Olympus and W.L. Gore Forge Global Distribution Partnership for Innovative Endoscopic Tool

Olympus, the Japanese medtech giant, has entered into a significant collaboration with U.S.-based W.L. Gore, securing international distribution rights for the Gore Viabil endoscopic placement tool. This strategic partnership, announced on October 6, 2025, aims to expand Olympus's global footprint in the rapidly growing gastrointestinal metal stent market.

Groundbreaking Technology in Biliary Care

The Gore Viabil Biliary Endoprosthesis, the centerpiece of this distribution agreement, offers a novel approach to relieving symptoms associated with biliary narrowing or blockage of bile ducts. The device boasts precise positioning capabilities, addressing a critical need in endoscopic procedures.

A key feature of the Viabil stent is its polytetrafluoroethylene/fluorinated ethylene propylene lining. This innovative design prevents tumor ingrowth, a common complication with traditional metal stents, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for repeat procedures.

Market Expansion and Commercialization Strategy

Olympus plans to launch a comprehensive commercialization campaign for the Viabil stent in the coming months. The initial rollout will target European markets before expanding to other countries, aligning with Olympus's strategy to strengthen its position in the global gastrointestinal metal stent market.

This market segment shows promising growth potential, with estimates projecting an increase from $6.4 billion in 2024 to $11.6 billion by 2032, according to Data Bridge Market Research. The collaboration with Gore positions Olympus to capitalize on this expanding market opportunity.

Mike Callaghan, Olympus global senior vice president and general manager for into therapy, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating, "The Viabil stent is a critical device for GI patient care, and this agreement will complement our industry leading ERCP portfolio. Olympus is committed to helping healthcare organizations and professionals deliver high quality care for their patients, and the relationship with Gore is an important step toward achieving that goal."

Olympus's Commitment to Innovation

This distribution agreement comes on the heels of Olympus's recent launch of the Olysense platform, an artificial intelligence-powered application designed to enhance polyp detection during colonoscopies. The Olysense platform, introduced last month, serves as the foundation for a cloud-based software capable of identifying precancerous colorectal polyps and adenomas in recorded video.

These developments underscore Olympus's ongoing commitment to advancing medical technology and improving patient care across various gastroenterological applications. By combining Gore's innovative stent technology with Olympus's global distribution network and AI-driven diagnostic tools, the company is poised to make significant strides in addressing critical needs in gastrointestinal healthcare.