Combined use of market-leading diagnostic technologies opens door to
treatment options
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 11, 2013--
Covidien
(NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products, today
announced an agreement with VIDA Diagnostics, a pioneer in quantitative
pulmonary imaging analysis software. Under the agreement, Covidien will
distribute VIDA’s Apollo® pulmonary imaging software services.
“We are committed to improving patient outcomes. The combination of our
technologies results in a powerful, minimally invasive, more informative
imaging solution for areas of the lung not accessible by traditional
bronchoscopy and for patients who cannot tolerate more invasive
procedures,” said Michael Minette, Vice President, Interventional Lung
Solutions, Covidien. “This collaboration brings together two companies
dedicated to the early detection, evaluation and treatment of pulmonary
disease.”
This agreement enables Covidien to offer a unique combination of
market-leading technologies from VIDA and Covidien’s i-Logic™
lung navigation system. i-Logic provides pulmonary physicians and
other clinicians with enhanced detail for the minimally invasive
diagnosis and treatment planning of lung cancer, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other lung diseases.
Lung cancer is a public health issue that affects more than 370,000
Americans and represents a $14 billion expense each year, according to
the American Lung Association. COPD, also known as emphysema and chronic
bronchitis, is the third leading cause of death in the United States and
adds $18 billion in annual healthcare spend. Asthma has an annual direct
healthcare spend of $56 billion a year in the United States.
The i-Logic system uses advanced Electromagnetic Navigation
Bronchoscopy® technology to extend beyond the capabilities of the
bronchoscope to distant regions of the lungs not accessible through
traditional bronchoscopy. The i-Logic system enables physicians to
locate previously inaccessible small lung lesions for diagnostic testing
and enhancing treatment options. The Apollo platform provides more
precise analyses of imaging data for more objective insights on patient
diagnoses and treatment options.
“The integration of quantitative pulmonary image analysis with
innovative devices and therapies is an emerging requirement to obtain
effective outcomes in patients with lung disease,” said Scott Ferguson,
M.D., Associate Professor and Director of Interventional Pulmonology in
the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine,
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; who has
worked as a consultant to Covidien. “Together, VIDA and Covidien,
leaders in their specialized fields, provide a more unified,
comprehensive approach to managing patients with lung disease.”
“Our partnership with Covidien is an opportunity to transform the
management of patients with lung disease to an objective, evidence-based
approach leading to more precise diagnoses and targeted therapies,” said
Susan A. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of VIDA Diagnostics. “We are
thrilled to be collaborating with the leaders in minimally invasive
techniques to bring new diagnostic and therapeutic planning
opportunities for patients with lung disease.”
About Covidien
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates
innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers
value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures,
distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product
lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical
Supplies. With 2012 revenue of $11.9 billion, Covidien has 43,000
employees worldwide in 70 countries, and its products are sold in over
140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com
to learn more about our business.
Source: Covidien
Covidien
John Jordan, 508-452-4891
Manager, Communications
Surgical
Solutions
john.jordan@covidien.com
or
Marguerite
Copel, 203-821-4720
Vice President, Communications
Surgical
Solutions
marguerite.copel@covidien.com
or
Coleman
Lannum, CFA, 508-452-4343
Vice President
Investor Relations
cole.lannum@covidien.com
or
Todd
Carpenter, 508-452-4363
Senior Director
Investor Relations
todd.carpenter@covidien.com
