| October 05, 2004 |
Notification of finalization of agreement for exclusive import and distribution
contract with Volcano Therapeutics |
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As of 27th September, 2004, an exclusive import and distribution contract
for the next generation intravascular ultrasound imaging modality with
catheter for coronary applications and non-exclusive importation and distribution
contract for the current intravascular ultrasound imaging modality with
catheter has been finalized with Volcano Therapeutics. |
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Importation and sales contract details |
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| Agreement partner |
Volcano Therapeutics (a US Corporation) |
| Term of contract |
Commencing 1st February, 2005, term will last 5 years from regulatory approval
of the next generation of products. A provision for extension of
term exists. |
| Reason for conclusion of contract |
As a pioneer in the field of the intravascular ultrasound imaging and catheter
market, Goodman has created a unique market and developed significant business
operations over many years of dynamic management. Under these conditions
Goodman has constantly and diligently gathered information relating to
new products.
The reasoning for completing the exclusive import and distribution contract
with Volcano Therapeutics is that their intravascular ultrasound imaging
modality and catheter meet the needs of the medical environment with the
value added, new functionality (analytical software) of the equipment.
The contract was concluded given that the products contribute in line with
Goodman's managerial guidelines of 'contributing to the general health
of people and supporting the medical technology through medical equipment
for the continually aging population.' |
| Agreement items |
Next generation intravascular ultrasound imaging modality and catheter
(including existing products) |
| Features |
Product characteristics include the remarkable evolving qualities of image
analysis functionality.Current modalities currently use tomographical images
of the vessel for purposes of diagnosis “displaying grayscale (black and
white image) as accurately as possible”, which then relies on the Doctor’s
experience and skill to diagnose lesions, making a homogeneous standard
in diagnosis difficult.
The addition to the products of the Virtual Histology? software developed
at the Cleveland Clinic allows for radiofrequency signals to be analyzed
simultaneously with the formation of Grayscale. Plaque components
are then associated into 4 colors and the color coded plaque characteristics
are then displayed over the grayscale image.
With the inclusion of this function, it is expected that homogeneous high
level diagnosis can be established for data traditionally diagnosed by
a physician’s experience and skill. Through the 3 dimensional display
of the tomographic images, the physician can comprehend the condition of
the lesion position in 3 dimensions, allowing treatment methods to be determined.
Furthermore, previous diagnosis by conventional equipment required extra
labor to calculate vessel diameter, yet the inclusion of automatically
defined functionality contributes to optimizing diagnosis. |
| Forecast |
Having fostered its position as market leader for many years, Goodman looks
forward to contributing to the expansion of its performance through the
utilization of its fortes of know-how, sales networks and established relationships
with medical institutions. |
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Virtual Histology™ |
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Virtual Histology™, developed by Cleveland Clinic, is software that
color codes plaque components over a grayscale image. During intravascular
ultrasound, radiofrequency signals are attained and using autoregressive
backscatter analysis automatically define atherosclerosis into 4 plaque
components and displays said results in real time.
Current intravascular ultrasound equipment is limited to displaying vessel
tomography in black and white imaging (grayscale). When constructing
vessel tomography using ultrasonic backscattered signals, calcified and
fibrous plaque strongly reflect signals and generally appear bright (white).
Tissue that poorly reflect signals are diagnosed as being typically lipid
pools or plaque containing a mixture of fatty plaque.
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