The company hopes its newest division will mirror the growth of its rare disease unit, which was built largely through aggressive business development.

With estimated revenues in excess of $5 billion per year worldwide, the advanced wound care market has garnered the attention of both major companies and investors for its tremendous potential. Growth in this market is being driven by the development of new bioactive products that can successfully heal chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, which are among the most challenging and costly to treat.

The musculoskeletal sector continues to be bogged down by the economic downturn, and particularly hard hit is the industry’s largest segment: the $13 billion total joint market. Companies are now scouting out the next technology wave in orthopedics, and the record attendance at the recent International Cartilage Repair Society meeting may be one indication of where the action will be for some time to come.