Olympus and W. L. Gore Establish International Distribution Agreement to Enhance EndoTherapy Product Range

International Partnership Between Olympus and W. L. Gore

On October 6, 2025, Olympus Corporation announced a significant step in advancing medical technology by forging an international distribution agreement with W. L. Gore & Associates. This collaboration positions Olympus as the exclusive distributor for the GORE® VIABIL® Biliary Endoprosthesis, enhancing its offerings in the EndoTherapy portfolio.

Olympus, recognized globally for its commitment to improving healthcare, will initiate marketing efforts in Europe before expanding into additional international markets. This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Olympus's strategy to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing gastrointestinal (GI) metal stent market.

The GORE® VIABIL® Endoprosthesis is an innovative self-expanding metal stent designed for endoscopic placement, offering a reliable alternative for alleviating symptoms associated with bile duct strictures. It features a non-porous ePTFE/FEP construction, providing a robust barrier that prevents tumor ingrowth while maintaining the stent's intended placement.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Gore, a leader in innovative technologies. The VIABIL stent is a crucial device for GI patient care, and this partnership will complement our industry-leading ERCP portfolio," said Mike Callaghan, Global SVP/General Manager of EndoTherapy at Olympus.

The collaboration aims to elevate healthcare standards by leveraging both companies' technological expertise. Since both Olympus and Gore have demonstrated success in improving treatment outcomes through innovative products, this partnership is expected to provide a diverse range of GI products to healthcare professionals and patients alike.

In addition to the innovative features of the GORE® VIABIL® Endoprosthesis, its straightforward delivery system allows for accurate placement during endoscopic procedures — a significant advantage for medical practitioners. This ability to precisely position the stent is vital in minimizing potential complications, thereby enhancing patient safety and care quality.

Jake Goble, Business Leader for Gore's Cardiac and Surgical Solutions, expressed optimism about the partnership: "We believe that Olympus's distribution expertise in EndoTherapy will naturally complement Gore's medical innovation capabilities, offering unique solutions to patients for many years."

With over a century of expertise, Olympus aims to contribute positively to society by creating products that meet global customer expectations effectively. The company is dedicated to collaborating closely with healthcare professionals to provide innovative solutions for the early detection, diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatment of diseases.

In the short term, Olympus will begin its marketing activities for the GORE® VIABIL® Biliary Endoprosthesis in Europe, gradually extending its distribution to other countries. This strategic move underscores Olympus's commitment to enhancing its global footprint and responding to the growing healthcare needs.

As Olympus expands its offering with the GORE® VIABIL® Endoprosthesis, the partnership not only aims to benefit healthcare professionals but ultimately aims to improve patient outcomes significantly across diverse patient populations.

This collaboration represents a noteworthy development in the realms of medical technology and gastroenterology, positioning both Olympus and W. L. Gore as key players committed to advancing patient care through innovative solutions in the medical industry.