Microline PENTAX Announces Exclusive Worldwide Technology License Agreement for Steerable Surgical Instruments

Business Wire, Oct 9, 2006

BEVERLY, Mass. -- Microline PENTAX announced today that it has executed an Exclusive Worldwide License Agreement with DEAM B.V., a Netherlands corporation, for a "Cable-Ring Technology" that can be used in flexible surgical and diagnostic instruments.

"This License Agreement represents a significant milestone for Microline PENTAX strategy to develop and commercialize innovative surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery," said Dr. Jean-Luc Boulnois, President and CEO of Microline PENTAX. "DEAM's proprietary Cable-Ring Technology received the Golden Opportunity Dutch Award in September 2006. This prestigious distinction recognizes a technology that enables the design of miniature flexible and steerable instruments with wide applications in many fields of surgery."

Dr. Boulnois further stated, "Steerability provides access to surgical landmarks located off-line from the instrument, thereby clearing the field of view for the surgeon. We, at Microline PENTAX, are dedicated to developing minimally invasive surgical instruments with new functionalities and steerability to expand surgical techniques that improve patient care."

Microline PENTAX is a leading U.S. medical device manufacturer of high quality reposable surgical laparoscopic instruments. Founded in 1987, Microline PENTAX is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, a $1.3 billion company with $380 million in medical sales. Microline PENTAX integrated modular laparoscopic instrument system consists of a selection of reusable handpieces that utilize a broad assortment of disposable tips. This concept allows for surgical efficiency and cost effectiveness to be preserved at all times. The Company's patented product portfolio comprises cutting, dissecting, grasping, cauterizing and ligating instruments used in all laparoscopic surgical specialties.

Microline PENTAX corporate headquarters, primarily Research/Development and Manufacturing facilities, are located in Beverly, Massachusetts.