According to Millennium Research Group’s Global Markets for Hyaluronic Acid in Aesthetic, Orthopedic, and Emerging Applications 2008 report, the US hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20% from 2006 through 2011.

Growth in this market will be driven by a rising demand for dermal filler procedures, performed primarily to correct facial blemishes, and a global population increasingly interested in cosmetic enhancement. HA dermal fillers, the second-most popular facial aesthetic treatment after botulinum toxin (Botox) injections in 2006, will experience very strong growth over the next five years because cosmetic HA injections are quick, safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive.

"Since HA is a naturally occurring compound, many patients are comfortable receiving cosmetic treatments using this product," says Jaya Classen, Senior Analyst at Millennium Research Group. "As a result, it is expected that HA dermal fillers will further penetrate the market at the expense of competing treatments, such as collagen and particle and polymer filler injections."

The Global Markets for Hyaluronic Acid in Aesthetic, Orthopedic, and Emerging Applications 2008 report includes coverage of the HA dermal filler and viscosupplementation markets in the US, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and the UK), and Asia Pacific (Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan). The report provides coverage of all key industry competitors, including Allergan, Fidia Farmaceutici, Genzyme Biosurgery, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Seikagaku Corporation, and Q-Med.

About Hyaluronic Acid

HA is a compound that is found in human connective tissue. Its degradation in deep and superficial dermal layers has been implicated in the overt signs of aging and, as a major constituent of joint synovial fluid, has been associated with the onset of osteoarthritis. Animal- or synthetically- derived HA supplements can therefore be injected directly in skin for the treatment of wrinkles and scars or into a joint for arthritic pain relief. Furthermore, because HA is naturally found in such a wide variety of tissues, many other potential applications for the compound are emerging.