High growth is forecast for novel technologies used either as adjuncts or as alternatives to current surgical procedures for the fusion of spinal vertebrae. Bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) - a new and innovative class of natural growth factors - represent amongst the most exciting of these niches. Still pending marketing approval for use in spinal surgery across Europe, BMP promises to offer an improvement on existing spinal fusion techniques.
The increased incidence of degenerative diseases of the lower back is expected to be a key growth driver in the BMP market. As more people opt for surgical procedures to alleviate back pain caused by degenerative diseases, demand for spinal fusion products is set to soar. BMP is expected to profit from this trend, once it has been granted marketing authorisation - anticipated to occur between 2006 and 2007.
In both pre-clinical studies on animals and clinical studies on humans, BMPs appeared to improve fusion rates compared with the autograft 'gold standard' bone-grafting techniques. The prospect of substantially reducing instances of patient mortality associated with autogenous bone grafting is expected to boost BMP's application in spinal fusion.
"Getting rid of the bone graft harvest is an exciting concept, and could possibly help spinal specialists overcome their relative lack of knowledge about this technology since considerable interest is being generated among spinal specialists, medical researchers and within the medical industry concerning osteogenic products including BMPs," remarks Frost & Sullivan Programme Manager, Ms Tanya Pullen.
"There could, however, be a temptation to 'push the envelope' when it comes to indications and applications. With this new opportunity, also comes the responsibility and challenge of appropriate patient selection," adds Ms. Pullen.
While BMPs offer significant clinical advantages over traditional autologous bone and commercial bone graft substitute materials, high costs could constrain their uptake even following marketing authorisation. Issues relating to biocompatibility and safety concerns over excessive bone growth could further curb market expansion.