After three exceptionally successful diabetic foot ulcer pivotal trials, Circularity Healthcare is in expanded pivotal trials for updated FDA clearance with its D’OXYVA® (deoxyhemoglobin vasodilator) noninvasive transdermal drug delivery system at 18 of the 20 top-ranked U.S. universities for becoming a universal treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (press release). The global diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment market size was valued at $7.03 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $11.05 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Healing of wounds is typically an innate mechanism. However, certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus delays typical pace of wound healing process. Diabetic foot ulcers are most commonly caused by irritated or wounded feet, nerve damage, poor circulation, and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Unusual swelling, redness, irritation, and stenches on one or both feet are common initial symptoms of foot ulcer.
Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
DFU treatments, usually include control of blood sugar, removal of dead tissue, wound dressings, and negative pressure therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial but is costly and in some cases, surgery may also improve results. These ulcers are responsible for more than 80.0% of all diabetes-related lower-leg amputations and occur in around 15.0% of diabetic patients.
Cost of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management
High cost of ulcer management has been restricting the market from realizing its utmost potential. Many developing and underdeveloped countries demonstrate a lack of healthcare facilities, subsequently limiting market growth. However, adoption of novel therapeutics, improved biologics, and continued prioritization to avoid surgeries and amputations are estimated to offset limitations affecting the growth of the market. Thus, in turn, offering significant opportunities for the market to generate revenue.
Regional Insights
North America led the market in 2017. Rising cohort of diabetic patients and adequate healthcare facilities in the region are key factors responsible for the growth of the regional market. Long R&D and approval cycles are required due to capital-intensive nature in North America, which act as a stumbling stone for the growth of the market in the region. However, rising adoption of novel biologics and wound care devices for treatment of these ulcers are contributing to the dominance of North America.
Europe held the second largest share in the market, followed by Asia Pacific. APAC will exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing prevalence of diabetes and a large geriatric population base in both India and China are supporting the growth of the regional market. This can also be attributed to increased adoption and favorable legislation in developed economies such as Japan and Australia.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
Some of the prominent companies operating in the market are ConvaTec, Inc.; Acelity L.P. Inc.; 3M Healthcare; Coloplast A/S; Smith & Nephew Plc.; B. Braun Melsungen AG; Medline Industries, Inc.; Medtronic Plc.; Organogenesis, Inc.; Molnlycke Health Care AB; and BSN Medical GMBH. The players focus on alliances, strategic planning, new treatment planning, and research activities to achieve favorable growth. Currently, Smith & Nephew, Coloplast, CovanTec, Acelity, and 3M Healthcare are leading the market, supported by strong sales of their marketed therapeutic options for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer.
