07.20.22
Rank: #25 (Last year: N/A)
¥533.8 Billion ($4.38 Billion)
Prior Fiscal: ¥349 Billion
Percentage Change: +53%
R&D Expenditure: ¥150.5B (total)
Best FY21 Quarter: Q4 ¥154.2B
Latest Quarter: Q4 ¥154.2B
No. of Employees: 75,474 (total)
Global Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
KEY EXECUTIVES:
Kenji Sukeno, Chairman, Director, and Board Chairman FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
Teiichi Goto, President and CEO, Representative Director, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
Henry Izawa, President and CEO, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation
Jun Higuchi, Chairman, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation; President, FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation
Masataka Akiyama, GM and Chairman, FUJIFILM Medical Systems Business Division and FUJIFILM Sonosite
Rich Fabian, CEO, FUJIFILM Sonosite
FUJIFILM Corporation began its 2021 fiscal period with a big splash; it announced FUJIFILM Healthcare Corporation joined the Fujifilm Group. Essentially, the unit represents the addition of Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging-related business, which was officially transferred to FUJIFILM as of March 31, 2021.
The deal—first announced in December 2019—was valued at approximately ¥179 billion ($1.63 billion). The transaction brought Hitachi’s comprehensive suite of imaging solutions (primarily CT, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound systems) to FUJIFILM’s Medical Systems business, which is home to the organization’s medtech offerings.
According to FUJIFILM, the purchase would transition the company into a one-stop total imaging and diagnostics solutions provider with solutions that include CT, MRI diagnostics imaging, medical IT, in-vitro diagnostics, and endoscopy as primary offerings. Further, it enables synergies to be realized between Medical Systems and other healthcare-related segments, such as those providing pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine. In addition, combining the firm’s image processing capabilities utilized in picture archiving communication systems (PACS) with AI technologies, Fujifilm would be able to develop and provide new value-added solutions. Ultimately, the company would seek to deliver offerings such as “AI-supported diagnosis” and “AI-supported maintenance.”
Then in October 2021, it was announced the former Hitachi group (FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation) would merge with FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A. Inc. to become FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.
“We have built a new foundation leveraging the strengths of each organization to demonstrate the clinical value and relevance of our combined portfolio,” proclaimed Henry Izawa, president and CEO of FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. “Integrating two of Fujifilm’s key healthcare businesses enhances our ability to become an even more comprehensive healthcare partner for our customers.”
The combination strengthens a FUJIFILM business that was already excelling in its specific care areas. The Medical Systems unit is the largest (by far) in terms of revenue within the Healthcare segment. In its 2021 fiscal, the business as a whole rose 38.4% as compared to the previous period. In real-world financial terms, that equated to ¥801.7 billion in revenue. Medical Systems went from its FY20 total of ¥340 billion to ¥533.8 billion in FY21.
Elsewhere within the healthcare segment, BIO CDMO (biologics contract development and manufacturing organization) also saw a fantastic rise, going from ¥113.2 billion to ¥150.3 billion. The LS Solutions unit (Life Sciences), on the other hand, remained virtually even with the prior period. It showed minimal growth—¥117.2 billion in FY2020 to ¥117.6 billion in FY2021.
In addition to optimizing its Medical Systems business with the combination of two separate units, FUJIFILM also focused on future growth through organic means. That is, it progressed on a bevy of products during the 12-month timeframe, launching some and announcing positive regulatory review news for others.
The G-EYE 700 Series colonoscope was launched in April 2021. G-EYE is a technology developed by Smart Medical to assist with visualization, stabilization, and control during routine examinations. Through a strategic distribution partnership, Fujifilm is able to provide the company’s G-EYE endoscope line to European customers.
The organization also launched the Persona RF PREMIUM in the U.S, a radiography and fluoroscopy system designed for hospitals and medical centers of all sizes. It provides real-time imaging for skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems, as well as specific organs including the heart, lung, and kidneys.
June saw the launch of the company’s Systems Integration platform, designed specifically to enhance image and data integration in endoscopy suites. Through specially designed hardware and software configurations, this scalable solution enables the multi-video and image routing and display capabilities that GI physicians need while performing advanced procedures. The platform delivers a variety of differentiated benefits for endoscopy suites, including quad-channel recording, teleconferencing/broadcasting, interoperability and image recall, and educational and training capabilities.
The U.S. FDA granted 510(k) clearance of an image enhancement technology—the Oxygen Saturation Endoscopic Imaging System—developed to improve visualization during gastrointestinal, colorectal, and advanced endoscopy and surgical procedures. The solution enables real-time visualization of hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels in tissue using laparoscopic and/or endoscopic imaging, helping surgeons identify potentially ischemic tissue and better positioning them to prevent tissue necrosis. An upgrade to this technology—the ELUXEO 7000X System—was launched at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons conference in Las Vegas at the end of August.
Perhaps in response to the challenges of demonstrating technologies in-person during the pandemic, the organization launched the Fujifilm Virtual Hospital in the summer of 2021. The virtual hospital presents visitors with an interactive environment where they can view and learn about Fujifilm’s portfolio of healthcare solutions, and discover how the company’s diagnostic, treatment, and research technologies advance the entire continuum of patient care. Upon the initial opening of the Fujifilm Virtual Hospital, a helpful pop-up with instructions aids visitors in taking a self-guided tour of the “facility.” Visitors can also request a virtual or in-person demonstration to learn more about specific offerings.
The firm also launched what it stated was the first FDA-cleared dual-channel endoscope—the El-740D/S—for use in both upper and lower gastrointestinal applications. The device provides high imaging quality and features dual channel diameters of 3.7 mm and 3.2 mm, enabling use of a range of endotherapy devices.
In mid-November, the industry saw the debut of the Persona CS mobile fluoroscopy system, the company’s compact mobile C-arm imaging solution designed for rapid and seamless positioning in operating room environments. The system was designed to provide enhanced live image guidance during a wide range of surgeries, including orthopedic, complicated surgical, pain management (anesthetics), and emergency procedures.
During the 2021 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago, the Velocity MRI System was launched. The unit was designed to streamline workflow and enhance the patient experience with its unique open gantry, integrated radiofrequency coils, and reconstruction technologies. According to FUJIFILM, the anatomy-conformable Synergy Flex coil is the first of its kind for an open, vertical field MRI scanner, promoting fast abdominal and orthopedic imaging.
A couple weeks before the start of the new year, a technology was launched to improve the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique. Inserted through the instrument channel of an endoscope, TRACMOTION’s 360° rotatable jaws enable easy grasping and re-grasping of large lesions, which enhances a clinician’s visualization, simplifies the lesion extraction process, and offers the potential to reduce ESD procedure times.
FUJIFILM Sonosite is a provider of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) solutions and in February 2022, launched the Sonosite LX system. This technology offers the company’s largest clinical image and a monitor that extends, rotates, and tilts to enable enhanced, real-time provider collaboration. The clinical display features touchscreen controls to enable an optimized heads-up workflow, allowing clinicians to keep their eyes on the image while making adjustments. In addition, designed to be used with the Sonosite LX and Sonosite PX, the company also launched a T8-3 transesophageal transducer and Cardiac Resuscitation exam type to assist clinicians in using transesophageal ultrasound at the point of care.
Beyond its activity with product development, FUJIFILM also teamed with an assortment of partners to collaborate on several projects.
In one such instance, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A. joined forces with Helio Health in an effort to advance blood-based screening methods for early-stage liver cancer. Helio Health is an AI-driven healthcare company developing early cancer detection tests. Through the relationship, Helio Health’s DNA methylation and biomarker-based blood test technology, recognized as the HelioLiver Test, would leverage Fujifilm’s 510(k)-cleared µTASWako i30 Immunological test system for liver cancer biomarkers.
In a different effort, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A. and ScreenPoint Medical paired up to offer providers with an AI solution designed for early breast cancer detection. Through this arrangement, FUJIFILM’s ASPIRE Cristalle mammography system with digital breast tomosynthesis would also offer ScreenPoint’s FDA-cleared Transpara powered by Fusion AI for 2D and 3D mammography in the U.S. ScreenPoint’s AI solution, coupled with the ASPIRE Cristalle mammography system, displays breast screening findings at a doctor’s reading workstation or PACS system.
In still another combination, FUJIFILM VisualSonics and PIUR IMAGING, a European provider of tomographic ultrasound imaging, partnered to bring UHF, 3D ultrasound imaging technology to clinicians and researchers. The technological advancement would support clinical research in the evaluation of anomalies in several applications, including dermatology, neurology, vascular, and MSK.
¥533.8 Billion ($4.38 Billion)
Prior Fiscal: ¥349 Billion
Percentage Change: +53%
R&D Expenditure: ¥150.5B (total)
Best FY21 Quarter: Q4 ¥154.2B
Latest Quarter: Q4 ¥154.2B
No. of Employees: 75,474 (total)
Global Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
KEY EXECUTIVES:
Kenji Sukeno, Chairman, Director, and Board Chairman FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
Teiichi Goto, President and CEO, Representative Director, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
Henry Izawa, President and CEO, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation
Jun Higuchi, Chairman, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation; President, FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation
Masataka Akiyama, GM and Chairman, FUJIFILM Medical Systems Business Division and FUJIFILM Sonosite
Rich Fabian, CEO, FUJIFILM Sonosite
FUJIFILM Corporation began its 2021 fiscal period with a big splash; it announced FUJIFILM Healthcare Corporation joined the Fujifilm Group. Essentially, the unit represents the addition of Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging-related business, which was officially transferred to FUJIFILM as of March 31, 2021.
The deal—first announced in December 2019—was valued at approximately ¥179 billion ($1.63 billion). The transaction brought Hitachi’s comprehensive suite of imaging solutions (primarily CT, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound systems) to FUJIFILM’s Medical Systems business, which is home to the organization’s medtech offerings.
According to FUJIFILM, the purchase would transition the company into a one-stop total imaging and diagnostics solutions provider with solutions that include CT, MRI diagnostics imaging, medical IT, in-vitro diagnostics, and endoscopy as primary offerings. Further, it enables synergies to be realized between Medical Systems and other healthcare-related segments, such as those providing pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine. In addition, combining the firm’s image processing capabilities utilized in picture archiving communication systems (PACS) with AI technologies, Fujifilm would be able to develop and provide new value-added solutions. Ultimately, the company would seek to deliver offerings such as “AI-supported diagnosis” and “AI-supported maintenance.”
Then in October 2021, it was announced the former Hitachi group (FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation) would merge with FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A. Inc. to become FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.
“We have built a new foundation leveraging the strengths of each organization to demonstrate the clinical value and relevance of our combined portfolio,” proclaimed Henry Izawa, president and CEO of FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. “Integrating two of Fujifilm’s key healthcare businesses enhances our ability to become an even more comprehensive healthcare partner for our customers.”
The combination strengthens a FUJIFILM business that was already excelling in its specific care areas. The Medical Systems unit is the largest (by far) in terms of revenue within the Healthcare segment. In its 2021 fiscal, the business as a whole rose 38.4% as compared to the previous period. In real-world financial terms, that equated to ¥801.7 billion in revenue. Medical Systems went from its FY20 total of ¥340 billion to ¥533.8 billion in FY21.
Elsewhere within the healthcare segment, BIO CDMO (biologics contract development and manufacturing organization) also saw a fantastic rise, going from ¥113.2 billion to ¥150.3 billion. The LS Solutions unit (Life Sciences), on the other hand, remained virtually even with the prior period. It showed minimal growth—¥117.2 billion in FY2020 to ¥117.6 billion in FY2021.
In addition to optimizing its Medical Systems business with the combination of two separate units, FUJIFILM also focused on future growth through organic means. That is, it progressed on a bevy of products during the 12-month timeframe, launching some and announcing positive regulatory review news for others.
The G-EYE 700 Series colonoscope was launched in April 2021. G-EYE is a technology developed by Smart Medical to assist with visualization, stabilization, and control during routine examinations. Through a strategic distribution partnership, Fujifilm is able to provide the company’s G-EYE endoscope line to European customers.
The organization also launched the Persona RF PREMIUM in the U.S, a radiography and fluoroscopy system designed for hospitals and medical centers of all sizes. It provides real-time imaging for skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems, as well as specific organs including the heart, lung, and kidneys.
June saw the launch of the company’s Systems Integration platform, designed specifically to enhance image and data integration in endoscopy suites. Through specially designed hardware and software configurations, this scalable solution enables the multi-video and image routing and display capabilities that GI physicians need while performing advanced procedures. The platform delivers a variety of differentiated benefits for endoscopy suites, including quad-channel recording, teleconferencing/broadcasting, interoperability and image recall, and educational and training capabilities.
The U.S. FDA granted 510(k) clearance of an image enhancement technology—the Oxygen Saturation Endoscopic Imaging System—developed to improve visualization during gastrointestinal, colorectal, and advanced endoscopy and surgical procedures. The solution enables real-time visualization of hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels in tissue using laparoscopic and/or endoscopic imaging, helping surgeons identify potentially ischemic tissue and better positioning them to prevent tissue necrosis. An upgrade to this technology—the ELUXEO 7000X System—was launched at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons conference in Las Vegas at the end of August.
Perhaps in response to the challenges of demonstrating technologies in-person during the pandemic, the organization launched the Fujifilm Virtual Hospital in the summer of 2021. The virtual hospital presents visitors with an interactive environment where they can view and learn about Fujifilm’s portfolio of healthcare solutions, and discover how the company’s diagnostic, treatment, and research technologies advance the entire continuum of patient care. Upon the initial opening of the Fujifilm Virtual Hospital, a helpful pop-up with instructions aids visitors in taking a self-guided tour of the “facility.” Visitors can also request a virtual or in-person demonstration to learn more about specific offerings.
The firm also launched what it stated was the first FDA-cleared dual-channel endoscope—the El-740D/S—for use in both upper and lower gastrointestinal applications. The device provides high imaging quality and features dual channel diameters of 3.7 mm and 3.2 mm, enabling use of a range of endotherapy devices.
In mid-November, the industry saw the debut of the Persona CS mobile fluoroscopy system, the company’s compact mobile C-arm imaging solution designed for rapid and seamless positioning in operating room environments. The system was designed to provide enhanced live image guidance during a wide range of surgeries, including orthopedic, complicated surgical, pain management (anesthetics), and emergency procedures.
During the 2021 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago, the Velocity MRI System was launched. The unit was designed to streamline workflow and enhance the patient experience with its unique open gantry, integrated radiofrequency coils, and reconstruction technologies. According to FUJIFILM, the anatomy-conformable Synergy Flex coil is the first of its kind for an open, vertical field MRI scanner, promoting fast abdominal and orthopedic imaging.
A couple weeks before the start of the new year, a technology was launched to improve the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique. Inserted through the instrument channel of an endoscope, TRACMOTION’s 360° rotatable jaws enable easy grasping and re-grasping of large lesions, which enhances a clinician’s visualization, simplifies the lesion extraction process, and offers the potential to reduce ESD procedure times.
FUJIFILM Sonosite is a provider of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) solutions and in February 2022, launched the Sonosite LX system. This technology offers the company’s largest clinical image and a monitor that extends, rotates, and tilts to enable enhanced, real-time provider collaboration. The clinical display features touchscreen controls to enable an optimized heads-up workflow, allowing clinicians to keep their eyes on the image while making adjustments. In addition, designed to be used with the Sonosite LX and Sonosite PX, the company also launched a T8-3 transesophageal transducer and Cardiac Resuscitation exam type to assist clinicians in using transesophageal ultrasound at the point of care.
Beyond its activity with product development, FUJIFILM also teamed with an assortment of partners to collaborate on several projects.
In one such instance, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A. joined forces with Helio Health in an effort to advance blood-based screening methods for early-stage liver cancer. Helio Health is an AI-driven healthcare company developing early cancer detection tests. Through the relationship, Helio Health’s DNA methylation and biomarker-based blood test technology, recognized as the HelioLiver Test, would leverage Fujifilm’s 510(k)-cleared µTASWako i30 Immunological test system for liver cancer biomarkers.
In a different effort, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A. and ScreenPoint Medical paired up to offer providers with an AI solution designed for early breast cancer detection. Through this arrangement, FUJIFILM’s ASPIRE Cristalle mammography system with digital breast tomosynthesis would also offer ScreenPoint’s FDA-cleared Transpara powered by Fusion AI for 2D and 3D mammography in the U.S. ScreenPoint’s AI solution, coupled with the ASPIRE Cristalle mammography system, displays breast screening findings at a doctor’s reading workstation or PACS system.
In still another combination, FUJIFILM VisualSonics and PIUR IMAGING, a European provider of tomographic ultrasound imaging, partnered to bring UHF, 3D ultrasound imaging technology to clinicians and researchers. The technological advancement would support clinical research in the evaluation of anomalies in several applications, including dermatology, neurology, vascular, and MSK.