Our Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

PENTAX Medical Company History

PENTAX Medical is a division of HOYA Group delivering endo-imaging solutions. Established in 1919 in Japan, PENTAX Medical is a globally diversified company with R&D innovation and manufacturing centers in Japan, Europe and the United States.

PENTAX Medical Parent Company HOYA

HOYA is a global med‑tech company based in Tokyo, Japan, and the leading supplier of innovative and indispensable high‑tech products and advanced optical technologies. HOYA employs approximately 34,000 people in over 30 countries.

Company Milestones

Our Company History

The history of PENTAX Medical is a testament to innovation and global influence in medical technology. As we explore the timeline of PENTAX Medical, we celebrate the excellence that has led to significant advancements in medical technology.

It is a story of how vision and dedication of improvement have redefined the standards of medical diagnostics and interventions. Through this timeline, we honor the past and look forward to the future contributions that PENTAX Medical will undoubtedly make to the medical field.

Through leading-edge optical technologies, PENTAX Medical is providing the most advanced clinically relevant endo-imaging solutions. Together with comprehensive customer service offerings, PENTAX Medical is collaborating with customers worldwide to create long‑term partnerships and customer satisfaction.

1919
Establishment

Founded ASAHI Optical Joint‑Stock Company *antecedent of ASAHI Optical Co., LTD

1938
Establishment

Incorporated ASAHI Optical Co., LTD *antecedent of PENTAX Co., LTD

1970
Listing

Listed on the second section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange

1971
Listing

Listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange

1977
Establishment

Established PENTAX GmbH in Germany *antecedent of PENTAX Europe GmbH

1977
Innovation

Entered Endoscopy Market with FB-17A―PENTAX Medical’s First Broncho Fiberscope

1979
Establishment

Established PENTAX Precision Instrument Corporation in USA *antecedent of PENTAX Medical Company

1979
PENTAX Medical’s First

FG-28A―PENTAX Medical’s First Upper GI Fiberscope

1981
Establishment

Established PENTAX France S.A. *antecedent of PENTAX France S.A.S.

1984
PENTAX Medical’s First

FB-15H―PENTAX Medical’s First Broncho Fiberscope (Waterproof)

1987
PENTAX Medical’s First

EPM‑3000 and 00 series scopes―PENTAX Medical’s First Monochrome Video Processor and Video Scopes

1988
World’s First

EB‑1900 ― World’s First Video Bronchoscope

1990
World’s First

FG-32UA―World’s First Ultrasound Upper GI Fiberscope (Electronic Convex type)

1993
World’s First

VNL-1530―World’s First Video Naso-Pharyngo-Laryngoscope

1995
Establishment

Established direct operations in Canada

1997
PENTAX Medical’s First

EPK‑700 and 30K series scopes―PENTAX Medical’s First Color Video Processor and Video Scopes

2001
World’s First

EG-3630UR―World’s First Ultrasound Upper GI Videoscope (Electronic radial array type)

2004
Renaming

PENTAX Precision Instrument Corp merged into PENTAX USA Inc. and renamed PENTAX of America, Inc.

2004
Operating Division

PENTAX Medical Company became an unincorporated operating division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

2005
Acquisition

PENTAX of America Inc. acquired the operating assets of Kay Elemetrics Corp.

2005
World’s First

SAFE‑3000 and EB-1970AK―World’s First Autofluorescence Video Processor and Video Bronchoscope

2006
Establishment

Established PENTAX Netherland B.V.

2006
World’s First

ISC‑1000 and Confocal GI Endomicroscopes―World’s First Confocal Endomicroscope Imaging System

2007
Acquisition

PENTAX Europe GmbH acquired PENTAX Italia S.r.l

2007
World’s First

EPK‑i and 90i series scopes―World’s First Mega‑pixel Video Processor and Video Scopes

2008
Establishment

Established PENTAX MEDICAL Singapore PTE. LTD

2008
Acquisition

HOYA Corporation acquired PENTAX Co., LTD

2008
World’s First

EB-1970UK―World’s First Ultrasound Video Bronchoscope

2010
Establishment

Established PENTAX France LifeCare S.A.S.

2010
World’s First

VNL-1590STi―World’s First HD Video Naso-Pharyngo-Laryngoscope

2011
Establishment

Established Pentax Medical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

2011
World’s First

EB-1990i―World’s First Mega‑pixel Video Bronchoscope

2012
Establishment

Established PENTAX Medical Bulgaria EOOD (Service Center in Bulgaria)

2012
Establishment

Established PENTAX Medical India Private.Limited.

2012
Acquisition

HOYA Corporation acquired Digital Endoscopy GmbH

2012
World’s First

EPK-i7000―World’s First Video Processor with HD Video Recording Function

2013
Joint Venture

HOYA Group set up a joint venture with Wassenburg Medical Devices in the field of endoscopy

2013
PENTAX Medical’s First

i‑scan Optical Enhancement (OE)―PENTAX Medical’s First New Technology of Combining Bandwidth-Limiting Light with Digital Image Processing

2015
Investment

PENTAX Medical has entered into an agreement to invest in Creo Medical Ltd.

2017
Acquisition

PENTAX Medical has acquired C2 Therapeutics

Pioneering Medical Advancements since 1919

PENTAX Medical, a division of HOYA Group, has a rich legacy that dates back to 1919, when our parent company began its journey in the optics industry. Originally known for its high-quality cameras and binoculars, the PENTAX brand quickly became synonymous with precision and innovation. In the 1970s, we expanded our expertise into the medical field, bringing our commitment to excellence to healthcare professionals worldwide.

A Heritage of Precision and Innovation

In 1977, PENTAX introduced its first fiberoptic endoscope, marking a significant milestone in medical technology. This breakthrough laid the foundation for our continuous commitment to enhancing the quality of patient care and improving clinical outcomes through cutting-edge endoscopic solutions. Our early innovations set new standards in imaging and diagnostics, establishing PENTAX Medical as a trusted name in the medical community.

Joining Forces with HOYA Group

The year 2008 was another pivotal moment in our history when PENTAX Medical became a part of the HOYA Group. This strategic partnership combined PENTAX’s expertise in optical technologies with HOYA’s advanced materials and life care solutions. Together, we have continued to drive innovation, delivering state-of-the-art endoscopic products that meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.

Commitment to Quality and Patient Care

At PENTAX Medical, our focus has always been on improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of healthcare. Our comprehensive portfolio includes a wide range of endoscopic equipment, from gastroscopes and colonoscopes to advanced imaging systems and therapeutic devices. Each product is meticulously designed to provide superior image quality, ease of use, and reliability.

Global Reach, Local Support

With a presence in over 120 countries, PENTAX Medical is committed to supporting healthcare professionals worldwide. We provide tailored solutions and services to meet the unique needs of each market, ensuring that clinicians have the tools they need to deliver the best possible care. Our dedicated global network of sales, service, and support teams work tirelessly to ensure customer satisfaction and success.

Innovating for the Future

As we look to the future, PENTAX Medical remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical technology. We continue to invest in research and development, collaborating with leading healthcare professionals and institutions to pioneer new solutions. Our goal is to empower clinicians with the most advanced tools available, helping them to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases more effectively.

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