Asahi Intecc to Start Direct Sales of PTCA Guidewires in the United States

April 17, 2018—Asahi Intecc Group announced the commencement of direct sales of its main product line of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) guidewires. Asahi Intecc USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Asahi Intecc Group, will undertake direct sales of PTCA guidewires in the United States beginning July 1, 2018. Asahi Intecc USA is currently reinforcing direct sales organization.

Asahi Intecc Group’s flagship product line of PTCA guidewires have been sold by Abbott in the United States. The distribution contract with Abbott will end on June 30, 2018.

Based on the agreement between Asahi Intecc Group and Abbott, Abbott will still be able to sell the Asahi Intecc products for 6 months from July to December 2018, temporarily overlapping with Asahi Intecc's sales. During this period, Asahi may continue to supply some products to Abbott. However, Abbott will not return any inventory to the Asahi Intecc Group at the end of this period.