Agfa, Siemens ink DR deal

Agfa-Gevaert and Siemens announced last week a bilateral, multi-prong agreement for digital radiography (DR) covering a number of areas in the field.

Firstly, Agfa will non-exclusively act as global distributor for Siemens DR MAMMOMAT Novation digital mammography system. Secondly, Agfa will be able to source components from Siemens to further its development of its DR products. Finally, Siemens will expand its offering of Agfa's Computed Radiography systems to complement existing agreements with Agfa.
   
Part of the impetus behind this deal is what the company's believe is a growing desire for breast cancer screening to go digital. To meet this need, Siemens' MAMMOMAT Novation digital mammography system will be combined with Agfa's experience in image processing and RIS/PACS workflow integration to boost Agfa's abilities to provide tailor-made systems to address different national needs, and as an expansion of the company's existing mammography portfolio. Siemens also has the intention of widening its distribution capabilities of MAMMOMAT Novation.

"This long-term agreement with Siemens builds upon our complementary competence in digital radiography, a field in rapid expansion," said Philippe Houssiau, president of Agfa's HealthCare Business Group, in a release. "As a leader in radiology, we are dedicated to assisting our customers in the transition from analog to digital. Such an agreement contributes to the transition to the digitized hospital leading to more efficient and effective healthcare," he added.

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