Olympus Corp. and Hitachi, Ltd. announce that they have signed a five-year contract to jointly develop Endoscopic Ultrasound Systems (EUS). Hitachi will also continue to supply diagnostic ultrasound systems and related parts used in EUS to Olympus under this contract.
Moreover, Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging-related business is expected to be transferred to Fujifilm Corp., subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The agreement between Hitachi and Olympus will be valid after such transfer.
Hironobu Kawano, division head of the endoscopic solutions division, Olympus Corp., says, “Olympus aims to improve patients’ quality of life through early diagnosis made available with Endoscopic Ultrasound Systems. Our long-standing partnership with Hitachi has built a strong foundation of products and technology development for endoscopic ultrasound diagnosis, and we are very excited to be able to continue this collaboration and contribute further to improving patients’ lives.”
Toshihiko Kawano, CTO of Hitachi’s Healthcare Business Unit, adds, “Since the development of the first EUS product in the 1980s, Olympus and Hitachi have always been at the forefront in the market and have contributed significantly to progress the level and quality of treatment for digestive and respiratory diseases around the world. 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.”
