Thriving Amid Complexity: Four Areas to Watch for MedTech Leaders

EY Pulse of the MedTech Industry Report 2024

Thriving Amid Complexity: Four Areas to Watch for MedTech Leaders

In a year marked by both significant headwinds and groundbreaking advancements, MedTech remains a resilient industry with an unstoppable capacity for innovation. Amid this landscape, the EY Pulse of the MedTech Industry Report 2024 provides data, analysis and perspectives from leading industry voices on today’s complexities and opportunities, offering insights into how the industry can continue to not only sustain itself but also thrive at a time of unprecedented change. To that end, here are four themes from our new report that highlight the dynamic evolution of MedTech.

1. Resilient growth amid global challenges

The MedTech industry’s journey has been marked by a steadfast pursuit of growth, despite hurdles such as rising input costs, shifting regulatory environments, and quickly evolving market dynamics. Despite global economic pressures and regulatory challenges, the industry has charted a course of continued growth, underscoring its resilience, inherent strength and adaptability. Over the past year, the industry reported a growth rate of 3.8%, with total revenues reaching US$587.6 billion.

2. The surge of AI in MedTech

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into MedTech is revolutionizing patient care, making diagnostics and treatments more personalized and efficient. This year’s report highlights a significant uptick in regulatory activity, with a record number of 510(k) and pre-market approvals signaling a vibrant pipeline of new technologies. The record number of novel device approvals in 2023 underscores the FDA’s commitment to fostering innovation. Additionally, the surge in AI applications, from diagnostic tools to surgical aids, exemplifies the industry’s commitment to harnessing technology for better health outcomes.

3. Strategic dealmaking: a focus on value and alignment

Dealmaking in 2024 reflects a strategic recalibration toward fewer, but larger and more impactful, transactions. This trend underscores a deliberate focus on acquiring assets that promise significant growth potential and strategic alignment. Our report reveals an 18% increase in deal value, reaching US$57.7 billion, highlighting the strategic importance of mergers and acquisitions in driving innovation and market expansion.

4. Consumer health: bridging gaps and unlocking value

The proliferation of consumer health technologies is reshaping the MedTech landscape, making health care more accessible and personalized. This shift represents a significant opportunity for MedTech companies to explore new revenue streams and deepen consumer engagement through consumer-centric health solutions, underscoring the industry’s adaptability and its potential to impact health care delivery in profound new ways.

The 2024 EY Pulse of the MedTech Industry Report illuminates the path forward for an industry at the intersection of innovation, resilience and patient-centric care. For a deeper dive into these themes and more, we encourage you to read the full report.

By:

Jim Welch – EY Global MedTech Leader Ernst & Young LLP
John Babitt – EY Americas MedTech Transactions Leader Ernst & Young LLP
Arda Ural, PhD – EY Americas Life Sciences Sector Leader Ernst & Young LLP

The views reflected in this article are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.