Hologic: The company that places special emphasis on the healthcare needs of women
In 1985, two colleagues from American Science and Engineering, Jay Stein and David Ellenbogen, founded Hologic to commercialize a bone scanning system that employed X-ray technology. It would become the world’s first X-ray bone densitometer for evaluating osteoporosis. Over the years, Hologic has acquired complementary companies that have enabled it to become a global player in women’s health and the undisputed market leader in mammography.
International Hospital talked to Pete Valenti, Division President, Breast and Skeletal Health Solutions at Hologic to learn more about the latest developments and strategy of this innovation-driven company.
1. Hologic is most generally associated with mammography and breast disease diagnosis. However, that’s not the whole story. How would you define the current positioning of the company?
Hologic was the first company to bring digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to market, forging the path for how mammography exams are approached today, so it comes as no surprise that the company is most generally associated with breast cancer screening. However, as you suggest, screening is only one part of Hologic’s full story.
A global leader in women’s health, Hologic is primarily focused on improving women’s health and well-being through early detection and treatment across four divisions: Breast & Skeletal Health, Diagnostics, Gynecological Surgical Solutions and Cynosure, our medical aesthetics division. Each division is built on a foundation of the exceptional, clinically proven ability of our products to detect, diagnose and treat illnesses and other health conditions earlier and better, while also keeping in mind clinicians’ needs such as workflow efficiency.
2. Recently, Hologic has expanded its breast health product line significantly, could you briefly describe some of these innovative product launches?
We have spent the past several years thoughtfully expanding our breast health portfolio through a commitment to insight-driven innovation and strategic acquisitions that align with our mission. Now we can make a positive impact on breast health at each step of a woman’s journey – from screening to pathology.
The Trident® HD specimen radiography system and the LOCalizer™ wire-free guidance system are two products that launched in 2019 under our new breast surgery franchise.
The Trident HD system is a next-generation solution that delivers enhanced image quality, improved workflow and instant sample verification during breast-conserving surgeries and stereotactic breast biopsies, while the LOCalizer system is designed to enable precision and ease of use for breast surgery guidance. The system’s LOCalizer tag is designed to replace traditional wire-guided methods, helping provide increased comfort and convenience for patients and their healthcare teams.
Both products have received CE Mark in Europe and reflect Hologic’s aim to benefit both patients and clinicians by arming them with accurate, efficient technology.
3. This expanded product portfolio is enabling the company to be active in breast conserving surgery as well as pathology. Do you see these segments as a major growth opportunity?
I absolutely see breast conserving surgery and pathology as growth opportunities for Hologic; and, as touched upon earlier, I believe our expansion into these parts of the breast care continuum is also about making as much of a positive impact as possible for patients and clinicians throughout the entire pathway of care.
4. There have also been some strategic acquisitions lately, for example with the LOCalizer. Is this a scenario that might be repeated in the near future?
At Hologic, we are in a fortunate position where we are able to both innovate healthcare solutions from within and make strategic acquisitions from external sources. As opportunities arise, we are always willing to examine how we can continue to impact patients and clinicians in a positive way through new and consistently high-quality technology.
5. What do you see as the next step for Hologic?
Hologic will continue to work to bring to market crucial healthcare solutions that address both patients’ and clinicians’ needs by taking into consideration all factors, from accuracy and workflow efficiency, to the patient experience and beyond. It is approaching innovation with this holistic view that sets Hologic apart as an industry leader, and by bringing this mindset into new areas of the healthcare continuum like breast conservation surgery, I believe Hologic will make an even greater positive impact on the lives of women across the globe.
I think we’ll also see great evolution in our technology and approaches to risk stratification as we continue to explore how to best leverage the benefits of artificial intelligence to support clinicians and the important work they are doing.
