Market Challenges And Opportunities

Unfractionated Heparin Market Drivers

Growth of unfractionated heparin market is increasing, owing to the increasing incidence of thromboembolic disorders such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and among others. According to the data findings published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in February 2018, 900,000 people are affected (1 to 2 per 1,000) each year in the U.S. due to the deep venous thromboembolism and Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE). According to data published in the Circulation Research Journal: a journal of the American Heart Association, in 2016, the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases with increasing age. According to the same source, in the U.S., study estimated the age-stratified incidence showing 143 per 100000 among ages 40 to 49 years, 200 per 100 000 among ages 50 to 59 years, 391 per 100000 among ages 60 to 69 years, 727 per 100000 among ages 70 to 79 years, and 1134 per 100000 among ages ≥80 years. Additionally, the low awareness regarding the pulmonary embolism and deep-vein thrombosis showing the negligence towards the early diagnosis of these condition. Moreover, healthcare regularity organizations are engaged in increasing the awareness for the same, which will expected to drive the unfractionated heparin market in near future.

However, adverse effects of unfractionated heparin during treatment, poses as a major restraint for growth of the unfractionated heparin market. Heparin?induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), an adverse reaction occurring during treatment with heparin, is associated with inconsistent increase in the clotting causing further complications. For instance, according to the data published in American Society of Hematology in 2017, Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is heparin’s most clinically relevant non-hemorrhagic complication. Furthermore, adults receiving heparin formulation for medical or general surgical indications are at higher risk for HIT than pediatric or obstetric patients.

Moreover, cost-effectiveness of low-molecular weight heparin over the unfractionated heparin in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in critical illness, limits the adoption of unfractionated heparin. According to the data published in the Journal of American Medical Association (AMA), in November 2014, hospital costs per patient using low-molecular weight heparin were a median of US$ 39,508 compared with US$ 40,805 on unfractionated heparin. Moreover, low-molecular weight heparin was found to be more effective and least costly in treating VTE.