Varian, Embolx Collaborate on Advanced Image-Guided Cancer Therapies

Varian has reached a U.S. co-marketing and sales agreement with Embolx for selling and marketing the Sniper Balloon Occlusion Microcatheter. This announcement marks a significant step forward for liver-directed therapies by enabling a full range of embolization and ablation solutions from a single vendor, providing options for advanced image-guided therapies along the cancer patient’s journey.

The Sniper Balloon Occlusion Microcatheter is a tool that expands on traditional embolization use cases by utilizing a pressure-directed balloon system for occlusion in the peripheral vasculature. By altering blood flow-dynamics and controlling local blood pressure, clinicians are given precise coverage for the delivering embolic agents into target areas, effectively starving a tumor of blood supply while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

The Sniper’s design also improves the ability to deliver combination treatment for liver-directed therapies, allowing embolization to be followed up with ablation techniques to address patient needs. Studies have shown this combination of modalities can be more effective at addressing intermediate-sized liver metastasis with positive effects on patient survival.¹

“Embolization is an important tool for combatting treatable disease in growing market segments both within and beyond oncology. For many regions, embolization and ablation can each offer a cost-effective option for the treatment of conditions that could otherwise mean life or death for a patient,” said David Hahn, M.D., chief medical officer for Interventional Solutions at Varian. “As part of Siemens Healthineers, we are dedicated to improving access to interventional healthcare that can greatly improve both the quality and quantity of life for patients.”

Under the agreement, Varian and Embolx will collaborate to drive awareness, education, and clinical support of the Sniper Balloon Occlusion Microcatheter for U.S. clinicians. Varian will immediately begin selling this device with its established portfolio of interventional solutions, empowering clinicians with the tools to confidently alter and block blood flow through minimally invasive procedures.

“This co-marketing agreement with Varian is a strategic milestone for Embolx as we expand our impact within the healthcare industry,” Embolx CEO Michael Allen stated. “Collaborating with Varian promises to bring additional treatment options to patients by combining extensive market presence and industry leadership with innovative interventional solutions.”

A Siemens Healthineers company, Varian has developed, built, and delivered innovative technologies and solutions for more than 7 years. From advanced imaging and radiation therapy, to comprehensive software and services, to interventional radiology, Varian is harnessing the power of its perspective while also pursuing clinical research to create a more efficient, and more personalized care pathway.

Embolx is an emerging commercial-stage medical device company in Silicon Valley developing microcatheters for arterial embolization procedures. Embolx is committed to dramatically improving the treatment of various conditions including cancerous tumors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and uterine fibroids.

Reference
¹ Faiella E, Calabrese A, Santucci D, de Felice C, Pusceddu C, Fior D, Fontana F, Piacentino F, Moramarco LP, Muraca RM, Venturini M. Combined Trans-Arterial Embolization and Ablation for the Treatment of Large (>3 cm) Liver Metastases: Review of the Literature. J Clin Med. 2022 Sep 22;11(19):5576. doi: 10.3390/jcm11195576. PMID: 36233437; PMCID: PMC9571710.