Kaneka inks OEM deal with Terumo Corporation to supply PTA balloon catheters Looking to expand aggressively in EU markets

Kaneka Corporation (headquarters: Osaka; President: Kimikazu Sugawara) has signed an OEM agreement with Terumo Corporation (headquarters: Shibuya Tokyo; President: Yutaro Shintaku) on PTA* balloon catheters for European markets. Kaneka will start to supply its balloon catheters to Terumo Corporation through Kaneka Medix Corporation (headquarters: Osaka; President: Akihiko Iguchi), a fully-owned subsidiary of Kaneka Corporation, in February.
* PTA (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) is a procedure for dilation of constricted or blocked areas in peripheral blood vessels, usually in the arms or legs, by inflating a balloon at the tip of a catheter a tubing as thin as about 1 mm in diameter).

The OEM agreement represents a perfect fit for Kaneka and Terumo. Kaneka, having established a strong presence in Japan with high-performance PTA balloon catheters featuring flexible tips, low-profiled balloon and enhanced shaft pushability for passing through tight lesions, is now keen to move into the previously unchartered area of Europe. Terumo, meanwhile, boasts a marketing network spanning seven countries in Europe and is looking to boost its catheter business operations through an expanded product range.

Kaneka has identified health care as a key growth area. In particular, the European market for PTA balloon catheters is estimated to be worth around 5 billion yen, second to the United States. It is anticipated that the OEM agreement will raise awareness of high-performance Kaneka products in this key marketplace and produce an immediate boost in sales.

Terumo Corporation
1) Main business Manufacture and sales of medical products, equipment, and pharmaceutical products
2) Headquarters: 2-44-1 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
3) Representative: Yutaro Shintaku, Representative Director & President
4) Capital: 38.7 billion yen

Kaneka Medix Corporation
1) Main business Production, importing and retailing of medical equipment, machines and apparatus
2) Headquarters: 3-2-4 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
3) Representative: Akihiko Iguchi, President
4) Capital: 450 million yen (100% subsidiary of Kaneka Corporation)