LEICA Barnack Berek Blog: NEWS FROM THE OTHER LEICA

Leica Microsystems has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bioptigen, Inc. to strengthen its position in the ophthalmology market. Bioptigen is a technology leader in the field of optical coherence tomography (OCT). The integration of OCT imaging into Leica Microsystems’ surgical microscopes will assist ophthalmologists during eye surgery.

Bioptigen was founded in 2004. The company developed hardware and software that employs a technology called optical coherence tomography. The company describes the technology as being similar to ultrasound, except that it uses light instead of sound.

Using low-power, near-infrared light, Bioptigen OCTs generate high-resolution, volumetric images of the eye. Bioptigen currently markets the FDA-cleared and CE-marked Envisu C2300 OCT for handheld, pediatric, and perioperative applications, and sells advanced ophthalmic OCT imaging systems for preclinical research globally.

Envisu C2300

OCT image of human retina acquired with the Bioptigen Envisu C2300

OCT utilizes interferometry to create cross-sectional views of different types of tissue. This non-invasive technique is used to detect and monitor morphological changes of ocular tissue, in particular retinal layer thickness, which can give insight into pathological conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy.

Heinrich Dreyer, Vice President of Leica Microsystems’ Medical Division, says: “Adding Bioptigen’s OCT capabilities to our surgical microscopes directly addresses our customers’ requirement for better decision making tools. Bioptigen brings great products and expertise, and will be an important contributor to our growth in the ophthalmology market.”

Eric Buckland, CEO of Bioptigen, says: “We are delighted to join Leica Microsystems. Together, we believe we can jointly leverage our ophthalmic imaging technologies, address broader research and clinical markets, and more efficiently complete the next steps in integrating OCT imaging capabilities into the operating room.”

About Leica Microsystems

Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes.

Leica Microsystems has seven major plants and product development sites around the world. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.

About Bioptigen

As a pioneer in the development and manufacture of leading edge Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT) equipment and software, Bioptigen is helping researchers explore the wonders of ocular development and the mysteries of ocular disease. Deployed in top ophthalmic research and clinical institutions worldwide, Bioptigen SDOCT systems are supported by over 40 awarded patents. Bioptigen manufactures and sells SDOCT systems from the company’s Morrisville, North Carolina operations center.

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