Gore, Olympus Begin Distro Deal for Viabil Endoprosthesis

Olympus has entered an international distribution deal with the medical products business of W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore), a materials science company that develops products in diverse industries.

This agreement permits Olympus to become the exclusive international distributor with distribution rights for the Gore Viabil biliary endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement. Olympus will begin commercialization over the coming months beginning in Europe and phasing in other countries in the future.

Adding Gore’s Viabil biliary endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement to the Olympus hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) portfolio will allow it to expand its global reach in the gastrointestinal (GI) metal stent market.

Viabil is a fully covered, self-expanding metal stent that offers an alternative to relieve symptoms related to biliary strictures. According to Gore, its easy-to-use delivery system and non-foreshortening design allows accurate deployment positioning. It features a nonporous (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/fluorinated ethylene propylene) lining that creates a strong, durable barrier—providing an advantage of a covered stent to prevent tumor ingrowth.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Gore, a global leader in innovative technologies. The VIABIL stent is a critical device for GI patient care, and this agreement will complement our industry leading ERCP portfolio,” said Mike Callaghan, global SVP/general manager EndoTherapy for Olympus. “Olympus is committed to helping healthcare organizations and professionals deliver high quality care for their patients, and the relationship with Gore is an important step toward achieving that goal.”

“Gore is pleased to partner with Olympus. We strongly believe the demonstrated commercial prowess of Olympus’ EndoTherapy team will pair nicely with Gore’s medical device innovation expertise to better serve patients with unique solutions for many years to come,” said Jake Goble, Cardiac and Surgical Solutions business leader for Gore.