Minimally Invasive Surgical Technologies to Drive 13% Annual Increase in U.S. Incontinence Products Market.

CLEVELAND -- Recent epidemiological data indicate that urinary incontinence (UI) affects an astounding 34 million Americans, and 38 million are affected by overactive bladder (OAB). Roughly one-third of patients experience significant symptoms that may prompt them to seek treatment. Unfortunately, therapeutic options have been largely limited to the extremes of medical management or invasive surgery, creating significant undertreatment of this devastating but not life-threatening condition.

This situation is projected to change dramatically with the launch of new drugs for OAB, and particularly with refinements in minimally invasive surgical treatments that are reducing patient and clinician barriers to use and optimizing outcomes. The availability of these new options, many of which are being marketed directly to consumers, will significantly expand the share of UI patients treated and drive a 13% annual increase in product sales, from $1.8 billion in 2004 to $3.9 billion in 2010. The potential market entry of the first FDA-approved drug for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which is one of several scenarios presented, could increase this market growth to 19%.

These are among the key findings of a new report published by Health Research International titled "U.S. Opportunities in the Management of Urinary Incontinence." Distributed exclusively by Medtech Insight, a division of Windhover Information, this 550-page report contains 170 exhibits describing the critical clinical and technological developments driving demand for products used to diagnose and treat UI in the U.S. The report provides a detailed epidemiological analysis of UI and OAB, as well as technology and market analyses for cystoscopes, office-based diagnostic ultrasound systems, urodynamic products, OAB drugs, SUI drugs, pelvic exercise therapy devices, intermittent and external catheter systems, urethral prostheses, bulking agents, midurethral slings, artificial urinary sphincters, radiofrequency technologies and neuromodulation systems, among others. Each major product segment includes patient, procedure and/or market forecasts and supplier shares. Also presented are the results of a survey of 100 urologists and urogynecologists specializing in the treatment of UI, which focused on patient caseloads, diagnostic protocols, perceived efficacy of various therapies, product preferences, and opinions of suppliers' sales representation. Detailed profiles of major suppliers conclude this meticulous market study.

Companies whose products and strategies are covered in the report include: ACMI, American Medical Systems, C.R. Bard, Boston Scientific, CooperSurgical, Eli Lilly, EMPI, GE Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Laborie Medical, Life-Tech, Medtronic, Mentor, Novasys Medical, Olympus, Pfizer, Rochester Medical, Siemens Medical Systems, SRS Medical and Uroplasty, among many others.

For more information on this new report, visit www.medtechinsight.com, call Medtech Insight at 949-219-0150 or 888-290-2225 toll-free in the U.S., or e-mail [e-mail].

Founded in 1978, Health Research International (www.healthri.com) provides the pharmaceutical and medical device industries with reliable, comprehensive and meticulously researched market analysis that incorporates strategic vision and a thorough understanding of competing medical technologies. Quality, experience and follow through have been the cornerstones of our custom consulting services and market reports.

Medtech Insight, a division of Windhover Information Inc., is the leading provider of business information and market intelligence for the medical technology marketplace. The company publishes the monthly "medtech insight" newsletter and a wide selection of detailed Market & Technology Reports, holds a variety of emerging medical technology investment and partnering conferences annually, and offers custom consulting and market research services. Visit the company's Web site at www.medtechinsight.com for more information on products and services available for the medical technology executive.