Fujikura, Micro-Imaging Solutions to jointly co-market CMOS-based endoscopes

Jun 1 2013

Fujikura Ltd and Micro-Imaging Solutions (MIS) announced that they have entered into a license agreement to jointly co-market nano-sized, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor, or CMOS, based endoscopes. The collaboration leverages the large, commercial scale production capabilities of Fujikura and the proprietary imaging technology of MIS.

“Fujikura is extremely excited about the broad applicability of this technology and the expert imaging development capabilities of the MIS engineering team”

MIS owns over 30 issued world-wide patents relating to micro-format CMOS sensor technology and advanced technologies to revolutionize the traditional endoscopic market by providing low-cost, disposable and high-resolution endoscopes. MIS' proprietary imaging technology enables high-resolution disposable endoscopic devices for the medical marketplace. The global market for endoscopy was worth $6.2 billion in 2011, is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.77% and is expected to reach approximately $10.9 billion by 2017.

An endoscope is a medical device consisting of a long, thin, flexible tube which has a light and a video camera. Images of the inside of the patient's body can be seen by the physician on a screen. Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure used to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or tissue.

Fujikura is a global technology company with 52,400 employees and 2012 revenue of $4.8 billion.

With the establishment of the MIS patent license, Fujikura will begin shipping their 1.2 millimeter diameter CMOS module which consists of lens, chip, cable and connector in 2013. With the Fujikura module, medical device manufacturers will enjoy enhanced design flexibility for disposable/reusable diagnostic and surgical devices under the MIS CMOS patent umbrella. Fujikura designs custom CMOS-based endoscopes on an OEM basis. The MIS license agreement is slated to continue through 2025 with the potential to expand into multiple additional medical fields where both parties believe there is opportunity to enhance the surgeon's capabilities while improving patient outcomes through the use of visualization.

Fujikura will be demonstrating their disposable endoscopes and CMOS camera modules at MD&M (Medical Design & Manufacturing) East (www.mdmeast.com), Philadelphia, June 18-20, 2013, booth#4008.

"Fujikura is extremely excited about the broad applicability of this technology and the expert imaging development capabilities of the MIS engineering team," stated Mr. Tsumanuma, Associate Executive Officer of Fujikura's applied optics business unit.

Jeffrey L. Adair, CEO of Micro Imaging Solutions, stated, "Partnering with Fujikura further validates the already well established MIS CMOS imaging technology platform, while providing us with industry-leading medical device expertise and experience essential to maximizing this technology's commercial market potential in a $6 billion a year industry. Fujikura has been terrific to work with and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.

SOURCE Micro-Imaging Solutions