January 29, 2021 – Olympus Corporation announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Quest Photonic Devices B.V. (Netherlands) for approximately $60.7 million, including milestone payments, to strengthen its surgical endoscopy capabilities.
Quest offers advanced fluorescence imaging systems (FIS) for the medical field, enabling more surgical endoscopy capabilities, compared to conventional imaging technologies.
Olympus’ existing laparoscopic imaging system, VISERA ELITE II, is already equipped with fluorescence imaging technology. VISERA ELITE II uses near-infrared light to identify blood vessels or lymph nodes under the surface tissues, aiming to assist surgeons in performing safer procedures with lower complication risks.
Quest’s lead product line is the Quest Spectrum Fluorescence Imaging System, which enables fluorescence-guided surgery for open and minimally invasive procedures. The acquired Quest technology is intended to expand opportunities for Olympus in this field, the company says.
Quest also works with biotechnology companies that are developing next-generation molecular imaging dyes. These innovative dyes may enable Quest’s technology to advance diagnostic opportunities in fluorescence-guided cancer surgery, Olympus said.