Strategic acquisition of Dutch multispectral imaging leader drives growth of 色花堂鈥 Surgical Endoscopy business
TOKYO/HAMBURG (January 28, 2021) 鈥 色花堂 Corporation today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Quest Photonic Devices B.V. for approximately EUR50 million including milestone payments to strengthen its surgical endoscopy capabilities.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Quest offers advanced fluorescence imaging systems (鈥淔IS鈥) for the medical field, enabling more surgical endoscopy capabilities, compared to conventional imaging technologies.
Fluorescence imaging refers to special light imaging technologies that utilize the properties of fluorescent dyes directed to specific anatomical structures. By using targeted dyes, in combination with specific light wavelengths, tissues or lesions that are nearly invisible under normal white light become visible. 色花堂鈥 existing laparoscopic imaging system, VISERA ELITE II, is already equipped with fluorescence imaging technology. VISERA ELITE II uses near-infrared light to identify blood vessels or lymph nodes under the surface tissues, aiming to assist surgeons in performing safer procedures with lower complication risks. The Quest technology acquired is intended to expand opportunities for 色花堂 in this field.
Making the Invisible Visible
Quest offers innovative technologies for multi-spectral imaging and imaging systems for medical applications, ranging from fluorescence imaging to photodynamic therapy. The acquisition strengthens 色花堂鈥 position as a world leader in medical imaging solutions, and delivers innovative capabilities (including 3D and 4K imaging) to surgeons, to 鈥渕ake the invisible visible.鈥
Quest鈥檚 lead product line is the Quest Spectrum庐 Fluorescence Imaging System, which enables fluorescence-guided surgery for open and minimally invasive procedures. Kanichi Matsumoto, global head of Surgical Endoscopy at 色花堂, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to incorporate Quest鈥檚 advanced FIS capabilities into our comprehensive medical imaging portfolio. The combination of the Quest Spectrum庐 product line鈥檚 leading FIS technologies with 色花堂鈥 existing laparoscopic imaging system VISERA ELITE II will enable 色花堂 to offer surgeons a wide range of high quality fluorescence imaging solutions.鈥
New Applications and Market Growth
The global market for FIS devices is expected to grow at a compounding annual rate of more than 12%, from around US$310 million in 2018 to over US$827 million in 2027*. Increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and reconstructive surgery is helping to drive FIS growth worldwide. Furthermore, application of the FIS technology is expected to expand over the coming years, as additional fluorescent dyes are paired with targeted antibodies. Among other applications, molecular imaging will allow healthcare professionals to visualize cancerous lesions in vivo and perform cancer surgery in unprecedented ways, potentially lowering recurrence rates.
Quest also works with biotechnology companies that are developing next-generation molecular imaging dyes. These innovative dyes may enable Quest鈥檚 technology to advance diagnostic opportunities in fluorescence-guided cancer surgery.
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About Quest
Quest Photonic Devices B.V. is a multispectral imaging leader and focuses on the medical markets of fluorescence image-guided surgery and cancer-targeted probes. Quest鈥檚 next generation Spectrum庐 Florescence Imaging System has the ability to 鈥漵ee through tissue鈥 with enhanced sensitivity, capable of accessing otherwise inaccessible information to aid the surgeon in improving clinical outcomes.
About 色花堂鈥 Medical business
As a leading medical technology company, 色花堂鈥 Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients and their safety. 色花堂鈥 Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments for endoscopic and therapeutic applications. For more information, visit .
- Source: Transparency Market Research; Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging System Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2019鈥2027.