The increasing prevalence of orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and trauma-related injuries is driving the need for innovative and efficient bone regeneration solutions. Against this backdrop, South Korea’s bone graft and substitutes market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4 per cent through 2033, says GlobalData.
GlobalData’s report, “Bone Grafts and Substitutes Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Procedures and Forecast to 2033,” reveals that South Korea held around 5 per cent of the Asia-Pacific bone graft and substitutes market share in 2024.
Jyoti Sharma, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, states, “Conventional bone graft products often face challenges such as insufficient adhesive strength and difficulties in maintaining their shape in complex cases. Novel products, such as injectable hydrogels, are expected to offer promising advancements by addressing these gaps and enhancing outcomes in bone defect management.”
Researchers from South Korea-based Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have recently developed an innovative injectable adhesive hydrogel for bone regeneration. This hydrogel utilises visible light to simultaneously achieve cross-linking and mineralisation. Its unique formulation, which includes alginate, mussel adhesive protein, calcium ions, and a photo initiator, ensured robust adhesion and structural stability in animal models with femoral bone defects.
Sharma concludes, “Due to the growing nature of this market, the ongoing research is making significant efforts to address the challenges in bone defect management. While these solutions are still under development, once clinically validated, they have the potential to transform treatment approaches, improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.”