- AustraliaNorth AmericaWorld
Investing News NetworkYour trusted source for investing success
- Lithium Outlook
- Oil and Gas Outlook
- Gold Outlook Report
- Uranium Outlook
- Rare Earths Outlook
- All Outlook Reports
- Top Generative AI Stocks
- Top EV Stocks
- Biggest AI Companies
- Biggest Blockchain Stocks
- Biggest Cryptocurrency-mining Stocks
- Biggest Cybersecurity Companies
- Biggest Robotics Companies
- Biggest Social Media Companies
- Biggest Technology ETFs
- Artificial Intellgience ETFs
- Robotics ETFs
- Canadian Cryptocurrency ETFs
- Artificial Intelligence Outlook
- EV Outlook
- Cleantech Outlook
- Crypto Outlook
- Tech Outlook
- All Market Outlook Reports
- Cannabis Weekly Round-Up
- Top Alzheimer's Treatment Stocks
- Top Biotech Stocks
- Top Plant-based Food Stocks
- Biggest Cannabis Stocks
- Biggest Pharma Stocks
- Longevity Stocks to Watch
- Psychedelics Stocks to Watch
- Top Cobalt Stocks
- Small Biotech ETFs to Watch
- Top Life Science ETFs
- Biggest Pharmaceutical ETFs
- Life Science Outlook
- Biotech Outlook
- Cannabis Outlook
- Pharma Outlook
- Psychedelics Outlook
- All Market Outlook Reports
What Do Medical Device Companies Do?
Medical device companies facilitate the lives of doctors and patients by providing cutting-edge technology solutions.
Medical device companies play a vital role in the life science industry by developing new technologies to match unmet medical needs across both established and emerging healthcare markets.
The growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes is the driving force behind increasing innovation in medical technology, from surgical instruments and orthopedics to diagnostics and medical imaging.
In 2022, 41 new medical devices were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a big jump from the 28 approved in 2021. The agency attributes 2021's low numbers to employee burnout and a strain on resources after a hectic 2020 responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2023 is shaping up to be another good year for medical device approvals, with 36 already in the books as of mid-October. However, the final tally is not expected to reach the 63 approvals set in 2020.
Overall, the global medical device industry is expected to grow from US$512.29 billion in 2022 to US$799.67 billion by 2030, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights. The two biggest trends in this sector are wearable medical devices and the shift toward homecare settings.
Here the Investing News Network provides a brief overview of what medical devices companies do for those interested in investing in this niche sector of the life science market.
Medical device companies: Regulations and approval
As in the pharmaceutical industry, all new medical devices must go through clinical trials and regulatory approval with various agencies in the US, Europe and Asia.
For example, a medical device product must be approved by the FDA to be available in the US market. More specifically, the agency’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) oversees the regulatory requirements for companies that are manufacturing, repackaging, relabeling and importing medical devices to be sold in the US.
The CDRH also regulates medical and non-medical radiation-emitting electronic medical equipment such as lasers, X-ray systems, ultrasound equipment, microwave ovens and televisions.
Medical devices are classified by the FDA into three different categories:
- Class I medical devices pose low risks and don’t have many regulatory controls. These products generally do not need to submit a Premarket Notification 510(k). In other words, Class I device manufacturers don’t need to show that their device is similar to an existing product to prove its safety and effectiveness. Examples include enema kits, elastic bandages and manual stethoscopes. According to the FDA, 47 percent of medical devices are considered Class I.
- Class II medical devices have the potential to be more harmful than Class I devices and therefore require a Premarket Notification 510(k). Powered wheelchairs and pregnancy test kits are considered Class II devices, as are handheld surgical instruments and infusion pumps. Class II devices make up 43 percent of all medical devices.
- Class III medical devices are the most risky because they can cause illness or injury. Class III medical devices go through a more rigorous process and must receive premarket approval. Companies manufacturing these devices are required to submit clinical data to the FDA for evaluation before the product can be marketed. Class III devices include implants, implantable pacemakers and diagnostic tests.
With the FDA Premarket Notification 510(k) process it can take up to 90 days to determine product equivalency and then file an approval to bring the medical product to market.
Being the most risky, Class III device approvals also come at a steep financial cost, into the tens of millions of dollars. A premarket approval can cost up to three times as much as a Premarket Notification 510(k). It takes the FDA roughly six months to review a premarket approval application, which is double the length of the Premarket Notification 510(k) process.
Every step of the FDA approval process is a major catalyst for a medical device company.
Medical device companies: Growth and innovation
Medical device companies share some of the struggles faced by their counterparts in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors — namely, the astronomical costs associated with research and development, as well as the lengthy testing and approval processes. As a result, many of the larger medical device companies are wary of innovation, instead opting to follow existing models or technology.
Interestingly, while innovation can prove risky for bigger companies, it is the bread and butter of smaller startups aiming to get acquired by bigger players in the sector.
That being said, to be a long-term global leader in the space, a medical device manufacturer must incorporate new technology and innovation into its portfolio. Familiar names in the space tend to be go-to investment options. In 2022, some of the top companies in the industry by total revenue were Abbot Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) at US$31.27 billion, Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) at US$31.23 billion and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) at US$27.43 billion.
Technologies disrupting the medical device market include smart inhalers, robotic surgery, wireless brain sensors, 3D printing, artificial organs and health wearables.
Medical device companies: Future outlook
In its outlook report, research firm Fortune Business Insights states that the global medical device market's projected value of nearly US$800 billion by 2030 is highly attributable to "the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing emphasis of healthcare agencies toward early diagnosis and treatment."
Notably, chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic and respiratory conditions, continue to require the development of medical equipment and devices for diagnosis and treatment.
Other market trends projected to impact the growth of the medical device industry are mergers and acquisitions, an increase in innovative technologies and emerging markets such as China, India and the Middle East.
Investors will surely be watching the industry to see how new solutions continue to shape this exciting market.
This is an updated version of an article first published by the Investing News Network in 2017.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
The Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Biotech
Ready to invest in biotech? Our beginner's guide makes it simple to get started.
Download your investing guide today.
Learn About Exciting Investing Opportunities in the Biotech Sector
Your Newsletter Preferences
Melissa Pistilli has been reporting on the markets and educating investors since 2006. She has covered a wide variety of industries in the investment space including mining, cannabis, tech and pharmaceuticals. She helps to educate investors about opportunities in a variety of growth markets. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in English education as well as a master's degree in the teaching of writing, both from Humboldt State University, California.
Investing News Network websites or approved third-party tools use cookies. Please refer to the cookie policy for collected data, privacy and GDPR compliance. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to our use of cookies.Â
Melissa Pistilli has been reporting on the markets and educating investors since 2006. She has covered a wide variety of industries in the investment space including mining, cannabis, tech and pharmaceuticals. She helps to educate investors about opportunities in a variety of growth markets. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in English education as well as a master's degree in the teaching of writing, both from Humboldt State University, California.
Learn about our editorial policies.