Women?s disorders involve many different areas. The most obvious covered under this broad title are those dealing with reproduction, menstruation, cancer, pregnancy and menopause. However, these are far from the only ones. Several other disorders and diseases are especially prevalent in women such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoporosis and others.

New therapeutics and diagnostics have emerged in the last few years that have had a significant impact on women?s health. This covers a wide variety of products and disorders that predominantly affect women. Ongoing patient management studies will increase the number of indications. This BCC study provides the knowledge to adequately view and assess the women?s health care movement and it will provide insights into market potentials. The report is the second update of a document last published in January 2001 and provides a thorough evaluation of the market for women?s therapeutic and diagnostic products as it has changed in the years since.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• Identification of the markets in general segments:
  
  
  
  - autoimmune diseases
  
  
  
  - women?s cancer
  
  
  
  - gynecological diseases and infections
  
  
  
  - kidney and urological diseases and infections
  
  
  
  - reproductive-related therapies and diagnostics
  
  
  
  - rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis
• Detailed information based on product categories and their use
• U.S. market forecasts through 2009
• Competitive analyses and leading company profiles.

METHODOLOGY

The information for this BCC, Inc. report was obtained through primary and secondary data-collection methods. Primary methods included interviews with more than 50 key executives' product managers, clinical specialists and other related key personnel involved in the women's healthcare industry. Secondary sources included published literature, investment reports, company literature, and various business journals that have emphasis on women's health and related areas.

Market data for this report pertains to the U.S. market and uses U.S. dollars at the manufacturers' level. The base year of the report is 2004, with historical data provided for 2002 and 2003, and forecast data provided for 2009. Historical, base year and forecast data are provided for each market segment of the report. Growth rates are determined through a compilation of data including past trends, future trends, demographics, incidence, mortality, products in research and development, and current product growth, etc. Competitor market share estimates are provided for each market segment for the 2004 base year