Jul 17 2010
Olympus America, specialist in next-generation microscope imaging systems, has signed a licensing agreement with a California-based company, Biolmagene. Under the agreement, Biolmagene will have access to Olympus’ proprietary patents in the field of virtual microscopy and digital pathology. The license is crucial for designing future data handling and digital imaging systems for pathology.
The digital pathology technology can enable doctors to asses and manage pathology specimens and biopsy slides that are presently handled using conventional optical microscopes and glass slides. The patents cover equipment and techniques to produce, store and deliver virtual microscopy slides. The next-generation technology allows pathologists to share virtual microscopy images through the internet.
According to a 2010 Laboratory Economics report the U.S. had spent $13.2 billion in anatomic pathology research during 2008. Olympus patents can help develop solutions, which can speed up the reporting process and can simplify the reviewing process of pathology slides, while improving patient care and reducing cost expenditure.
The Chief Executive Officer of Olympus Corporation of the Americas, Mark Gumz, stated that rapid advancements in the digital pathology field has made Biolmagene to license key patents to help advance the pathology field.
The President of Biolmagene, Ajit Singh said that the patent portfolio of Olympus complements the company’s innovations in the digital pathology field.