Merit Medical Systems Inc, a leading manufacturer and marketer of proprietary disposable devices used primarily in cardiology, radiology and endoscopy, has signed a distribution deal with Piolax Medical Devices Inc of Yokohama, Japan for its Labyrinth Noah Micro Guide Wire. The deal covers all global markets, with the exception of Japan, and is subject to certain minimum order requirements.

"We believe this guide wire is a great product to complement Merit's Maestro and SwiftNINJA microcatheters," said Fred P Lampropoulos, Merit's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Subject to obtaining registration, we plan to sell this guide wire as a component of these catheters and as a stand-alone product as well."

"This micro guide wire is currently being sold in Japan and was recommended to Merit by a number of Japanese physicians who use the wire on a daily basis," Lampropoulos continued. "For some time now, we believe we have been at a disadvantage compared to companies that offer microcatheters with a wire included. This changes the game." Merit intends to begin registration procedures immediately with a goal of introduction in late 2016.