Dayton Business Journal...
Report: Medical device makers to face sluggish growth
by Laura Englehart, Reporter
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 

Medical device makers should not expect to see much growth in the next year or so, according to a recent industry outlook by Moody’s Investors Services Inc. 

Though the credit ratings agency has given the industry a stable outlook, it said that medical device manufacturers would receive pressure from hospitals to slash prices on products as they contend with Medicare cuts. 

Other challenges to device makers include federal regulations and a new medical device tax in 2013, part of 2010 health care reform legislation. 

Growth for medical device makers is estimated to remain around 1 percent to 4 percent this year. 

Increased industry focus on emerging markets, including China and India, could counteract slow U.S. and European growth, but Moody’s said the short-term impact would be small as emerging markets represent a small portion of the sector’s overall sales. 

The Dayton region is home to numerous medical device manufacturers, including Midmark Corp., the 17th largest company in the region; AtriCure Inc.; Norwood Medical; Oakwood Laboratories LLC; Therapeutic Alliances Inc. and X-Spine Systems Inc.