Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global medtech company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, has agreed to acquire Taewoong Medical Co., Ltd, (Taewoong Medical), a Korea-based manufacturer of medical devices such as gastrointestinal (GI) metallic stents[1] to strengthen its GI endotheraphy product portfolio capabilities, and in turn, contributing to improving patient outcome through comprehensive solutions.

Taewoong will receive approximately $370 million in cash, of which $255.5 million will be paid at the closing and up to $114.5 million will be paid if future milestones is achieved. The company expects to complete the transaction on June 30, 2023, subject to customary closing conditions.

Incidences of biliary cancers, where metallic stents are frequently used as one of the treatments, have been increasing in recent years[2] due to the aging population[3]. Metallic stents are often used to treat jaundice, one of the symptoms of an obstructed or narrowed biliary tract caused by biliary cancer. The stent allows for minimally invasive treatment[4], which supports faster patient recovery.

Different types of stents are needed depending on the condition of the lesion and the patient's anatomy. Taewoong Medical, a leading manufacturer of GI stents, offers a variety of medical devices including metallic stents designed for biliary tract, esophagus, colon, and duodenum treatments[5]. GI stents are used to help clear occlusions or strictures by cancer or other diseases. Moreover, Taewoong Medical's metallic stents combine strong radial force with high flexibility[6], which are both crucial requirements. This allows the stents to conform to the shape of anatomies such as biliary tracts and the esophagus, and even if curved, it is less likely for the stent to buckle, which reduces the risk of restenosis. Taewoong Medical has a wide range of high-quality stents realized through its unique design and technology capabilities, allowing healthcare professionals to use minimally invasive treatment with the most appropriate equipment for each patient.

Olympus is targeting GI as one of its key disease states, as outlined in its medical business strategy announced in December 2021. The addition of Taewoong Medical's medical devices to its product portfolio will enable Olympus to become a comprehensive solutions provider in the GI market with varied solutions in GI, contributing to improved patient outcomes and elevating the standard of care.

"Olympus' Endotherapy Division is committed to providing a full portfolio of clinically differentiated technologies aimed at treating patients who suffer from GI disease, and with the acquisition of Taewoong Medical, this further demonstrates our commitment to this critical segment of our business," said Gabriela Kaynor, Global Division Head of Therapeutic Solutions Division at Olympus. "Taewoong Medical has developed a full portfolio of GI metal stents that will immediately enhance our already robust offering of GI devices. I'm proud to welcome Taewoong Medical's employees, and their commitment to the field of GI endoscopy to the Olympus' Therapeutic Solutions Division."

Kyong-min Shin, President and CEO of Taewoong Medical stated, "For over three decades, Taewoong Medical has been a leading manufacturer of GI stents, renowned for its innovative technology and diverse product range. Our company has a robust market presence in Korea, Japan, and Europe, and exports to 86 countries worldwide. Moving forward together with Olympus, Taewoong Medical will focus its capabilities to provide medical professionals and patients with superior products and services through continuous investment in R&D and manufacturing technology."

Moving forward, Olympus will continue to find and execute investments as well as expand its product and technology strengths through synergies with the products and technologies of acquired companies, ensuring that they capture maximum value through these integrations.