Neuromodulation refers to the process of influencing or
regulating neural activity in the nervous system through various techniques
such as electrical stimulation, chemical manipulation, or magnetic fields. The
primary goal of neuromodulation is to improve the function of the nervous
system and alleviate various neurological and psychiatric disorders. This essay
will provide an overview of neuromodulation, its techniques, and its
applications in clinical settings.
One of the most common neuromodulation techniques is electrical
stimulation, which involves the application of electrical current to specific
areas of the brain or spinal cord. This technique has been used to treat a
variety of conditions, including chronic pain, movement disorders, and
depression. Electrical stimulation can be applied in various forms, including
deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and peripheral nerve
stimulation.
Another neuromodulation technique is chemical manipulation,
which involves the use of drugs to influence neural activity. These drugs can
be administered systemically or locally, and they act on specific receptors in
the brain or spinal cord. Chemical manipulation has been used to treat a wide
range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease,
epilepsy, and depression.
Magnetic fields can also be used for neuromodulation.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses
magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. TMS has been used to
treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.
Neuromodulation has several advantages over traditional
treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. First, neuromodulation
techniques are often more targeted and have fewer side effects than
pharmacological treatments. Second, neuromodulation can be used to treat
conditions that do not respond well to traditional treatments. Finally,
neuromodulation can be used as a complementary treatment with traditional
therapies to enhance their effectiveness.
In conclusion, neuromodulation is a promising field that has
the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological and psychiatric
disorders. With advances in technology and research, neuromodulation techniques
will continue to improve, and their applications will expand. As we learn more
about the brain and its complex functions, we will be better equipped to
develop effective neuromodulation treatments that can improve the lives of
millions of people around the world.
Neuromodulation Market Dynamics
Drivers in
Neuromodulation Market
The Growing
Prevalence of Neurological Disorders and Nerve Injuries to Increase the Demand
for Neuromodulation
Neurological disorders and nerve injuries are becoming
increasingly prevalent, with around one billion people globally estimated to be
affected by such conditions. Additionally, statistics from the World Health
Organization indicate that approximately 6.8 million people die every year due
to these disorders. Sports injuries are also a significant contributor to nerve
injuries, with between 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes suffering concussions
annually, according to the Brain Injury Research Institute. To address the
treatment of neurological diseases and nerve injuries, neuromodulation
techniques, including spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, are commonly used. As such, the
high incidence rates of neurological disorders and nerve injuries are likely to
drive demand for neuromodulation devices in the future.
Challenges in
Neuromodulation Market
Preference for Drug
Therapies Over Neuromodulation Products Challenge the Neuromodulation Market
Growth
Despite the benefits of neuromodulation, drug therapies
remain the preferred treatment option for many patients with neurological
disorders. This is because of limited patient awareness about the availability
of alternative surgical treatments that use neuromodulation devices.
Furthermore, this lack of awareness is not limited to patients, as some
surgeons in certain countries are also not aware of the benefits of using
neuromodulation devices to treat certain conditions, such as overactive bladder
(OAB) syndrome, which often goes untreated due to a lack of knowledge about
effective treatment options, such as sacral nerve stimulation. Consequently,
the lack of awareness about the benefits of using biomaterials or
neuromodulation devices to treat various neurological disorders is expected to
constrain the growth of this market during the forecast period.
Restraints in
Neuromodulation Market
The high cost of neuromodulation procedures and devices is a
major restraint for the growth of the global neuromodulation market, especially
in developing countries with inadequate reimbursement policies. The standard
implantable pulse generator costs between USD 10,000-15,000, with implantation
procedures reaching up to USD 25,000-35,000. Spinal cord stimulator devices can
cost around USD 13,000-40,000. Due to the high costs and poor reimbursement
policies, only a limited number of patients in developing countries can afford
neurological treatment, leading to a reluctance by healthcare facilities to
invest in new or technologically advanced systems, thus hindering the growth of
the neuromodulation market.
The global neuromodulation market is segmented into internal
and external neuromodulation based on the product. In 2021, the internal
neuromodulation segment held the largest share in the market, driven by the
benefits of internal neuromodulation procedures such as reduced post-surgical
complications, shorter hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.
Other Industry Insights
The internal neuromodulation market is segmented into five
types: spinal cord stimulation (SCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), vagus nerve
stimulation (VNS), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), and gastric electrical
stimulation (GES). In 2021, the spinal cord stimulation segment held the
largest share in the internal neuromodulation market, attributed to the
increasing number of people suffering from failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS),
ischemia, and chronic pain, as well as a favorable reimbursement scenario for
spinal cord stimulation devices.
The external neuromodulation market is divided into three
segments, which are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and respiratory electrical stimulation
(RES). Among these segments, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation had
the largest share in the market in 2021. This can be attributed to several
factors such as their affordability, accessibility to end-users, and
self-administration capabilities. Additionally, the lack of strict regulations
for these devices is also contributing to their growth.
The global neuromodulation market is categorized into four
major regions, including North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and Rest of
the World. In 2021, North America held the highest share of the neuromodulation
market. This can be attributed to the region's advanced healthcare system and a
large number of manufacturing companies that are contributing to the
significant share of this segment.
According to the American Academy of Neurology, nearly one
million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease, with an
additional 60,000 new cases reported each year. Similarly, data from the
Hearing Health Foundation published in 2020 indicate that 48 million Americans
have hearing loss or tinnitus, with 477 million people affected worldwide. The
World Health Organization's factsheet highlights that almost 50 million people
globally have epilepsy, with around 2.4 million cases diagnosed every year. As
neurological disorders continue to increase, the demand for neuromodulation
devices is expected to grow in the forecast period.
However, there are negative effects associated with implanting
neuromodulation devices into the body, such as anaphylactic reactions and
prickling and tingling sensations. The increase in device cost is also
projected to impede market expansion. Moreover, the availability of other
treatment options, such as drug therapies and surgery, limits the growth of the
industry. Nevertheless, ongoing research on the use of neuromodulation to treat
diseases such as interstitial cystitis, stroke, brain tumors, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder is underway, and it is expected to generate
potential profits for the market expansion in the forecast period. For example,
Advanced Science conducted research in September 2021, supported by the Hong
Kong Research Grants Council General Research Fund, on the use of precise
ultrasound neuromodulation in the deep brain region using nano gas vesicles.
The study aimed to demonstrate a non-invasive and effective method for
neurostimulation with low-intensity ultrasound.
The internal neuromodulation technology dominated the market
in 2021, accounting for over 55.0% of the revenue share due to an increase in
patients suffering from various types of headaches, depression, and
heart-related diseases. Neuromodulation devices play a crucial role in the
treatment of chronic pain using non-invasive or minimally invasive
technologies. The internal neuromodulation devices are specialized to target
the pain directly by altering nerve activity through electrical stimulation to
a specific nerve, making it an effective way to treat the disease.
During the forecast period, external technology is expected
to exhibit the fastest growth rate of 10.8% owing to an increasing number of
patients with chronic disorders, a wide range of device applications, rising
demand for non-invasive therapy, and the cost-effectiveness of the device. The
external neuromodulation segment comprises therapies such as transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and
respiratory electrical stimulation.
In 2021, Parkinson's disease had the highest revenue share
of over 25.0% in the market due to its effectiveness in treating epilepsy and
limited treatment options available for the disease. Parkinson's disease is a
chronic brain disorder that affects movement. According to the Global Burden
Diseases study conducted in 2020, around 6.2 million people were affected by
Parkinson's disease.
The chronic pain segment is expected to show the fastest
growth rate of 11.3% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the
increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing investments by private
players in the Neurotherapy industry, and rising research and development
activities in the field. As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
chronic pain is a discomfort that persists for more than 12 weeks.
The market for neuromodulation solutions saw the metallic
biomaterials segment take the lead in 2021 with a share of over 45.0% in
revenue. This was attributed to advancements and growth in R&D for
neuromodulation solutions. It is expected that this segment will continue to
maintain its position during the forecast period. The biomaterials used in the
market are segmented into polymeric, metallic, and ceramic biomaterials.
The polymeric biomaterials segment is anticipated to
register the fastest growth rate of 10.4% during the forecast period, due to
the flexibility it offers. Polymers can be shaped into support structures such
as nerve conduits, electrospun matrices, and scaffolds, and can regenerate
damaged neural tissues. Medical implantable devices make use of polymers that
offer a broad range of mechanical and shape characteristics, including
biocompatibility and bioactivity.
In 2021, the hospitals and ASCs segment dominated the market
with a revenue share of above 50.0% and is expected to continue its dominance
during the forecast period. This segment is also projected to register the
fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The market based on end-use is segmented
into hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), clinics and physiotherapy
centers, and others.
The Neuromodulation Market Key Players
- MEDTRONIC PLC
- BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
- ABBOTT LABORATORIES
- LIVANOVA PLC
- NEVRO CORPORATION
- NEUROSIGMA, INC.
- NEUROPACE, INC.
- SOTERIX MEDICAL INC.
- SYNAPSE BIOMEDICAL INC.
- ALEVA NEUROTHERAPEUTICS SA
- THERANICA BIO-ELECTRONICS LTD.
- NEURONETICS
- BIONESS
- BIOINDUCTION
- GIMER MEDICAL
- GTX MEDICAL
- HELIUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
- MICROTRANSPONDER
- BLUEWIND MEDICAL
- ELECTROCORE, INC.
- RENISHAW PLC
- TVNS TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
- BIOWAVEGO USA
- CARDIONOMIC, INC.
- SALUDA MEDICAL PTY LTD.
Recent Developments in Neuromodulation Market
The Neuromodulation market has seen significant recent
developments that could potentially improve the lives of individuals suffering
from neurological and neuropsychological disorders.
In February 2022, Medtronic (an Irish company) received FDA
approval for its InterStim X System. This innovative therapy utilizes
personalized sacral nerve stimulation to treat bladder and bowel control
issues.
Another exciting development occurred in June 2021 when
NeuroSigma (US) and KT Corporation (South Korea) signed a memorandum of
understanding for a strategic partnership. Together, they plan to create
electronic therapies to treat neurological and neuropsychological disorders,
including ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.
In February 2020, LivaNova Plc (UK) collaborated with Verily
(US), an Alphabet company, to research depression measures within its RECOVER
clinical study. This research focuses on the effectiveness of vagus nerve
stimulation therapy for difficult-to-treat depression (DTD).
Lastly, in January 2020, Medtronic Plc (Ireland) acquired
Stimgenics, LLC (US), a privately held US-based company. This acquisition
bolstered Medtronic’s portfolio of spinal cord stimulation systems, further
enhancing their position in the neuromodulation market.
Neuromodulation is a rapidly growing field with a
significant impact on the healthcare industry. In recent years, there have been
several notable developments in the neuromodulation market that are driving
growth and innovation.
One of the key developments in the neuromodulation market is
the increasing number of indications for which neuromodulation can be used.
While neuromodulation was initially used primarily for the treatment of chronic
pain, it is now being used to treat a wide range of neurological and
psychiatric conditions, including epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's
disease. As a result, the neuromodulation market has expanded significantly,
with a growing number of companies investing in the development of new devices
and technologies to meet this demand.
Another important development in the neuromodulation market
is the increasing use of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques. While
traditional neuromodulation techniques often involve the implantation of
devices into the body, non-invasive techniques use external devices such as
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate the brain. These
non-invasive techniques are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower
risk and greater accessibility, and they are likely to play an increasingly
important role in the neuromodulation market in the years to come.
In addition to these developments, there have also been
several notable mergers and acquisitions in the neuromodulation market in
recent years. These mergers and acquisitions are helping to consolidate the
market and drive innovation, with larger companies investing in smaller
startups with promising technologies and products.
Overall, the neuromodulation market is a rapidly evolving
field that is poised for significant growth in the years to come. With new
indications for neuromodulation, the increasing use of non-invasive techniques,
and continued innovation and consolidation within the market, there is no doubt
that this field will continue to have a significant impact on the healthcare
industry and the lives of patients around the world.