Olympus announced today that it entered into a distribution agreement with W.L. Gore & Associates for the Gore Viabil biliary endoprosthesis.
The international agreement makes Olympus the exclusive distributor for the Viabil endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement. Olympus plans to begin commercialization over the coming months, beginning in Europe and followed by other geographies over time. The company says adding Viabil to its hepatopancreatobiliary (HBP) portfolio helps expand its global presence in the growing gastrointestinal (GI) metal stent market.
Both companies aim to deliver interventional therapeutic products to improve outcomes for patients. Gore also develops other stent devices, like the Viabahn endoprosthesis. Olympus says that adding Viabil to its existing portfolio of stents designed for the biliary tree offers a broader range of GI devices.
Gore’s Viabil, a fully covered, self-expanding metal stent, offers a differentiated alternative to relieve symptoms associated with biliary structures. It has an easy-to-use delivery system and non-foreshortening design for accurate deployment positioning. Viabil also features a nonporous ePTFE/FEP (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/fluorinated ethylene propylene) lining that creates a strong, durable barrier. This provides the advantage of a covered stent in preventing tumor ingrowth. Meanwhile, it reduces the migration rate typically seen with covered stents, Olympus said.
Commentary from Olympus and Gore officials
Mike Callaghan, Olympus global SVP/GM, EndoTherapy, said:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Gore, a global leader in innovative technologies. The VIABIL stent is a critical device for GI patient care, and this agreement will complement our industry leading ERCP portfolio. Olympus is committed to helping healthcare organizations and professionals deliver high quality care for their patients, and the relationship with Gore is an important step toward achieving that goal.”
Jake Goble, Cardiac and Surgical Solutions business leader for Gore, added:
“Gore is pleased to partner with Olympus. We strongly believe the demonstrated commercial prowess of Olympus’ EndoTherapy team will pair nicely with Gore’s medical device innovation expertise to better serve patients with unique solutions for many years to come.”
