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John R. Fischer, Senior Reporter | January 06, 2021
Olympus and Hitachi have agreed to produce EUS products together over a five-year period
Olympus and Hitachi have teamed up to develop endoscopic ultrasound systems over a five-year period.
The partnership continues and builds on a previous agreement between the two in which Hitachi supplies diagnostic ultrasound systems and related parts used in EUS to Olympus.
"Both companies are continuing the collaborative development to secure compatibility among Olympus’ ultrasound gastrointestinal/bronchial videoscopes and Hitachi’s diagnostic ultrasound systems," Mr. Yohei Yatsuboshi, assistant manager of Brand & Communication Center at the Healthcare Business Unit for Hitachi, told HCB News. "They also are keeping their collaboration in sales and customer support through the sale of Hitachi’s diagnostic ultrasound systems to be connected to Olympus’ ultrasound videoscopes."
“We look forward to collaborating in the future and exploring new clinical values to provide better diagnosis and treatment to patients and healthcare professionals, and contribute to the advancement of medical treatment,” said Toshihiko Kawano, CTO of the Healthcare Business Unit at Hitachi, in a statement.
Once it takes effect, Hitachi and Olympus will work together to develop new EUS products that better address the needs of patients and healthcare professionals involved in exams for assessing cancer stages in the liver, pancreas and bronchus, as well as for minimally invasive care.
The two began working together in the 1970s . Their current partnership already includes the
distribution of the ARIETTA 850 premium ultrasound processor.
"We will continuously collaborate in the future; we are exploring new clinical solutions to provide better diagnosis and treatment to patients and healthcare professionals, and contribute to the advancement of medical treatment," said Yatsuboshi.
The agreement is expected to become valid following the completion of the transfer of Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging-related business to FUJIFILM Corporation. Talks of this deal
began in December 2019 and the agreement was expected to be complete by July of this year. The deal, however, was delayed in June due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
