PRESS RELEASE / PRESSEINFORMATION
June 1, 2015
Leica Microsystems to Acquire OCT Company Bioptigen
Integration of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Opens up New Avenues for
Ophthalmology and Life Science Research
Wetzlar, Germany / Morrisville, North Carolina, USA. Leica Microsystems, a global leader in microscopy
and imaging systems, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bioptigen, Inc. to strengthen its
position in the ophthalmology market. Bioptigen is a technology leader in the field of optical coherence
tomography (OCT). The integration of OCT imaging into Leica Microsystems’ surgical microscopes will
assist ophthalmologists during eye surgery.
Bioptigen develops and manufactures innovative OCT systems and software and is globally successful
with products for clinical as well as translational research applications. Using low-power, near-infrared
light, Bioptigen OCTs generate high-resolution, volumetric images of the eye. Bioptigen currently markets
the FDA-cleared and CE-marked Envisu C2300 OCT for handheld, pediatric, and perioperative
applications, and sells advanced ophthalmic OCT imaging systems for preclinical research globally.
OCT utilizes interferometry to create cross-sectional views of different types of tissue. This non-invasive
technique is used to detect and monitor morphological changes of ocular tissue, in particular retinal layer
thickness, which can give insight into pathological conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy.
Heinrich Dreyer, Vice President of Leica Microsystems’ Medical Division, says: “Adding Bioptigen’s OCT
capabilities to our surgical microscopes directly addresses our customers’ requirement for better decision
making tools. Bioptigen brings great products and expertise, and will be an important contributor to our
growth in the ophthalmology market.”
Eric Buckland, CEO of Bioptigen, says: “We are delighted to join Leica Microsystems. Together, we
believe we can jointly leverage our ophthalmic imaging technologies, address broader research and
clinical markets, and more efficiently complete the next steps in integrating OCT imaging capabilities into
the operating room.”
Anja Schué / Claudia Müller · Tel. +49 6441 29-2201 / -2630 · corporate.communications@leica-microsystems.com
Leica Microsystems GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17–37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com
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PRESS RELEASE / PRESSEINFORMATION
Caption: OCT image of human retina acquired with the Bioptigen Envisu C2300
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About Leica Microsystems
Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis
of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the
nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative
technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy,
confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample
preparation, and surgical microscopes.
Leica Microsystems has seven major plants and product development sites around the world. The
company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and
an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.
Learn more about Leica Microsystems: www.leica-microsystems.com
About Bioptigen
As a pioneer in the development and manufacture of leading edge Spectral Domain Optical Coherence
Tomography (SDOCT) equipment and software, Bioptigen is helping researchers explore the wonders of
ocular development and the mysteries of ocular disease. Deployed in top ophthalmic research and clinical
institutions worldwide, Bioptigen SDOCT systems are supported by over 40 awarded patents. Bioptigen
manufactures and sells SDOCT systems from the company’s Morrisville, North Carolina operations
center. Learn more about Bioptigen and its technologies: www.bioptigen.com.
Anja Schué / Claudia Müller · Tel. +49 6441 29-2201 / -2630 · corporate.communications@leica-microsystems.com
Leica Microsystems GmbH · Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17–37 · D-35578 Wetzlar · www.leica-microsystems.com
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