TOKYO, Japan, May 26, 2026
Olympus Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BioProtect Ltd., an Israel-based medical device company specializing in biodegradable spacer technologies designed to improve outcomes in prostate cancer radiation therapy. The acquisition, valued at $270 million, marks a significant expansion of Olympus’ oncology and urology portfolio as the global MedTech leader continues accelerating innovation-driven growth in minimally invasive healthcare technologies.
Olympus Expands Oncology and Urology Portfolio
The acquisition reflects Olympus’ broader strategy to strengthen its presence in cancer treatment technologies and address growing global demand for advanced prostate cancer care solutions. BioProtect’s flagship Balloon Spacer system is designed to create temporary spacing between the prostate and nearby healthy tissues during radiation therapy, helping reduce treatment-related damage to surrounding organs and improving patient quality of life.
The biodegradable implant naturally dissolves after therapy and has already been used in more than 11,000 clinical procedures worldwide since its commercial launch in 2023. Clinical studies cited by the companies suggest the technology may help preserve important gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual functions for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.
Olympus stated that the acquisition aligns closely with its strategic objective of expanding into adjacent therapeutic areas linked to its core endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery business. With prostate cancer now recognized as the second most diagnosed cancer among men globally, the company sees substantial long-term opportunity in the rapidly growing rectal spacer and oncology device market.
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BioProtect Technology Targets Better Radiation Outcomes
BioProtect, established in 2004 and headquartered in Israel, focuses on developing innovative biodegradable implant technologies that enhance safety during radiation therapy procedures. Its spacer platform has gained increasing attention within the oncology community because of its ability to improve radiation precision while reducing exposure to healthy tissues.
According to Olympus, integrating BioProtect’s technology into its global commercial infrastructure could significantly expand patient access to advanced prostate cancer treatment solutions. The company also emphasized that the acquisition strengthens its value proposition across the entire patient care pathway, including diagnosis, treatment, and post-procedure recovery.
Seiji Kuramoto, Executive Officer and Head of Olympus’ Surgical and Interventional Solutions Division, described BioProtect’s spacer platform as a highly differentiated solution with compelling clinical value and early commercial success. He noted that combining Olympus’ global reach with BioProtect’s innovative technology could help improve patient outcomes while supporting physicians in advancing prostate cancer treatment standards.
Growing Demand for Advanced Prostate Cancer Technologies
The acquisition comes at a time when global healthcare systems are increasingly investing in technologies that improve cancer treatment precision while minimizing side effects and complications. Industry analysts project strong long-term growth in the global rectal spacer market over the next decade, driven by rising prostate cancer incidence and increased adoption of image-guided radiation therapies.
BioProtect CEO Itay Barnea stated that joining Olympus represents a major milestone for the company and its physician partners, enabling broader commercialization of its biodegradable spacer platform through Olympus’ extensive healthcare network and operational scale.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of calendar year 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Olympus indicated that the acquisition further reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that improve patient safety, clinical outcomes, and overall quality of care in oncology and urology.
Source: Olympus Corporation press release
