Demand for nanotechnology health care products in the US is projected to increase nearly 50 percent per year to $6.5 billion in 2009. Gains will be led by the introduction of new, improved cancer and central nervous system therapies based on solubilization technologies. Imaging agents based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and diagnostic tests based on nanoarrays and quantum dots will also see strong growth, reflecting sensitivity, selectivity and speed advantages over conventional products in the detection of tumors and cardiac risk factors.

Nanosized drugs to remain largest application

The US market for drugs adapted to nanosized formulations or delivery systems is projected to reach $3 billion in 2009, up from $406 million in 2004. Protein- and peptide-based compounds for cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases and organ transplant acceptance will account for most growth. Over the long term, pharmaceutical applications for nanotechnology will extend into most therapeutic classes and encompass all types of formulations and delivery systems. By 2014, demand for drugs made or modified through nanotechnology is forecast to total $16.6 billion. This amount will expand nearly fivefold to $79 billion in 2020 fueled by new product introductions and the penetration of additional therapeutic applications.

Nanosized diagnostics to also see rapid gains

Nanotechnology-based medical diagnostic products demand is projected to increase 19 percent annually to $1.1 billion in 2009 and continue growing to $4 billion in 2020. Nanoparticle formulations of superparamagnetic iron oxide, perfluorocarbon, gadolinium and specialty polymers will broaden in vivo imaging capabilities by enabling the detection of tumors, plaque, genetic defects and other disease states at much earlier stages and with lower, safer concentrations of contrast agents. Nanosized labels, biosensors and probes will greatly improve the speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness of in vitrodiagnostic testing procedures, while significantly boosting the number of externally detectable medical conditions.

Nanomaterial supplies, devices to grow the fastest

In 2009, US demand for medical supplies and devices based at least partially on nanomaterials is projected to reach $2.4 billion, up from $35 million in 2004. This amount will expand to $8.9 billion in 2014 and $24 billion in 2020 as nanotechnology-based orthopedic implants enter the commercial stage. Nanomaterials are already gaining significant demand as active ingredients of burn and wound dressings. In the long term, advances in nanotechnology are expected to lead to the introduction of new, improved medical supply and device coatings as well as a new, diverse group of medical implants.

About this report

Now every decision maker in your organization can act on the key intelligence found in this study. For an additional $2,000 you receive unlimited use of an electronic version (PDF) of the study. Place it on your Intranet, e-mail it to coworkers around the world, or print it as many times as you like!