Physiological Saline Market
Rising Prevalence of Serious Illnesses and Fluid Electrolyte Disorders Propels Physiological Saline Market
People with serious illnesses often experience a profound loss of independence, time, and capabilities. The emotional, physical, and financial toll can be life-altering for people suffering from distress in addition to physical symptoms with specific mental conditions. According to statistics revealed by the Commonwealth Fund report, 62% of people with serious illness experience anxiousness, confusion, or helplessness. 48% have emotional or psychological problems caused by the condition, and 32% report feeling left out, lacking companionship, and isolated from others. A report by the National Health Council reveals that incurable and ongoing chronic diseases affect nearly 133 million Americans, which represents more than 40% of the total population of the country. Among these, almost 50% of all adults and nearly 8% of children aged 5–17 have a chronic condition. The National Health Council’s report also mentions that the increasing cases of incurable chronic diseases among Americans result in ~75% of the healthcare costs.
Serious illnesses result in an imbalance in body fluids, such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium in the body. Improper levels of body fluids negatively impact the body’s function, muscle strength, and heart rhythm, which is associated with disorders of kidneys or endocrine glands. For example, edema occurs when the body retains excessive fluid levels, resulting in swelling and pain in the face, arms, legs, hands, and feet of patients. Further, losing more body fluids than consumed quantities results in dehydration, which eventually leads to symptoms such as thirst, weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, and decreased urine output among patients. Therefore, chronic illnesses may result in body fluid imbalance in the patient’s body, which propels the demand for physiological saline that is administered as a part of their treatment. Thus, the rising prevalence of serious illnesses and fluid electrolyte disorders bolsters the physiological saline market growth.
Physiological Saline Market: Segmental Overview
The “physiological saline market” is segmented on the basis of type, packaging type, application, route of administration, end user, and geography. The physiological saline market, by type, is segmented into normal saline, hypertonic saline, hypotonic saline, and balanced saline. The normal saline segment held the largest market share in 2022. Normal saline (NS) comprises a sterile salt solution used for short-term fluid replacement, as it helps restore electrolyte/salt levels in the body. It is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution intended to treat dehydration and electrolyte disturbances among people. NS is a cornerstone of intravenous solutions that are used commonly in clinical settings. It is suitable for both pediatric and adult patient populations. Primary indications for the use of NS solutions approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are mentioned below:
- Extracellular fluid replacement to treat dehydration, hypovolemia, hemorrhage, sepsis, etc.
- Treatment of metabolic alkalosis in the presence of fluid loss
- Mild sodium depletion
Further, NS can only be administered through intravenous access, and the management of normal saline requires evaluation of the patient’s health status. Pharmacists need to monitor the implementation of IV fluids while installing in hospitals. The physiological saline market, by application, is segmented as intravenous, ophthalmology, wound care, endoscopy, skin abrasion, and others. The intravenous segment held the largest market share in 2022, and the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030. Intravenous (IV) saline solutions are formulated for the prevention or treatment of dehydration. IV saline is prescribed by physicians of all ages for people who are injured, sick, dehydrated, or undergoing surgery. Saline IV bags provide a rapid and targeted solution to replenish fluids and relieve symptoms. Furthermore, a combination of sterile water and sodium chloride, or salt and normal saline IVs, helps restore fluid balance and hydrate tissues among patients. IV saline is commonly administered into patients’ bloodstreams when they require hydration. It is considered a suitable option for people with allergies or sensitivities to specific medications. Various companies are offering innovative IV saline products; for example, Fresenius Kabi USA offers “freeflex” and “freeflex+ IV bags.” These products also provide leak prevention, sterility protection, and needle-stick prevention.
The physiological saline market, by route of administration, is categorized into intravenous and topical. The intravenous segment held a larger market share in 2022, and the same segment is anticipated to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period. IV saline solutions are specially formulated liquids that are injected into a vein to prevent and treat dehydration. Also, these IV fluids are utilized among people of all ages suffering from sickness, injury, dehydration, etc. The IV saline solution is administered via a simple and safe procedure that is associated with a low risk of complications. Also, fluid resuscitation is a vital component for the management of acutely ill patients, and normal saline is considered to be the most widely used IV fluid for seriously ill or injured patients. Being a common, simple, and safe procedure, patients administered via the IV route may feel relief in a short span.
Physiological Saline Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Fresenius Kabi AG, Merck KGaA, AdipoGen Life Sciences Inc, Enzo Life Sciences Inc, ICU Medical Inc, Grifols SA, Geno Technology Inc, B Braun Medical Inc, Pfizer Inc, and Ward’s Science are among the leading companies operating in the physiological saline market. These players are focusing on expanding and diversifying their market presence and acquiring a novel customer base, thereby tapping prevailing business opportunities in the physiological saline market. Many market players also focus on launching their innovative products with advanced features in the physiological saline market.
