Plasma Expander Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028

Plasma Expander Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028

Global Plasma Expander Market is anticipated to witness an impressive growth in the forecast period. A plasma expander, also known as a volume expander, is a medical solution used to increase the volume of blood plasma in the circulatory system. It is administered intravenously and is primarily used in medical settings to treat conditions where there is a need to expand the volume of blood or maintain circulatory function. Plasma expanders are an essential component of fluid resuscitation, particularly in cases of trauma, surgery, and shock. Plasma expanders are used to increase the intravascular volume, meaning they help raise the volume of fluid within the blood vessels. This can help restore and maintain blood pressure, improve tissue perfusion, and ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells. Plasma expanders come in various formulations. They may contain natural or synthetic substances that mimic the properties of blood plasma. Common components of plasma expanders include electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, and osmotic agents like albumin, dextran, hydroxyethyl starch (HES), or saline solutions. Plasma expanders are typically administered intravenously by trained healthcare professionals. The choice of the specific plasma expander and the rate of administration depend on the patient's condition and medical needs.

An aging global population has led to an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and conditions requiring medical treatments. This demographic trend has contributed to the demand for plasma expanders. Trauma cases, including accidents and injuries, often require immediate medical attention. Plasma expanders are crucial for stabilizing patients and preventing shock due to blood loss. Ongoing research and development efforts have led to the development of new and improved plasma expander formulations with enhanced safety profiles and longer shelf lives. Technological advancements have driven market growth. Regulatory approvals and clearances for plasma expanders in various regions have facilitated their market entry and growth. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits and appropriate use of plasma expanders has led to their broader adoption in clinical practice. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable supply of medical products, including plasma expanders, during healthcare crises.

Key Market Drivers

Technological Advancements

Researchers have been working on developing new and improved formulations of plasma expanders. These formulations aim to provide better volume-expanding properties while minimizing side effects, such as coagulation disturbances and kidney injury. This includes the development of more biocompatible and less toxic solutions. Advancements have been made in creating synthetic plasma expanders that do not rely on human or animal plasma as their source. These synthetic alternatives can reduce the risk of infections and immunological reactions associated with plasma-derived products. Researchers are exploring the development of biodegradable plasma expanders. These products are designed to break down naturally in the body over time, reducing the risk of long-term side effects and eliminating the need for excretion. Nanotechnology has been applied to the development of plasma expanders to enhance their properties. Nanoparticles can be incorporated into plasma expander formulations to improve drug delivery, circulation time, and tissue targeting. Efforts have been made to enhance the safety profile of plasma expanders. This includes modifying the chemical structure of existing solutions to reduce adverse effects and conducting rigorous safety testing.

Advances in formulation and packaging have led to improved shelf stability for plasma expanders, allowing for longer storage periods without degradation. Technological advancements have made it possible to develop point-of-care testing devices that can help healthcare professionals assess the need for plasma expanders and monitor patient response more accurately. Some research has explored the concept of personalized medicine in plasma expander administration. Tailoring treatment based on an individual's specific needs and response to treatment may become more feasible with advancements in diagnostics and monitoring. Technological improvements in biocompatibility testing methods allow for more rigorous evaluation of plasma expanders to ensure they interact safely with the body's physiological systems. Advanced monitoring tools, such as non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring and advanced imaging techniques, can aid healthcare professionals in assessing the effectiveness of plasma expanders in real-time. Technological advancements have improved the ability of manufacturers to meet and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards. This factor will help in the development of the Global Plasma Expander Market.

Increasing Efforts to Reduce Blood Waste

Blood is a valuable and limited resource. Hospitals and healthcare facilities aim to conserve blood supplies, especially during times of high demand or shortages. Plasma expanders are employed to maintain blood volume in patients, reducing the reliance on blood transfusions and preserving blood for patients who truly require it. Blood transfusions carry certain risks, including transfusion reactions, infections, and immunological responses. By using plasma expanders to stabilize patients and manage their fluid balance, healthcare providers can reduce the need for transfusions, thereby mitigating these risks. In emergency situations such as trauma cases, where rapid treatment is essential, plasma expanders can be administered promptly to maintain blood pressure and circulation. This immediate response helps save lives and conserves blood supplies for more critical cases. In elective surgeries, where blood loss is expected but not excessive, plasma expanders can be used to support patients during and after the procedure. This reduces the demand for donor blood, which may not be readily available or may carry additional risks. Periodic blood shortages can occur due to various reasons, such as seasonal variations, natural disasters, or public health crises. Plasma expanders provide a valuable alternative in these situations, ensuring that patients receive necessary care even when blood supplies are limited.

Blood transfusions can be costly due to the need for donor blood, testing, and administration. Plasma expanders can be a cost-effective option in many clinical scenarios, leading healthcare facilities to choose them to reduce expenses. Blood transfusions are associated with a risk of infection transmission. By minimizing the number of transfusions using plasma expanders, healthcare facilities can lower the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Healthcare regulatory agencies and quality improvement organizations often encourage or require healthcare facilities to implement strategies to reduce blood waste and promote patient safety. The use of plasma expanders aligns with these initiatives. This factor will pace up the demand of the Global Plasma Expander Market.

Rising Trauma Cases

Trauma cases often result in significant blood loss, which can lead to hypovolemic shock—a life-threatening condition. Plasma expanders are administered to restore and maintain blood volume, helping to stabilize the patient until further treatments can be provided. In trauma situations, time is of the essence. Plasma expanders can be administered rapidly to address hypovolemia and maintain blood pressure, which is essential to prevent organ damage and increase the chances of survival. Blood transfusions in trauma cases may not always be readily available or appropriate due to logistical challenges, blood type mismatches, or concerns about infections. Plasma expanders are a valuable alternative for increasing blood volume without relying on donor blood. Blood transfusions carry risks of transfusion reactions, immunological responses, and infections. Plasma expanders can help mitigate these risks by minimizing the need for transfusions. In cases where surgery is required to address traumatic injuries, plasma expanders can be administered to stabilize the patient's condition before and during surgery. This ensures that surgical procedures can be performed more effectively and safely. Trauma patients often require intensive care and monitoring. Plasma expanders help maintain hemodynamic stability, facilitating ongoing critical care and treatment. Plasma expanders have the advantage of longer shelf lives and easier storage compared to blood products, making them more practical for use in emergency and trauma settings. In some trauma cases, there may be a risk of delayed hemorrhage after initial treatment. Plasma expanders can help maintain blood volume, reducing the risk of complications related to delayed bleeding. Using plasma expanders in trauma care allows for more efficient use of blood resources, ensuring that donor blood is reserved for patients who require it urgently. This factor will accelerate the demand of the Global Plasma Expander Market.

Key Market Challenges

Cost Containments

Many healthcare systems and facilities face budget limitations. Cost containment measures are often implemented to control healthcare spending, which can impact the purchasing decisions for medical products, including plasma expanders. The plasma expander market is competitive, with multiple manufacturers offering a range of products. Intense competition can lead to price pressure, potentially reducing profit margins for manufacturers and distributors. The reimbursement policies of healthcare payers, including government healthcare programs and private insurers, can affect the pricing and reimbursement rates for plasma expanders. Lower reimbursement rates may limit the financial viability of using certain products. Economic downturns or fluctuations can influence healthcare spending and affect the purchasing decisions of healthcare facilities. Cost-effective options may be favored during periods of financial strain. Developing and bringing new plasma expander formulations to the market involves significant research and development costs. Manufacturers must balance these expenses with the need to offer competitive pricing. Meeting regulatory requirements and quality standards can add to the production costs of plasma expanders. Compliance with evolving regulations may require investments in process improvements and quality control measures. Plasma expanders are often used in high-volume medical procedures, such as surgeries and trauma care. Meeting the demand for these products while maintaining quality can be challenging and may involve economies of scale. Efficient supply chain management is essential for minimizing costs associated with production, distribution, and storage of plasma expanders. Any disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain can lead to increased costs. Manufacturers must carefully consider their pricing strategies to balance affordability for healthcare facilities with the need for profitability. This can be a complex challenge, especially in markets with diverse pricing expectations.

Safety and Efficacy Concerns

Ensuring the safety of patients is paramount in healthcare. Concerns about the safety of plasma expanders arise from potential adverse effects and complications associated with their use. This includes risks such as coagulation disorders, kidney injury, and allergic reactions. Healthcare providers need to be confident that plasma expanders effectively serve their intended purpose, which is to restore and maintain blood volume. Any doubts about their efficacy can impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Regulatory agencies around the world closely monitor the safety and efficacy of medical products, including plasma expanders. Manufacturers must meet rigorous regulatory requirements to ensure product approval and continued compliance. Safety concerns or adverse events associated with plasma expanders can lead to product recalls, which can have financial and reputational implications for manufacturers and affect the availability of these products in the market. Concerns about the safety of plasma expanders can lead healthcare providers to seek alternative products or treatment approaches, such as blood transfusions or other volume expanders, which can impact the demand for plasma expanders. Efficacy and safety concerns can influence the development of clinical guidelines and best practices for the use of plasma expanders. Healthcare providers may adjust their protocols based on safety and efficacy considerations. Patients may have concerns about the safety of plasma expanders, particularly if they are aware of potential risks. Effective patient education and informed consent processes are essential to address these concerns. Manufacturers invest significant resources in research and development to improve the safety profile of plasma expanders. Addressing safety concerns may involve developing new formulations or conducting clinical trials. Healthcare professionals must have confidence in the safety and efficacy of plasma expanders to recommend and administer them to patients. Concerns in this regard can affect adoption rates.

Key Market Trends

Awareness About Blood Transfusion Risks

Healthcare providers and patients are increasingly focused on patient safety. Awareness of the potential risks associated with blood transfusions, such as infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis) and immunological reactions (e.g., transfusion-related acute lung injury), has led to a desire to minimize these risks. Infectious disease transmission through blood transfusions has historically been a concern. Awareness of the risks of bloodborne infections has prompted efforts to explore alternatives to blood transfusions when appropriate, including the use of plasma expanders. Blood transfusions can trigger immunological reactions, such as transfusion-related reactions and hemolytic transfusion reactions. Healthcare providers and patients are increasingly aware of these risks and seek alternatives that can minimize the chances of such reactions. Periodic blood shortages, whether due to seasonal fluctuations, natural disasters, or public health crises, have highlighted the need for strategies to reduce reliance on donor blood. Plasma expanders are seen as a valuable option to address this challenge. Patients are becoming more informed about their healthcare choices and may express preferences for treatments that minimize the risks of transfusions. This can influence treatment decisions and lead to discussions about the use of plasma expanders. The awareness of blood transfusion risks has influenced the development of clinical guidelines and protocols that emphasize judicious use of blood products. These guidelines may recommend the consideration of plasma expanders in certain clinical scenarios. Blood transfusions can be costly, with expenses related to blood collection, testing, and administration. Awareness of the economic impact has led to discussions about cost-effective alternatives like plasma expanders. Regulatory agencies have taken steps to promote the safe use of blood products and encourage research into alternative treatments like plasma expanders. This support has further raised awareness of the importance of exploring transfusion alternatives.

Segmental Insights

Type Product Insights

In 2022, the Global Plasma Expander Market largest share was held by Alkaline Hydroxyethyl Starch segment and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Alkaline Hydroxyethyl Starch solutions, a type of plasma expander, have been used in clinical settings for many years, especially in Europe and some other parts of the world. This history of use may have contributed to its market share. Alkaline HES solutions effectively expand blood volume, making them suitable for use in situations where there is a need to increase blood volume, such as in surgery, trauma care, and fluid resuscitation. These solutions were readily available in various formulations and were used in different clinical settings, including hospitals and emergency departments. Depending on market dynamics and pricing, certain types of HES solutions may have been perceived as cost-effective options for volume expansion compared to other plasma expanders or blood products.

End-User Insights

In 2022, the Global Plasma Expander Market largest share was held by Hospital Pharmacies segment in the forecast period and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Hospital pharmacies are integral parts of healthcare institutions where a wide range of medical treatments, surgeries, and emergency procedures take place. Plasma expanders are frequently used in hospitals to manage patients undergoing surgeries, trauma cases, and various medical conditions that require fluid resuscitation. Hospitals require immediate access to medical supplies, including plasma expanders, to provide timely and life-saving treatments. Hospital pharmacies are well-equipped to manage and distribute these products within the hospital premises. They are primary centres for emergency medical care. Plasma expanders play a critical role in stabilizing patients in emergency situations, such as accidents, severe injuries, or shock, where rapid intravenous fluid administration is essential. Hospitals routinely perform surgical procedures that may involve blood loss. Plasma expanders are used to maintain blood pressure and volume during surgeries, reducing the need for blood transfusions. This application drives demand within hospital settings.

Regional Insights

The North America region dominates the Global Plasma Expander Market in 2022. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, boasts well-developed and advanced healthcare infrastructure. This infrastructure supports the effective distribution and use of medical products, including plasma expanders. The United States has one of the highest healthcare expenditures globally. This level of spending supports the purchase and use of a wide range of medical products and technologies, including plasma expanders. North America has a substantial population, and a growing aging demographic is contributing to an increased demand for medical treatments and surgeries. This drives the need for plasma expanders, which are often used in surgical procedures and trauma cases. The region is a hub for medical research and innovation. The region has been at the forefront of developing new medical products and technologies, including improved plasma expander formulations.

Key Market Players

Baxter International Inc.

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

CSL Limited

Grifols, S.A.

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

Octapharma AG

Kedrion S.p.A.

Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co., Ltd.

Terumo Corporation

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Plasma Expander Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Plasma Expander Market, By Product Type:
• Dextran
• Hydroxyethyl Starch
• Human Albumin
• PEGylated Albumin
• Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
• Gelatin
• Plasma Expander Market, By End-User:
• Online Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Global Plasma Expander Market, By region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Japan
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Italy
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Plasma Expander Market.

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