Kidney Stone Market

Market Overview

The global kidney stone market size was valued at USD 2.61 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 3.81 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global kidney stone market is primarily driven by the growing patient pool suffering from this disease, owing to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and increasing rates of obesity. There has been a rise in the demand for non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment options for kidney stones, owing to which the key players are introducing advanced devices, which is anticipated to augment the market expansion. Moreover, ongoing research and development initiatives are expected to create market expansion opportunities.

Highlights

• Calcium oxalate stones dominate the type segment
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy dominates the treatment type segment 
• Ultrasound dominates the diagnosis segment 
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Overview

A kidney stone, also known as nephrolithiasis or renal calculi, is a hard and crystalline mineral deposit that develops within the kidneys. These stones exhibit variability in both size and shape and can cause intense discomfort as they traverse the urinary tract. Kidney stones can develop due to an imbalance in urine composition, specifically in the levels of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.

Risk factors for kidney stone formation include dehydration, specific medical conditions, family history, and dietary habits. Common symptoms of kidney stones typically encompass intense pain in the side and back, pain while urinating, nausea, blood in the urine, and vomiting. The treatment modalities for kidney stones are based on the size and location of the stone. They may encompass pain management, hydration, medications to help pass the stone, or surgical procedures to remove larger stones.

Market Dynamics

Global Kidney Stone Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Kidney Stones

The global incidence of kidney stones is increasing, primarily due to factors such as inactive lifestyles, unhealthy eating patterns, and rising obesity rates. As per a publication in PubMed, kidney stones are a significant contributor to illness and impact around 1-15% of the global population. Moreover, the prevalence rate of kidney stones varies significantly across different regions. In particular, it is believed to be 1-5% in Asia, 5-9% in Europe, and 7-15% in North America. Similarly, kidney stones affect about twenty percent of people in Saudi Arabia, but only four percent of people in China have kidney stones regularly.

Furthermore, on an annual basis, more than half a million individuals in the United States seek medical attention in the emergency department due to issues related to kidney stones. More than 33 million individuals in the United States experience intense pain caused by kidney stones. Therefore, the expected increased occurrence of kidney stones will stimulate growth in the global market.

Growing Demand for Non-Invasive Treatment Options

The demand for non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment options among patients with kidney stones is increasing due to factors such as faster recovery times, less risk of complications, and enhanced patient comfort. Market participants exploit this trend by investing in advancing innovative technologies and processes.

For instance, in October 2020, Jipmer installed an innovative Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy System (Dornier Delta III) in its Department of Urology. This system allows for non-surgical treatment of kidney stones. This device would offer a non-invasive and comparatively painless treatment alternative for people suffering from kidney stones.

Moreover, the procedure entails fragmenting the stones into minuscule bits using high-intensity shockwaves expelled through urine. This method is non-invasive and does not require surgical cuts or use of anesthesia or result in scarring. It can be an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to return to work the following day. This is projected to stimulate the expansion of the global market.

Global Kidney Stone Market Restraint

Healthcare Costs and Insurance Coverage

High healthcare costs and limited insurance coverage for kidney stone treatments may discourage patients from seeking timely medical care or opting for more expensive treatment options, affecting market growth. Even with insurance coverage, patients may face high out-of-pocket costs for kidney stone treatments, including diagnostic tests, medications, and surgical procedures. High deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance requirements can create financial barriers for individuals seeking care, leading some patients to delay or forgo treatment altogether.

Global Kidney Stone Market Opportunities

Growing Research and Development

Ongoing research into the pathophysiology of kidney stones and the development of novel therapeutics, efficient treatment, and preventive measures fuels market growth by expanding the range of available treatment options and improving patient outcomes. For instance, in December 2019, researchers from MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital developed a prospective treatment to expedite the passing of kidney stones and reduce associated pain. A combination of two medications that induce relaxation of the ureter walls, which is the conduit between the kidneys and the bladder, was developed. These drugs can be administered to the ureter using a catheter-like equipment.

According to the experts, the relaxation of the ureter could facilitate the movement of stones through the tube. This therapeutic modality may facilitate the process of inserting stents into the ureter, a procedure occasionally performed following the passage of a kidney stone, to avert the occurrence of tube obstruction or collapse. Hence, the increasing research and development initiatives are expected to generate market growth opportunities.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global kidney stone market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global kidney stone market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The elevated prevalence of kidney stones in this region is a significant driver of market expansion. Each year, the occurrence of kidney stones was 19% in males and 9% in women. In the United States, kidney stones affect about 1 in 11 people. Likewise, kidney stones in the United States rose from 3.80% in the late 1970s to 8.80% in the late 2000s. Over 300,000 individuals are diagnosed with renal disorders annually. Various governmental and organizational entities have implemented various awareness programs, which also contribute to the market's expansion. For instance, the nephrology department of the medicine division coordinated a program focused on treating kidney stones.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in the research of kidney stones to understand the ailment's etiology and pathophysiology. For instance, in December 2023, a study conducted by Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, published in the journal Microbiome, identified a correlation between alterations in the Microbiome at several bodily sites and the development of kidney stones. The human Microbiome consists of many microbes, including beneficial bacteria. Recently, research has revealed its significance in health and other disorders. The research team analyzed the gut, urine, and salivary microbiomes in 83 patients with kidney stones and compared them to a control group of 30 healthy individuals. The researchers discovered that alterations in all three microbiomes were associated with the development of kidney stones. These factors contribute to the expansion of the regional market.

The Asia-Pacific region offers lucrative opportunities for market participants due to the increasing prevalence of kidney stones, the enhancement of healthcare infrastructure, and the growth in healthcare expenditure. China, India, and Japan are experiencing a significant increase in the need for kidney stone management solutions due to changes in population and lifestyle. Moreover, the industry participants are introducing enhanced therapeutic alternatives for kidney stones. For instance, in June 2023, King George Hospital implemented advanced technology in the urology department, decreasing the number of patients awaiting elective procedures related to kidney stones.

Additionally, this equipment has minimized the necessity for more invasive treatments and has facilitated both scheduled and emergency care. The department has invested in the ESWL (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy) machine. ESWL, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, is a minimally invasive technique for treating kidney stones. It involves using powerful shockwaves to fragment the stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to be expelled from the body. The introduction of the ESWL machine enables the team to now attend to a fivefold increase in the number of patients each week. Increased capital investment in new technology has enhanced its utilization, timing, and location autonomy. This is expected to enhance market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global kidney stone market is bifurcated into type, treatment type, and diagnosis.

Based on type, the global kidney stone market is segmented into calcium oxalate stones, uric acid stones, struvite kidney stones, cystine stones, and calcium phosphate stones. 

The calcium oxalate stones segment is anticipated to capture the largest market share. Calcium oxalate kidney stones are a prevalent kind of kidney stones. As per a publication in BMC Urology, calcium stones are the predominant type, accounting for around 70 to 80% of all stones. These stones are created by combining calcium and oxalate, a compound present in specific meals. Typically, the kidneys filter oxalate and eliminate it through urine. However, if there is an excessive amount of oxalate or inadequate fluid consumption, it can bind with calcium and create crystals. Over a period of time, these crystals tend to accumulate and coalesce, resulting in the formation of kidney stones.

Based on treatment type, the global kidney stone market is segmented into medication, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. 

The extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy segment owns the highest market share. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a minimally invasive medical procedure to fragment kidney stones (renal calculi) and gallstones. This procedure utilizes externally generated shock waves to break down stones into smaller fragments, facilitating their passage via the urinary tract or gallbladder. During ESWL, the patient reclines on a cushioned surface while lithotripter equipment is placed in contact with the body. The lithotripter administers powerful shock waves externally, penetrating the skin and precisely targeting the stone. The shock waves propagate through the body and converge at the stone, resulting in its fragmentation into smaller pieces. The treatment is commonly carried out under sedation or anesthetic to reduce discomfort. This is an ambulatory procedure, which implies that patients can commonly be discharged on the same day.

Based on diagnosis, the global kidney stone market is bifurcated into ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, CT scan, X-ray, and others. 

The ultrasound segment dominates the global market. Ultrasound is a diagnostic modality that employs high-frequency sound waves to generate visual representations of internal body components. The ultrasound segment is projected to have the largest market share due to its ability to quickly provide precise anatomical data about the kidney without radiation exposure. This procedure is safe and painless, utilizing sound waves to create images of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Recent Developments

• February 2024- The research conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham revealed that the utilization of sodium-glucose contratransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors was linked to a reduced likelihood of developing kidney stones.
• June 2023- Moonstone Nutrition, the producer of Stone Stopper™, introduced its kidney health supplements to over 3,800 Walmart locations and Walmart.com. Stone Stopper™ is the first patented formula containing therapeutically substantial quantities of alkali citrate, a well-established compound that effectively inhibits the development of kidney stones.