Nipro has entered into a five-year agreement to distribute Infraredx's TVC intravascular imaging system for true vessel characterization of coronary artery disease in Japan.
The TVC imaging system incorporates near infrared spectroscopy lipid core plaque detection and intravascular ultrasound imaging technology to assess vessel composition and structure.
Infraredx will receive a minimum of $50m in revenues over the duration, as per the terms of the agreement.
Nipro will be responsible for receiving marketing authorization for the TVC imaging system and catheter with Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency (PMDA).
In addition, Nipro will be responsible for field service and technical support of the TVC system as well as providing clinical education and physician training services.
Nipro president Yoshihiko Sano said the company has received positive feedback from Japanese interventional cardiologists on the clinical value of the TVC imaging system and its intravascular imaging capabilities.
"The device enables physicians to identify lipid core plaque in patients who are at risk of developing stenting complications during PCI, which can lead to more precisely tailored treatment strategies," Sano added.
"We plan to submit the regulatory package to the PMDA in the coming weeks and look forward to introducing the TVC Imaging System to the market next year."