Medical Adhesives Market Report

The percentage of the global population over the age of 65 is expected to rise 16% in 2050. The average life expectancy in Japan is 83 years. Around 21% of the entire population in the country is above the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Tooth decay, tooth erosion, softening of the tooth tissue, and issues with dentures are all caused by ageing. These factors considerably contribute to the growth of the dental adhesives and sealants market. Additionally, ageing increases the risk of bone fractures, joint weakness, bleeding disorders, and other cardiac problems. The most of these issues are resolved by surgery, which requires the use of medical adhesives and sealants. The rise in the prevalence of these aging-related problems is expected to fuel demand for medical adhesives in the coming years.

The reactive and other technologies dominated the market, including one component reactive such as moisture cure, heat cure, and radiation cure, two-component reactive, dual-cure adhesives, and self-cure. Light cure and dual-cure are the primary technologies utilized in dental applications. Internal medical adhesives, on the other hand, are quite often bio-based and based on two reactive technology components. Acrylics dominate the market, accounting for two-fifths of total revenue. Its dominance is expected to persist in the future years. Acrylics are used in a variety of applications, including dentistry and the manufacture of medical devices. Moreover, acrylic is used in both exterior and internal medical applications, such as skin tissue adhesives and medial appliances.

The medical adhesives market faces notable constraints due to the high costs of specialized raw materials and the volatility of their prices, which directly affect production expenses. Additionally, the industry is hampered by rigorous regulatory requirements, demanding extensive time and financial investment to secure necessary certifications. The need for medical adhesives to adhere to stringent standards for sterility, durability, and device compatibility further complicates production processes, leading to increased operational costs and complexity. Various medical devices require different approval processes from different regulatory organisations. As a result, the time required for approval varies. Medical equipment must be approved for usage by regulatory bodies; however, adhesives are not approved separately. In the future, FDA rules are expected to become more complicated and expensive, posing further obstacles for manufacturers.

Furthermore, the medical adhesives market resists with significant constraints, including the competition from traditional fixation methods such as sutures, staples, and other devices. These alternatives often come with advantages like lower cost, simpler application, or specialized performance characteristics, potentially overshadowing the use of adhesives. Additionally, the risk of allergic reactions or other adverse effects associated with certain adhesives poses a challenge. Ensuring that adhesives are hypoallergenic and safe for diverse applications is imperative but limits the variety of available materials and formulations. This balance between safety and material diversity can restrict innovation and market expansion.

Major industry leaders utilize strategies that focus on launching new products, merging with competitors, and purchasing companies to grow their customer base and enhance their range of products. In January 2024, Henkel launched two cutting-edge cyanoacrylate-based instant adhesives, Loctite 4011S and Loctite 4061S, for the medical industry. These new products, free from CMR ingredients, deliver superior strength and reliability during heat cycling. Tested to ISO 10993 standards, they bond quickly and securely to various substrates and exhibit around 100% greater shear strength on steel after 1000 hours at 120°C compared to previous formulations. Ideal for medical applications like catheters and surgical robots, Henkel’s innovations set a new benchmark in adhesive technology.

However, in January 2023, H.B. Fuller, a global leader in adhesive solutions, unveiled Swift melt 1515-I, a pioneering bio-compatible adhesive tailored for medical tape applications in challenging climates. Designed for the high temperatures and humidity of the Indian subcontinent, this product offers superior tack and bonding strength while ensuring ease of removal. Tested and certified by ISO 10993-5 for cytotoxicity, Swift melt 1515-I ensures safe, reliable performance in both hospital and home care settings. Furthermore, in February 2023, 3MTM Medical Tape 4578 is a revolutionary medical adhesive that can attach to the skin for up to 28 days. Prior to 2022, extended medical adhesives had a standard wear duration of up to 14 days. Extended wear duration for devices and monitors might save costs, collect more data for improved decision making, and minimize patient disruption.

Throughout the forecast period, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing regional market. The Asia Pacific region's large population, rising healthcare awareness, and increased risk of wound infections are the key growth drivers. The high prevalence of diabetes in the region is also expected to encourage the expansion of the medical adhesives industry.  The Asia's Diabetes Prevention Organization estimates that the Asia Pacific region is account to around 60% of all type 1 diabetes cases worldwide. This increases demand for medical adhesive products such as transdermal insulin patches and other products in the region. As per the IBEF, the Indian medical tourism industry was worth US$ 2.89 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to US$ 13.42 billion by 2026. Increasing health and preventative care knowledge, increasing income levels, and more access to insurance are all expected to fuel up demand for healthcare services in the future. These positive developments in the Indian healthcare industry are projected to be significant drivers of the country's medical adhesives market.