Diabetic Foot Ulcer Market in Rapid Race to Reach More than $1.5 Billion Value

The diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment market will undergo impressive growth over a 5-year period, increasing from $302 million in 2012 to $1.58 billion by the end of 2017, at a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 39.9%, according to a new report from research and consulting firm GlobalData.

The company’s latest report* states that out of the six major markets (6MM) — the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK — the US contributed to the majority of the sales in 2012, generating an estimated $238 million. It will continue to hold this status in 2017, when it will represent a massive 85% share of the global market with sales of around $1.34 billion.

GlobalData anticipates a number of driving factors to propel the DFU market value to more than $1.5 billion during the next 4 years. Primarily, it will be given a leg up by the introduction of three novel wound-healing agents: Macrocure’s CureXcell, Derma Sciences’ DSC127 and Olympus Biotech’s trafermin. These treatments are administrated either as a topical ointment or spray, or are injected directly into the wound bed.

The imminent launch of the first two topical antibacterials indicated specifically for the treatment of diabetic foot infections will also lend a hand to the market growth. Innocoll’s Cogenzia and Dipexium Pharmaceuticals’ Locilex will be used either as an adjunct to systemic antibiotic therapy, or else to treat mild infections.

Dr Haylyn Wong, GlobalData’s Analyst covering Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, says: “In addition to the anticipated arrival of these key products in the DFU marketplace, an increased emphasis will also be placed on the cost-effectiveness of advanced DFU treatments in preventing serious complications, such as infection, amputation and death.

“This will prove a particularly important driver behind the market, as the number of patients suffering from DFU is also expected to increase with the rising global prevalence of diabetes.”

According to GlobalData, the substantial growth in the DFU market will still be hindered by various limiting factors during the forecast period. These include what are expected to be high prices for the wound-healing agents currently in development, along with the fact that physician familiarity with widely-used systemic antibiotics may inhibit the uptake of novel topical antibacterials.

However, Dr Wong says: “Although there are still a number of barriers in place, the DFU market is set to enter an exciting phase, kick-started by the launch of several much-anticipated, novel products into the treatment arena.”

*OpportunityAnalyzer: Diabetic Foot Ulcers — Opportunity Analysis and Forecast to 2017