#USA #Olympus #EndoTherapy #W. L. Gore #Center Valley, PA

A Strategic Partnership to Enhance Healthcare

Olympus Corporation, a prominent player in the MedTech sector, has announced a groundbreaking international distribution agreement with W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. This collaboration is set to significantly expand Olympus' EndoTherapy product portfolio, particularly in the market for biliary stents.

Overview of the Agreement

On October 6, 2025, in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, Olympus announced that it has secured exclusive international distribution rights for the GORE® VIABIL® biliary endoprosthesis. This innovative endoscopic stent is crucial for alleviating symptoms associated with biliary obstructions, enhancing patient care in gastroenterology. With this addition, Olympus aims to solidify its foothold in the rapidly growing gastrointestinal (GI) metal stent market.

The Importance of the GORE® VIABIL® Stent

The GORE® VIABIL® biliary endoprosthesis is a fully covered, self-expanding metallic stent that provides a differentiated solution for healthcare providers. Not only does it facilitate effective symptom relief from biliary strictures, but its unique design also ensures precise placement for optimal treatment efficacy. The stent features a non-porous ePTFE/FEP coating that forms a durable barrier, preventing tumor ingrowth without the increased migration rate typically associated with other covered stents.

Enhancing Clinical Outcomes

This partnership leverages the strengths of both entities, with Olympus' commitment to high-quality healthcare solutions complementing Gore's extensive experience in innovative medical device technology. Mike Callaghan, Olympus' Global SVP and General Manager for EndoTherapy, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, _“The VIABIL stent represents a fundamental device for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, and this agreement will enhance our cutting-edge ERCP solution portfolio.”_

Future Commercialization Plans

Olympus plans to initiate marketing activities for the GORE® VIABIL® stent in Europe before gradually expanding its reach to other regions. The collaboration emphasizes the companies' shared mission to elevate care standards through pioneering therapeutic devices, thus improving clinical outcomes for patients worldwide.

About Olympus Corporation

Founded over a century ago, Olympus has consistently aimed to make lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling through advanced medical technologies. Operating in the EMEA region with a workforce of 7,600 across 29 countries, Olympus continues to innovate and provide high-quality healthcare solutions aimed at improving diagnostic and treatment procedures.

About W. L. Gore & Associates

Established in 1958, W. L. Gore & Associates is a global leader in material science dedicated to transforming industries and enhancing lives. With approximately 13,000 employees, the company focuses on solving challenging technical issues across various environments, including the human body. Gore's commitment to innovation in medical devices aligns perfectly with Olympus' mission to deliver advanced healthcare solutions.

Conclusion

The partnership between Olympus and W. L. Gore marks a pivotal step in revolutionizing biliary treatment options available to healthcare providers. With the introduction of the GORE® VIABIL® biliary endoprosthesis into the Olympus portfolio, both companies are positioned to enhance the quality of care for patients facing biliary challenges. This collaboration represents a promising future for MedTech innovation and clinical excellence.