Japan Infectious Wound Care Management Market By Product (Advanced Wound Dressing, Surgical Wound Care, Traditional Wound Care and Wound Therapy Devices), By Application (Chronic Wounds, Acute Wounds), By End Use (Hospitals, Home Healthcare, Nursing Homes, Others), By Mode Of Purchase (Prescribed, Non-prescribed), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Japan Infectious Wound Care Management Market was valued at USD 207.21

Key Market Drivers

Increase in Surgical Procedures

The increase in the number of surgical procedures performed in Japan has become a significant driver of demand for infection control and wound care products. As the volume of both elective and emergency surgeries continues to rise, the need for effective management of surgical wounds and prevention of infections is more critical than ever. This growing trend underscores the importance of advanced wound care solutions and infection prevention technologies in ensuring successful recovery and minimizing postoperative complications. Surgical procedures inevitably result in wounds that are vulnerable to infections, which can compromise recovery and lead to additional complications. Surgical wounds, whether from elective surgeries such as orthopedic operations or emergency interventions like appendectomies, require meticulous care to prevent infections. Infections at the surgical site can lead to delayed healing, increased hospital stays, and in severe cases, sepsis. Therefore, effective wound management is essential to address these risks and support optimal patient outcomes.

The increase in surgical procedures across various specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, and more, has a direct impact on the demand for wound care products. As surgical volumes grow, so does the need for solutions that can effectively manage postoperative wounds. The rise in procedures also correlates with a greater focus on reducing infection rates and enhancing wound healing processes. This trend drives the development and adoption of advanced wound care technologies and infection-prevention strategies. Innovations in surgical dressings play a crucial role in addressing the needs of surgical wound management. Modern surgical dressings are designed to offer superior protection against infection, maintain a moist wound environment, and facilitate faster healing. Advanced dressings, such as hydrocolloids, hydrogels, and alginate-based products, provide effective barriers against microbial invasion and support the natural healing process. These dressings are often equipped with antimicrobial properties, ensuring that wounds remain free from infection and promoting quicker recovery.

Rising Incidence of Chronic Wounds

According to a study titled, “Prevalence of pressure injuries in Japanese older peopleA population-based cross-sectional study”, the prevalence of pressure injuries serves as a crucial measure of prevention and care quality. In Japan, population-based data on pressure injuries are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pressure injuries per 1,000 adults and per 1,000 older individuals in Japan. Participants from various facilities in the city were enrolled, with a total of 1,126 individuals (median age 85 years) assessed to determine age-specific prevalence rates of pressure injuries. The research team evaluated participants directly between August and September 2017, classifying pressure injuries using the DESIGN-R schema. The study calculated the number of adults with pressure injuries in Goto by considering the proportion of injuries within specific age groups. It was assumed that individuals aged 65 years and older were long-term care insurance-certified seniors, while those aged 18–64 years were physically disabled individuals receiving social welfare services. Out of 1,126 participants, 113 (10%) had one or more pressure injuries. The estimated number of adults with pressure injuries in Goto was 301.4. The prevalence rate was 9.2 per 1,000 adults aged 18 years and older (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.1–10.2), 20.3 per 1,000 for those aged 65 years and older (95% CI 18.1–22.7), and 44.6 per 1,000 for those aged 80 years and older (95% CI 39.5–50.2).

Technological Advancements

Advancements in wound care technology significantly influence the Japan infectious wound care management market. Innovations in wound care products, such as advanced dressings, antimicrobial agents, and bioengineered tissues, are improving wound healing outcomes and reducing infection rates. Technologies such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), which promotes wound healing by applying suction to the wound, and advanced wound dressings that incorporate antimicrobial agents or growth factors, represent significant strides in wound management. The development of smart wound care solutions, which use sensors to monitor wound conditions and adjust treatment, accordingly, reflects ongoing progress in the field. These technological advancements enhance the efficacy of wound care treatments and contribute to the market’s growth by providing more effective solutions for managing and treating infections.

Expansion of Home Healthcare Services

The expansion of home healthcare services in Japan has emerged as a significant driver of the infectious wound care management market. This trend reflects a broader shift towards patient-centered care, where individuals increasingly receive medical attention and support in the comfort of their own homes rather than in traditional institutional settings. This shift is influencing the demand for wound care products and solutions that are tailored to home use, as the needs of home-based care differ from those in clinical environments. The expansion of home healthcare services in Japan is driven by several factors, including the aging population, advancements in medical technology, and a preference for personalized care. With a growing number of elderly individuals requiring medical attention, there is an increasing demand for home-based care services that can provide comprehensive support while allowing patients to remain in familiar surroundings. This preference for home care is supported by advancements in technology that enable effective monitoring and management of health conditions outside of hospital settings.

As more patients receive wound care at home, there is a heightened need for wound care products that are both effective and user-friendly. Home healthcare professionals, including nurses and caregivers, require wound care solutions that are easy to apply and manage in a non-clinical environment. This requirement drives the development and adoption of wound care products specifically designed for home use. The market responds by offering a range of products that cater to the unique needs of home-based wound care.

User-friendly wound care products are essential for home healthcare settings. These products need to be simple to use, minimizing the need for specialized training or technical expertise. Advanced dressings, such as self-adhesive and breathable options, are designed to be easily applied by patients or caregivers without requiring frequent changes. These dressings provide effective protection against infection and promote an optimal healing environment, making them suitable for home use. Similarly, antimicrobial treatments are formulated to be straightforward and effective, reducing the complexity of wound care management. These treatments often come in easy-to-apply forms, such as gels, ointments, or sprays, allowing for convenient application and reducing the risk of infection. The focus on user-friendly designs ensures that patients and caregivers can adhere to treatment protocols without unnecessary difficulties.

Key Market Challenges

High Costs of Advanced Wound Care Products

One of the primary challenges in the Japan infectious wound care management market is the high cost of advanced wound care products. Innovative solutions, such as bioengineered tissues, advanced dressings, and antimicrobial agents, offer significant benefits in terms of wound healing and infection control. However, these products often come with a high price tag. The cost of cutting-edge technologies can be a barrier to their widespread adoption, particularly in healthcare settings with limited budgets or for patients with lower insurance coverage. Hospitals and clinics may face financial constraints that impact their ability to invest in the latest wound care products, potentially limiting access to effective treatments. This challenge is compounded by the need for ongoing research and development to continuously improve and innovate wound care solutions, which can further drive up costs. The high cost of advanced wound care products remains a significant hurdle for achieving widespread market penetration and equitable access to quality wound care.

Limited Access to Advanced Wound Care in Rural Areas

Access to advanced wound care products and services can be limited in rural and underserved areas of Japan. While urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka have well-developed healthcare infrastructure and access to the latest wound care technologies, rural regions may face challenges in obtaining these advanced solutions. The distribution and availability of high-quality wound care products can be inconsistent across different regions, leading to disparities in patient care. In rural areas, healthcare facilities might have limited resources, fewer specialized practitioners, and less frequent updates to their wound care practices. This uneven distribution of advanced wound care solutions can result in suboptimal treatment outcomes for patients in less accessible areas, highlighting a significant challenge in ensuring equitable wound care management across the entire country.

Resistance to Antimicrobial Agents

Key Market Trends

Increased Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

According to a study titled, “Social burden of three major diseases in JapanA time trend and future projections using the comprehensive cost of illness method”, in 2017, the total cost of illness (C-COI) for cancer, heart diseases, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was 11.0 trillion JPY, 5.3 trillion JPY, and 6.5 trillion JPY, respectively. By 2029, these costs are projected to be 10.3 trillion JPY for cancer, 5.3 trillion JPY for heart diseases, and 4.4 trillion JPY for CVD. In that year, long-term care (LTC) costs are expected to represent 4.4%, 12.8%, and 44.1% of the total C-COI for each condition, respectively. Informal care costs are anticipated to be approximately 1.7 times higher if all family caregivers are replaced by professional caregivers in 2029.

Diabetes, for example, is a leading cause of chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Individuals with diabetes are prone to peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation, which impairs their ability to feel injuries and hampers the natural healing process. DFUs can become infected, leading to severe complications and even amputation if not managed properly. The complexity of managing diabetic foot ulcers requires specialized wound care products such as advanced dressings, offloading devices, and topical treatments that address infection, promote healing, and reduce pressure on the affected area. The increasing number of diabetic patients directly contributes to the growing demand for effective and innovative wound care solutions.

Vascular conditions also significantly impact the wound care market. Chronic venous insufficiency, a common vascular issue, can result in chronic venous ulcers (CVUs). These ulcers are difficult to treat and often require long-term care. The management of CVUs involves using compression therapy, advanced dressings, and other specialized treatments designed to improve blood flow and accelerate wound healing. The rising incidence of vascular diseases drives the need for products that can effectively manage chronic venous ulcers and other related complications, thus fueling market growth. Obesity, another prevalent chronic condition, exacerbates wound care challenges. Obesity increases the risk of developing pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and other chronic wounds due to increased pressure on specific body areas and poor circulation. Obese patients often have a more difficult time healing from wounds, requiring more advanced and tailored wound care solutions. This includes the use of specialized wound dressings, pressure-relief devices, and comprehensive wound management systems designed to address the unique needs of obese patients.

Advances in Wound Care Research

Ongoing research and development in the field of wound care play a pivotal role in driving the growth of the infectious wound care management market in Japan. This dynamic sector benefits immensely from scientific advances that deepen our understanding of wound healing processes and infection mechanisms, leading to the creation of more effective and innovative wound care solutions. Research into various aspects of wound care, such as biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, has been instrumental in developing new products that significantly enhance treatment outcomes.

Biomaterials research focuses on creating materials that can interact with biological systems in a way that promotes wound healing. Advanced biomaterials, including hydrogels, collagen-based dressings, and bioengineered skin substitutes, are designed to provide a conducive environment for wound healing. These materials often incorporate antimicrobial agents and growth factors that accelerate the healing process and prevent infections. For example, bioengineered skin substitutes can mimic natural skin layers, providing an optimal scaffold for tissue regeneration and reducing the risk of infection. These innovations are particularly beneficial for treating chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, which are prone to complications and require specialized care.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Based on the Product, advanced wound dressings are currently the dominant segment. This prominence is driven by the increasing need for effective and innovative solutions to manage complex and chronic wounds, which are prevalent in various clinical settings due to rising cases of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and vascular conditions, as well as the growing number of surgical procedures. Advanced wound dressings offer a range of benefits that address the specific challenges associated with wound management, making them a crucial component of modern wound care strategies. These products are specifically designed to provide enhanced protection and support for wound healing. They include a diverse array of materials and technologies, such as hydrocolloids, hydrogels, alginates, and foam dressings. These advanced dressings are engineered to maintain an optimal wound environment, which is critical for effective healing. They offer features such as moisture control, antimicrobial properties, and enhanced absorbency, which help to reduce the risk of infection and promote faster healing. For instance, hydrocolloid dressings form a gel-like substance when in contact with wound exudate, which helps to maintain a moist environment while providing a barrier against bacteria. Similarly, antimicrobial dressings incorporate agents like silver or iodine to prevent infection and manage biofilm, a common issue in chronic wounds.

The dominance of advanced wound dressings in the market can be attributed to several factors. The increasing prevalence of chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, necessitates advanced solutions that can effectively manage these complex cases. Advanced wound dressings provide targeted care that is essential for handling such high-risk wounds. Technological advancements and innovation in wound care materials have led to the development of more sophisticated dressings that offer improved performance and patient outcomes. The continuous evolution in materials science and wound care technology ensures that advanced dressings remain at the forefront of the market.

Application Insights

Based on Application, chronic wounds are the dominant segment, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and the specific demands of managing long-term wound care. Chronic wounds, which persist for more than three months, are typically associated with underlying health issues such as diabetes, vascular diseases, and pressure ulcers. These conditions often impair the body's natural healing processes, leading to wounds that are difficult to heal and prone to complications.

The growing incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders in Japan significantly impacts the prevalence of chronic wounds. For instance, diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication in diabetic patients due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage, while vascular conditions can lead to chronic venous ulcers. This increasing number of individuals suffering from such chronic conditions drives the demand for specialized and effective wound care solutions. Chronic wounds present unique challenges that require advanced and ongoing care. Unlike acute wounds, which typically heal in a predictable timeframe, chronic wounds often involve persistent inflammation, delayed healing, and a high risk of infection. This complexity necessitates the use of sophisticated wound care products and technologies. Advanced dressings, bioengineered tissues, and infection control solutions are essential in managing these complicated cases, contributing to the dominance of the chronic wound segment in the market.

The treatment of chronic wounds generally spans a longer period compared to acute wounds, leading to a sustained demand for wound care products. Patients with chronic wounds require continuous care and management to address issues such as infection control, moisture balance, and tissue repair. This extended duration of care drives the market for products designed specifically for long-term use, including advanced wound dressings and specialized wound therapy devices.

Regional Insights

In the Japan infectious wound care management market, the Kanto region stands out as the dominant force. The Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, is the most economically advanced and densely populated area in Japan. This economic and demographic concentration significantly influences the demand for wound care products and services, establishing Kanto as the leading region in this market segment. The Kanto region’s dominance is largely due to its role as the economic and healthcare hub of Japan. Tokyo, the capital city, is not only the country’s political and financial center but also a major medical and research hub. The presence of numerous leading hospitals, medical institutions, and research centers in Tokyo drives substantial demand for advanced wound care products. The region’s healthcare infrastructure is well-developed, with cutting-edge facilities and a high concentration of healthcare professionals specializing in various aspects of wound care.

Kanto’s high population density contributes to its leading position in the infectious wound care management market. The large urban population in cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Chiba translates into a higher number of patients with chronic conditions and wounds requiring specialized care. This dense population increases the demand for wound care products and services, as more individuals seek treatment for both acute and chronic wounds in the region’s healthcare facilities.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, AMS BioteQannounced that its innovative medical device, the "SIPSIP Foam WoundDressing," has received a first-class medical device sales permit fromJapan's PMDA, marking its official entry into the market. This product boastssuperior anti-adhesion properties, high absorbency, and capabilities for tissueregeneration, making it particularly well-suited for the wound care needs ofthe elderly and diabetic populations. Notably, this is the first Taiwanese"cotton-based wound dressing" to gain approval in Japan, representinga significant achievement for product development and the company's globalexpansion efforts for its proprietary brand.
• In April 2023, Osaka-GunzeLimited announced that, effective April 1, Gunze Medical, a full-servicemedical device manufacturer involved in everything from research to sales, hasenhanced its wound care sales channel in Japan. Gunze Medical has initiatedsales in China through a new distributor, thereby solidifying its distributionnetwork across Japan, the USA, and China.
• In January 2023, MiMedxGroup, Inc. announced an exclusive distribution agreement with GUNZE MEDICALLIMITED, a subsidiary of Gunze Limited, for the distribution of EPIFIX in Japan.Gunze Medical, a prominent distributor in the wound and surgical productsector, specializes in bioabsorbable devices and materials, including suturesand sheet products. EPIFIX is a PURION-processed placental tissue allograftdesigned to facilitate the healing process by offering a semi-permeable,protective barrier over wounds. This product safeguards the wound bed,promoting the formation of granulation tissue, and supplies a human-compatibleextracellular matrix enriched with over 300 regulatory proteins.

Key Market Players

• Smith & Nephew K.K.
• Convatec Japan K.K.
• Baxter Limited
• Medtronic Japan Co., Ltd.
• 3M Japan Limited
• Integra Japan Co., Ltd.
• Cardinal Health Co., Ltd.
• KOB Japan K.K.