GE Acquires Breast Ultrasound Developer U-Systems

GE Healthcare announced last week the acquisition of U-Systems Inc., developer of a breakthrough ultrasound system approved for breast cancer screening.

U-Systems’ somo•v® Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) was approved by the FDA in September as an adjunct to mammography for asymptomatic women with dense breasts and no prior breast interventions. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.

“The combination of U-Systems, Inc. and GE Healthcare uniquely positions GE to offer U.S. healthcare providers and their patients the most comprehensive portfolio of breast care innovations on the market - from screening to diagnosis to monitoring,” Tom Gentile, president and CEO of GE Healthcare Systems, said in a statement.

Studies have shown that women with dense breast tissue are at a greater risk of breast cancer compared with those with little or no dense tissue.

"The worldwide resources of GE Healthcare will allow us to expand and accelerate our efforts to commercialize the recently FDA-Approved somo•v® ABUS,” Ron Ho, U-Systems president and CEO, said in a statement. “With our combined resources and capabilities, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact on breast cancer detection and patient outcomes around the world.”