Two years after Terumo Corp. (TYO:4543) spiked a distribution deal with Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) for its GlideWire urology device, the Japanese company turned to Olympus (TYO:7733).
The exclusive deal calls for Olympus Medical Systems Group’s urology and stone management sales force to distribute Terumo’s GlideWire urologic hydrophilic coated guidewire in the U.S.
In February 2013, Terumo ended its deal with Boston Scientific for the GlideWire device, saying it would launch its own direct sales, marketing, support and distribution operations for its urological business.
"Given that GlideWire urologic guidewire is the top-requested brand in guidewires, Olympus is very excited about this partnership and how it allows both companies to ensure physician access to the best technology. The GlideWire urologic guidewire is designed to help physicians address the triple aim of the Affordable Care Act – improving quality of care, reducing healthcare costs and enhancing patient satisfaction," Olympus Medical Systems executive vice president Richard Reynolds said in prepared remarks.
Olympus also unveiled 5 new urology devices May 15 at the American Urological Assn.’s annual meeting in New Orleans, including GlideWire, which is used during procedures including ureteroscopies, percutaneous nephrolithotomies and lithotripsies.
Mark Hollmer contributed to this report.
