As I watch the daily stock ticker, hoping that our fledgling recovery will not be cut down by the European economic crisis, our own politics, or another potential disaster, my one source of solace is our industry.  Fortunately, I get to spend my work hours supporting an industry that saves lives on a daily basis.  Medical science is experiencing breakthroughs at an ever-increasing rate which is crucial since we are looking towards a US population that will make a radical shift in life expectancy going from 40M people over 65 in 2010, to 72M in 2030.   While the general economy is struggling to gain its recovery foothold, our industry is growing.  Of course, it is unfortunate that more people are living with illnesses; however it is fortunate that people are living longer and we are finding ways to help.   The following are just a few industry predications that give me faith as I watch the news of the general economy.

1. Medical device companies represent over $300B in global revenues, $95B in the US, and the market continues to grow. (Zachs)
2. The global pharmaceutical market is expected to grow $300B over the next 5 years at a growth rate of 5-8%. (IMS)
3. The global biotech market is expected to grow 7% per year. (E&Y)
4. The biosimilar market, which makes biopharmaceuticals more widely available, is evolving rapidly, expecting to exceed $2B in 2015. (IMS)
5. US demand for cosmeceutical products is expected to increase 5.8% annually through 2015. (Fredonia Group)
6. The $42 billion diagnostics market is growing 5-6%, with the molecular diagnostic component growing fastest at 10-15%.  (Goldman Sachs)
7. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator market increased 14% to 1.1B in the US. (24/7 Wall Street)
8. The 3D medical imaging market is expected to grow $5.9B by 2017. (Global Industry Analysts)
9. The global market for neuromodulation devices will grow from $2.7B in 2010 to $11.61B by 2021. (Visiongain)
10. The $1.9B global heart valve market could add an additional $1.1B if TAV acceptance continues. (Frost & Sullivan)
11. The global blood glucose meters and strips market will reach 21.5B by 2017 (Global Industry Analysts)
12. The artificial eye lens (cataract) market has grown by 40% over the past 10 years and continues to grow.  (24/7 Wall Street)

Even the private equity money is starting to flow, helping to fuel organic industry growth.  So print this article and tuck it in your upper right-hand drawer – it is a great reference when you need to remind yourself that your glass is half-full. In this holiday time, take a moment to truly appreciate the industry we have the opportunity to help grow.  We have chosen well.

 - Cari Kraft, President, Jacobs Management Group, Inc.

For more information, please email me at ckraft@jacobsmgt.com.