Bracco Imaging Acquires SurgVision

(Milan, Italy), a diagnostic imaging company, has acquired SurgVision ('t Harde, The Netherlands), which focuses 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.

Bracco Imaging S.p.A., a part of the Bracco Group, offers products and solutions for all key diagnostic imaging modalities, such as X- ray imaging (including computed tomography, interventional radiology, and cardiac catheterization), magnetic resonance imaging, contrast enhanced ultrasound, and nuclear medicine through radioactive tracers. It also offers various medical devices and advanced administration systems for contrast imaging products in the fields of radiology.

Fluorescence image guided surgery is an intra-operative optical technique to assist surgeons in distinguishing tumors from surrounding tissue, using a combined infrared camera and contrast agent approach. SurgVision's targeting solution is expected to provide significant improvements as compared to competing modalities and products, due to advanced features of its optical camera and 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."

"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, it 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."