Hitachi Aloka Medical becomes exclusive global distributor of iVu Imaging’s SOFIA system

Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd. (Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, President: Mr. Minoru Yoshizumi) and iVu Imaging Corporation announced the signing of an agreement making Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd. the exclusive global distributor of iVu’s SOFIA system, an automated whole breast ultrasound scanner designed to enable the earlier detection of breast cancer in women with mammographically dense breasts. The agreement represents an expansion of the relationship between the companies based on the early success they have achieved in North America.

“This agreement represents a dramatic acceleration of our ability to meet customer needs on a global basis and fills a need for both companies,” explained Mark Stribling, CEO of iVu. “iVu gains an expanded sales channel and Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd. adds a solution to address a market that I believe is poised for significant growth over the next several years.”

Mr. Stribling went on to explain that the two companies have also found technological synergy that improves the performance of SOFIA. “By integrating Hitachi Aloka Medical’s transducer technology into SOFIA, we have been able to overcome what is the single most limiting factor for the adoption of whole breast ultrasound: acquisition and interpretation times.” Stribling said that this product change allows the acquisition of an entire breast volume in 52 seconds and an average image interpretation time of less than two minutes per case.

The agreement supports Hitachi Aloka Medical's global strategy of providing comprehensive and innovative ultrasound solutions for all applications and all stages of life says Yukitoshi Kiyomura, Managing Director of Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd. “As part of our global strategy, we are continually looking for ways Hitachi Aloka Medical can respond rapidly to market needs in order to improve Women’s Healthcare. The two companies’ have combined their technologies in order to deliver best in class solutions for Breast radiologists and their patients. This agreement is just the beginning. In addition to sales and marketing efforts, this collaboration will focus on developing new and innovative technologies for the earlier detection of breast cancer that will better meet the needs of women around the world.”