Molecular imaging techniques include nuclear medicine imaging – positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and combination PET/CT and SPECT/CT techniques – as well as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging that are used with molecular imaging agents.
Molecular imaging has evolved into a pillar of molecular medicine. It combines functional imaging with structural imaging so that specific in-vivo molecular processes can be identified and spatially pinpointed, often with the use of imaging contrast agents that bind to specific biological proteins. Molecular imaging is undertaking diagnostic and treatment roles as it enables physicians to pinpoint the locations of disease and track the progress of therapies. The same contrast agents used to highlight disease sites may even be able to carry drugs that can be selectively unleashed precisely where they are needed.
Medical Imaging Markets: Molecular Imaging offers complete market coverage of world markets for molecular imaging products for the following technologies:
- PET
- SPECT-Gamma Camera Systems
- MRI
- CT
- Ultrasound
- SPECT/CT
- PET/CT
For each of these modalities, the report provides current market size based on revenues to manufacturers of imaging systems used for molecular procedures, as well as forecasts of future revenues.
Interest in and use of the technology has exploded in recent years, thanks to advances in cell biology, biochemical agents, and computer analysis, and serious market watchers in medical imaging industries, as well as those serving or investing in medical imaging companies, will want to keep abreast of this new market. As part of its comprehensive coverage, Medical Imaging Markets: Molecular Imaging includes:
- Overview and Explanation of modalities and key applications
- Over 34 Figures and Tables to make market data accessible to users
- Review of Imaging Agents in Clinical Trials, or that are recently introduced
- Market Size and Forecasts are developed through 2014
- Profiles of Top Competitors in the industry
- Breakout of Regional Markets for Molecular Imaging – including BRIC markets
Kalorama looks at the technologies currently used in molecular imaging but also examines novel research areas, such as:
- Diagnosing Fever of Unknown Origin
- Determine Malignancy in Potential Ovarian Cancer
- PET/CT Impacts Brain Tumor Management
- Improving Care for Neuroendocrine Cancer
- PET Optimizes Virtual Colonoscopy
- Staging Prostate Cancer
- Cyclotron Expansion
- Breast Cancer Screening
- PET Indicates Therapy Effectiveness
- Lower Dosage in Hybrid Imaging
- Analyze Differences in Biochemical Status of Tissues
- Myocardial Flow Reserve Analysis
Market forecasts are based on an examination of current market conditions and on investigations into the development of new products by key companies. The market data provide multiple year forecasts for different product segments covered in the report. The information presented in this report is the result of data gathered from company product literature and other corporate brochures and documents, as well as information found in the scientific and trade press. In addition, interviews were conducted with company executives, clinicians and researchers.
The general aging of the population continues to build the need for diagnosticimaging services. While the aging population is one trend likely to affect imagingprocedure volumes, the behavioral and lifestyle trends of the world population are alsolikely to increase the need for imaging procedures. One example involves obesity, which is often linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other illnesses. Imaging is well suited to the diagnosis and management of many age-related diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer, inflammatory and neurological diseases. These diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent as the percentage of elderly people in the population rises. In the US, cancer and cardiovascular disease kill nearly 2 million people each year. According to the American Heart Association
Companies covered in this report include
- ABT Molecular Imaging Inc.
- Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc.
- Aspect Imaging
- Avid Radiopharmaceuticals Inc.
- Bioscan
- Cardinal Health
- Digirad Corp.
- Dilon Diagnostics
- Gamma Medica Inc.
- GE Healthcare .
- Imaging Diagnostic Systems Inc.
- MIR Preclinical Services
- OptoSonics Inc.
- Philips Healthcare
- Photo Diagnostic Systems
- Positron Corp.
- Shimadzu Corp.
- Spectrum Dynamics Ltd.
- Toshiba America Medical Systems
- UltraSPECT Ltd.
- VisEn Medical
- Zecotek Photonics Inc. Unit 1120
Additional Information
Big Players Team Up for Share of $6.6 Billion Molecular Imaging Market, Kalorama Information
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% yearly increase in the market for molecular imaging devices. According to a new report by 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 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.