Singapore, Aug 23, 2010: The cost-savings associated with early disease detection and clinicians' demand for better, more accurate diagnostic tools are key drivers for a predicted 5.8 per cent yearly increase in the market for molecular imaging devices. According to a new report by US-healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information, this market is expected to reach $6.6 billion by 2014.
Differing from traditional diagnostic tools, molecular imaging devices use biomarkers, which produce finer images that display molecular changes, allowing physicians to pinpoint diseases. Devices include nuclear medicine based PET, which renders metabolic information, and SPECT, which produces anatomical images. These devices are well known for their ability to detect the molecular basis of diseases, including neurological and cardiovascular based diseases.
In tumors, they detect chemical signatures that provide an early warning. In addition, advances in these devices have recently helped to identify vulnerable plaque in at-risk cardiac patients. Kalorama notes that combining new molecular contrast agents with traditional diagnostic tools, such us Ultrasound, MRI and CT has enabled physicians to capture specific molecular pathways to track the progress of treatment.
While rapid advances in molecular imaging devices are pushing growth, physicians are even quicker to demand better products with:
- minimal invasiveness,
- rapid imaging processing time,
- low imaging cost,
- low radiation dose, and
- optimal resolution and contrast
"Meeting the growing demand for a better molecular imaging device is a big driver for companies seeking to break into this market," says Mr Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information. "The market could even grow further if physicians' demands are met and we see a rise in patient confidence, as this could translate into more individuals opting in for these services."
The adoption of molecular imaging equipment is not exclusive to physicians, according to Kalorama. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are also utilizing molecular imaging equipment, as it allows them to test drug candidates in vivo for mechanisms, disposition and efficacy. The big players, such as Siemens, GE Healthcare, Phillips, and Toshiba are teaming up with contrast media companies to develop the next generation of molecular imaging equipment.
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