Bracco Imaging acquires SurgVision expanding into the innovative field of fluorescence imaging-guided surgery

MILANO, Italy, Oct. 18, 2017 /CNW/ -- Bracco Imaging S.p.A., a leading global company in diagnostic imaging, today announced the acquisition of SurgVision, a high-tech start-up focused on developing a real-time Fluorescence Image Guided Surgery platform combining targeted imaging agent and a device for efficient tumors visualization during oncology surgical procedures.

As surgery remains the primary curative option for most solid cancers, a predominant challenge for surgeons during these procedures has been the limitations of visual inspection and digital palpation to distinguish tumors from healthy tissue. Fluorescence Image Guided Surgery represents an innovative intra-operative optical technique aimed at assisting surgeons in distinguishing tumors from surrounding tissue, using a combined infrared camera and contrast agent approach. In this context, SurgVision's innovative targeting solution is expected to provide significant improvements versus competing modalities and products, due to the extremely advanced features of its optical camera and the very sensitive targeting performance of its new imaging agent.

"With the acquisition of SurgVision, one of the most advanced companies in a very promising field, we intend to address a relevant, unmet medical need for oncology patients who have to undergo tumor removal surgery," said Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, Chief Executive Officer at Bracco Imaging. "SurgVision platform expands our imaging solutions for healthcare professionals in oncology and reinforces our long-lasting commitment to patient care," he concluded.

"The investment in Surgvision provides Bracco Imaging with key competencies and technologies strategically adjacent to our core business," said Micol Fornaroli, Chief Strategy Officer at Bracco Imaging "and, at the same time, will accelerate the development of the projects currently in scope of our Research and Development efforts."

"The acquisition of SurgVision by Bracco is a vote of confidence for the field of fluorescence image- guided surgery and for the achievements so far by the SurgVision team," said Ton van den Hoven, Chief Executive Officer at SurgVision. "The expertise and commitment from Bracco will allow SurgVision to continue developing a solution that delivers on the potential of important clinical benefits for patients."

About Bracco Imaging

Bracco Imaging S.p.A., part of the Bracco Group, is one of the world's leading companies in the diagnostic imaging business. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Bracco Imaging develops, manufactures and markets diagnostic imaging agents and solutions that meet medical needs.

Bracco Imaging offers a product and solution portfolio for all key diagnostic imaging modalities: X- ray Imaging (including Computed Tomography-CT, Interventional Radiology, and Cardiac Catheterization), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), Nuclear Medicine through radioactive tracers. The diagnostic imaging offer is completed by several medical devices and advanced administration systems for contrast imaging products in the fields of radiology.

The Company operates in more than 100 markets worldwide, either directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries, joint ventures, licenses and distribution partnership agreements. With an on-going research covering all key modalities, Bracco Imaging has a strong presence in key geographies: North America, Europe and Japan operating through the Joint Venture Bracco-Eisai Co. Ltd. The Company also operates in Brazil, South Korea, and China through the Joint Venture Bracco Sine Pharmaceutical Corp. Ltd.

Operational investments have been made in order to achieve top quality and compliances with a sustainable eco-friendly production. Manufacturing activities are located in Italy, Switzerland, Japan, China, and Germany.

Bracco Imaging is an innovative Research and Development (R&D) player with an efficient process oriented approach and a track record of innovation in the diagnostic imaging industry. R&D activities are managed in the three Research Centres located in Italy, Switzerland, and USA.

To learn more about Bracco Imaging, visit www.braccoimaging.com.

About SurgVision

SurgVision is a high-tech innovative start-up company specialized in developing Fluorescence Image Guided Surgery platform solutions using high-definition cameras and tracers.

SurgVision was founded in August 2013, as a spin-off of the Technical University of Munich and funded by De Friesland Participatiefonds and BioGeneration Ventures.

SurgVision is headquartered in 't Harde, The Netherlands. To learn more about SurgVision, visit www.surgvision.com.

Press contacts:

Roberto Cattaneo
Bracco Imaging Media Relations
mediarelations.imaging@bracco.com
+39-02-21771

Ton van den Hoven
SurgVision BV
info@surgvision.com
+31857600425

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SOURCE Bracco Imaging S.p.A.