GE Acclerates Initiatives in Molecular Medicine

In a move to broaden and expand its line of imaging technologies, GE Medical Systems (Waukesha, WI, USA) has acquired Enhanced Vision Systems Ltd. (EVS, London, Canada), a pioneer in MicroCT (computed tomography) imaging technology. In addition, GE Medical Systems has entered into a strategic alliance with Advanced Research Technologies, Inc. (ART, Saint-Laurent, Canada) to develop new optical molecular imaging applications.

EVS is an important supplier of MicroCT imaging systems for in vivo and in vitro studies. Currently, pharmaceutical and research studies in the areas of osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer, and stroke are being conducted using MicroCT technology. MicroCT imaging systems provide a noninvasive option for evaluating the short-term and long-term impact of a new drug or therapy. Terms of the agreement with GE were not disclosed.

GE's strategic alliance with ART will focus on the development of new optical molecular imaging applications. As part of the agreement, GE will make a minority equity investment in ART and help market, manufacture, and distribute ART's SoftScan optical breast imaging system, and develop with ART new optical molecular imaging applications. SoftScan produces a functional image that can depict blood volumes and blood oxygen content simultaneously.

"The expertise of EVS and ART will serve as important elements of GE's broader molecular imaging offerings in the future,” said Joseph M. Hogan, president and CEO of GE Medical Systems. "The promise of molecular medicine is undeniable. In the years to come, we envision a health care system that uses molecular medicine to diagnose and treat patients before symptoms appear, and prescribes treatments that are tailored to an individual based on his or her genetic makeup.”





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GE Medical Systems
Enhanced Vision Systems Ltd.
Advanced Research Technologies, Inc.