The Economics and Regulation of PRP in the Evolving Field of Orthopedic Biologics

Purpose of Review This review provides an update on the current status of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Topics covered include the current regulatory environment, economic outlook, and current clinical evidence. Recent Findings The global PRP market is expected to grow to between 380 million and 4.5 billion (USD) over the next 5–10 years. The cost of a single treatment, which is not covered by most insurance, is roughly $500–$2500, with patients often returning for additional treatments. Summary While PRP is not ‘FDA-approved’, it can be legally offered in the clinic ‘off-label’ in the USA for a myriad of musculoskeletal indications. Recently published meta-analyses have demonstrated statistically significant improvements that, in some cases, suggest that PRP may have clinically meaningful effects. However, given the fact that clearance is not synonymous with approval, PRP is a costly treatment not covered by insurance, and clinical trials have not demonstrated definitive efficacy, we recommend informing patients when providing PRP ‘off-label’.