Hologic Inc announced completion of an agreement between its Lorad division and Ethicon Endo-Surgery for non-exclusive distribution rights in the United States to Ethicon's minimally invasive breast biopsy device, the Mammotome ST. Under the terms of the agreement, Hologic may offer the Mammotome ST for purchase with Lorad's MultiCare and StereoLoc II stereotactic breast biopsy systems. Lorad is a leading provider of state-of-the-art mammography and breast biopsy systems.

According to Jack W. Cumming, CEO and President of Hologic, "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Ethicon Endo-Surgery. The Mammotome ST is fully compatible with Lorad's breast biopsy systems, the MultiCare and StereoLoc II, which use advanced digital imaging to pinpoint the precise location of areas for biopsy, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure. We believe the capability to offer highly accurate breast biopsies with both our upright and prone stereotactic breast biopsy systems can be significantly enhanced through the use of this device."

The Mammotome ST is a reliable diagnostic alternative to open surgical biopsy and can obtain multiple tissue samples through a single, small incision in the skin, under local anesthesia. Open surgical biopsy removes a larger section of tissue through a 1 - 3 inch incision, often under general anesthesia.

Commenting on the agreement, Pete Kershaw, Vice President & General Manager of Lorad said, "In fulfilling Lorad's commitment to the improvement of women's health, we continuously seek adjunctive technologies to enhance our existing product offerings. Use of the Mammotome ST with our breast biopsy systems provides practitioners a safe, innovative alternative to open surgical biopsy. We believe the agreement with Ethicon Endo-Surgery will be mutually beneficial and we are pleased to have the opportunity to offer our customers this complementary technology."