Endologix has signed a joint research and development agreement, as well as an exclusive distribution agreement, with Japan Lifeline (JLL) pertaining to the development and distribution of novel endovascular stent graft systems for the treatment of thoracic aortic diseases.
Under the terms of these agreements, the two companies will jointly invest in the development, clinical research, and commercialisation of the systems. JLL has exclusive distribution rights to the systems in Japan, and Endologix intends to commercialise and sell the systems through its existing global sales force and distribution partners in countries other than Japan. Endologix anticipates that the global market for thoracic devices could reach US$900 million by 2022, and represents a significant growth opportunity for the company.
“JLL is our exclusive distributor in Japan, and it has done an outstanding job supporting physicians and capturing market share in Japan with our AFX device for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. We are currently working with JLL on a full market release of our AFX2 bifurcated endograft system in Japan after receiving approval for that device earlier this year. We also anticipate Japanese market launches of Ovation and Nellix in the future. These new agreements with JLL will expand our relationship to include thoracic devices and enable us to provide a complete range of endovascular aortic devices to physicians worldwide,” said John McDermott, CEO of Endologix.
