Olympus, HOYA, and Fujifilm are in a hurry to develop disposable endoscopes.This is because hospital infection measures have become stricter due to the new colon viruses, and the demand for disposable type, not the conventional reuse, is increasing.Endoscopes are the largest market -sized digestive devices, and three domestic companies have more than 90 % of the world share, but they have been delayed with sterilized disinfected use.In this field, the leading Westerners are dominant due to the market transformation due to corona trends, and competition is increasing.
Endoscopes are elongated medical devices and are equipped with cameras and treatment tools.The mainstream is reused type that repeats cleaning and sterilization.However, recently, the work burden on medical workers has increased, saving sterilization has been saved, and disposable needs that can be used immediately from the bag are increasing.
The disposable type is about one -tenth of the reuse type, and the number of cases used in intensive care rooms (ICUs), emergency sites, high -risk surgery and tests are increasing.
According to JP Morgan Securities reports, the global market size of the disposable type has expanded to about $ 4.6 billion (545 billion yen) in 2030, exceeding the reuse type, and the endoscope 〝〝.I predict that it can be a game changer.
The disposable mold was developed by Danish medical equipment manufacturer, Ambu for the first time in the world.The company was the largest and sold about 1.5 million in 2009.It will be developed in Japan.US medical device manufacturers, Boston Scientific, also sell the bronchi and the duodenum, as well as the bile duct and ureter, leading to the European and American players.
With the expansion of disposable types of demand, domestic groups are increasing their sense of crisis.Last year, the Olympus, which has a global share of 70 % of the world, acquired a U.S. medical device manufacturer, VMT, which is strong in the respiratory field, and entered a disposable business.The importance of the field has grown due to the corona evil, and in April this year, it began to sell for bronchi in the United States.
Former Ambu's highest executive officer (CEO) was welcomed as an advisor, and in April, disposable teams were also launched.Currently, the development of the duodenum has been started, and will be launched in the world market by FY2010.
Yasuo Takeuchi, President and CEO, indicates that "disposable type cannot exceed the reuse type", but the disposable market growth rate up to 30 years is expected to be 15 to 18 % per year.President Takeuchi said, "Doctors use them properly according to the actual situation of medical practice," and plans to avoid demand by providing both types.
HOYA also developed for respiratory organs and started test sales in Europe in August.It will be sold in earnest next year.Currently, it is proceeding with sales approval procedures in each country, including Japan.Fujifilm under development says, "The release time is not said, but we are preparing for sales with market needs."Domestic groups will expand their lineup early in order to solidify the dominance in the market.(Moto Koganezaki)