Medical elastomers market is estimated to be valued at USD 8.67 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Furthermore, the demand for medical elastomers is growing due to their increasing usage in medical devices such as catheter tubes, guide wires, probe covers, elastic membranes, etc. These products offer qualities like flexibility, elasticity, and permeability which makes them ideal for medical applications.
Market Dynamics:
Demand for minimally invasive surgeries is one of the major drivers propelling the growth of the medical elastomers market. Minimally invasive procedures require devices and components made of flexible materials like elastomers to navigate through small incisions or body cavities. These surgeries result in less pain and scarring for patients compared to open surgeries. Rising elderly population worldwide is also fueling the medical elastomers market. Old age often brings numerous healthcare issues thus raising the need for medical devices, implants and equipment containing elastomers. Demographic shifts are expected to continue driving the market growth over the forecast period.
Increasing Demand for Medical Devices
The demand for various medical devices such as catheters, drug delivery systems, implants and syringes is increasing rapidly across the globe. Medical elastomers find wide application in manufacturing these devices due to their elasticity, flexibility and biocompatibility. Properties like flexibility allow elastomers to be fabricated into complex shapes required for medical devices. Their elastic nature also provides durability and longevity to these devices. Thus, the rising usage of medical devices is a key factor fueling the growth of the medical elastomers market.
Growing Geriatric Population
The world population is aging at an unprecedented rate. According to the UN, the number of people aged 60 years and above will nearly double from current 12% to 22% by 2050. The elderly population is more prone to chronic diseases and disabilities which increases the demand for healthcare products. As medical elastomers are widely used in prosthetics, hearing aids and other products catering to the elderly, their market is witnessing significant boost due to rapid aging of population across regions.
Stringent Regulatory Environment
Medical devices made from elastomers are strictly regulated by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and European Union notified bodies to ensure their safety and efficacy. Developers have to undergo rigorous clinical trials and obtain certifications before launching these products. Extensive documentation and compliance procedures make the approval process complex and lengthy. Additionally, any change in material or formulation requires re-evaluation which hampers quick innovation. This stringent regulatory environment poses challenges for market players and acts as a restraint.
High Price Volatility of Raw Materials
Most medical grade elastomers are derived from petroleum. Fluctuating crude oil prices directly impact the production cost of these polymers. Additionally, supply chain disruptions during the recent pandemic increased raw material prices. Moreover, natural rubber is also a key input which experiences significant price variations depending on climate changes. Frequent price swings of elastomer feedstock add to the manufacturing expenses. This volatility in input costs poses significant threat to the profit margins of participants in the medical elastomers industry.
Development of Advanced Materials
Continuous research is expanding the horizon of advanced elastomeric materials such as thermoplastic elastomers, biodegradable polymers and smart polymers for medical applications. For instance, stimuli-responsive 'shape memory polymers' allow minimally invasive surgeries by remodeling tissues. Biodegradable elastomers are finding use in tissue engineering scaffolds. Novel polymers with antibacterial properties can enable development of advanced wound care products. Such innovation opens new growth avenues for the medical elastomers industry.
Opportunities in Emerging Markets
Nations like China, India, Brazil, Mexico and others are witnessing rapid economic development and rise of middle-class population with increased access to healthcare facilities. However, their per capita healthcare expenditure is still low compared to developed countries indicating scope for enhancement. Many international players are focusing on these emerging economies to tap the business potential through product localization, technology transfers and favorable investment policies of regional governments. This presents lucrative opportunities for the medical elastomers market.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/medical-elastomers-market-5081
Key Development
- In November 2022, Hexpol TPE, announced that they had launched medical mass balance thermoplastic elastomers. The new materials will form part of the Mediprene portfolio of TPEs for medical applications.
- In March 2022, Eucure Biopharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Biocytogen, had announced the first patient dosing for a phase I multi-regional clinical trials of YH002 (anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody, mAb) in combination with YH001 (anti CTLA-4 mAb) in Australia.
- In February 2022, Transcenta Holding Limited, a clinical biopharmaceutical company, had announced the first patient dosed in phase IIa study of claudin 18.2 monoclonal antibody TST001 combined with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of biliary tract cancer.
- In October 2021, DuPont, a company engaged primarily in biotechnology and the manufacture of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, announced that they had inaugurated its new medical elastomers mixers at the Healthcare Industries Materials Site (HIMS) in Hemlock, Michigan, U.S.
Key Players: Avient, Rubber Group, Teknor Apex, Solvay, RTP Company, Romar, AVANTOR Inc., Momentive, Kuraray Co. Ltd, Kraton Corporation, DSM, Biomerics, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., Eastman Chemical Company, Hexpol AB, and Arkema Group
