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.
