Report predicts big growth for skin ulcer treatments

The market for products to treat skin ulcers will grow at nearly 10 percent per year to surpass $5 billion by 2009, according to a recent report from Kalorama Information.

The increasingly elderly population, the availability of new therapeutic techniques, and the recent cost-driven focus on wound-care management and prevention are spurring the growth, the report says.

The study found that while certain segments of the market, such as anti-infectives, skin ulcer management products and pressure-relief devices have peaked, other segments, such as biological dressings, are likely to experience huge growth over the next five years.

The report notes that while opportunities in the development and marketing of skin ulcer treatment appear very positive, competition is intense. The report says that manufacturers must stay on top of emerging products, the latest reimbursement policies and the ever-changing physician-usage patterns in order to remain competitive.