In an effort to strengthen its medical device space, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. announced the addition of a new endoscopy subsidiary, FUJINON Inc.

Effective Thursday, the addition is part of an overall restructuring of FUJINON, according to the company, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo's FUJIFILM Corporation in October 2008. Now, FUJINON's endoscopy division will be a part of the American FUJIFILM Medical Systems, and the company's other divisions, including broadcast and communications, closed-circuit TV, industrial optics and special products will become FUJIFILM Optical Devices U.S.A., Inc. and become a subsidiary of FUJIFILM North American Corporation.

"FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. is always looking for ways to expand our core business and add new products that complement our existing portfolio. FUJINON also had intentions to expand their business portfolio within the same medical market," said the company's president and CEO, Naohiro Fujitani in an e-mail interview with DOTmed News. "As a result, this collaboration is a natural extension for both companies to enhance business synergies."

The subsidiary retains it names, explained Fujitani, because "there was a market and brand value in retaining the name for the endoscopy market."

With FUJINON as a part of FUJIFLIM Medical Systems U.S.A., the company will be able to "leverage synergies for the benefit of both companies," said Fujitani. For example, the company will be able to apply its expertise in medical imaging to the development and marketing of FUJINON's diagnostic imaging products.

"We will bring to market innovative, high-quality endoscope products to aid clinicians in their delivery of patient care," he said.

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