or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.