Market Analysis: Infusion Pumps

Infusion pump technologies comprise a nearly $7 billion global business that’s been expanding annually at a compounded annual growth rate in excess of 3.5 percent, on average, for the past six years.

According to reports published by Kalorama Information, more than half of that value is situated in the U.S. market alone, and that trend that does not seem to be headed for a drop-off at any point in the near future, as the health of America’s aging Baby Boomer population continues to weigh heavily on the healthcare needs of the country.

A similar trend is observable the world over, according to the report, which says that an uptick in diabetes is behind the anticipated and steady expansion of the global infusion pump market in years to come. Ambulatory infusion pumps appear to be the fastest-growing segment of the market, gaining traction in nonhospital care environments, such as hospice and home care—yet they, like other technologies in this sector, face a demanding approval process.

Moreover, the market is crowded, with more than 100 active players across a variety of specialties, including large-volume pumps, ambulatory pumps, insulin pumps and enteral feeding pumps. Some of the top general competitors in the field include manufacturers like Abbott, Medtronic, Fresenius, CareFusion, Johnson & Johnson (Animas) and Baxter. Others, like Insulet, IRadimed, Moog and I-Flow dominate their individual niche technologies, but may not have as broad a presence overall.

Infusion pumps help patients circulate medication, vital fluids and nutrition as needed, and “are often used in situations where continuous monitoring and treatment by a nurse or other health staff would be expensive, impractical or unreliable,” the report notes.

Read more in the March 2013 issue of Medical Dealer Magazine