GE Healthcare to purchase U-Systems

GE Healthcare has announced plans to acquire the US-based ultrasound product manufacturer U-Systems for an undisclosed fee.

The company produces ultrasound devices specifically for breast applications and is responsible for creating the Somo-V Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) system, which has demonstrated specific benefits for women with dense breast tissue.

U-Systems believes GE Healthcare's extensive commercial capabilities will aid its efforts to expand the commercial presence of the device, while GE Healthcare will benefit from a more comprehensive product portfolio.

The Somo-V ABUS system is approved for use in breast cancer screenings in Europe, the US and Canada.

Tom Gentile, president and chief executive officer of GE Healthcare Systems, said: "In addition to digital mammography and breast MR, GE can now offer breast screening ultrasound technology to our customers to help in early detection – which provides for more treatment options."

At the end of last month, GE Healthcare attended the American Society for Radiation Oncology's annual meeting, where it demonstrated a number of cancer innovations, such as the Q.Suite positron emission tomography system and MD Connect software platform.