Medical Diagnostic Instruments & Systems

HORIBA’s Medical-Diagnostic Instruments and Systems segment generates steady profits from the sale of reagents used by the installed base of HORIBA medical-diagnostic and blood sample analysis instruments. Our products are used in blood testing, biochemical and other areas that are directly linked to assessing the health of people. Another characteristic of this segment is that currency risk has been diversified by having two bases for development and production, namely Japan and France.

In 2010, HORIBA’s medical segment profits increased in tandem with improved profitability thanks to growth in the installed base generated by the introduction of new products in the Japanese market in late 2008, and the weaker euro, which enhanced the competitiveness of HORIBA ABX S.A.S. (France) products. In 2011, we expect to continue expanding our installed base with new products in Japan and sales growth worldwide, particularly in China, India, Southeast Asia, and other emerging markets.

The U.S. is the world largest medical equipment market and HORIBA aims to increase its U.S. market share by utilizing its technologies for hematology analyzers. We will also consider M&A opportunities that will enable us to expand our business base. In mass-consumption areas with high near-term growth potential, such as China, India, Southeast Asia and Latin America. We plan to install localized production of reagents in order to reduce costs of distribution and inventory management, respond promptly to customer needs, and improve profitability. Moreover, we will roll out an automatic blood cell counter plus CRP technology, a strategic product in Japan, to China and other Asian markets, in order to expand our market share and improve profitability.

Over the years, based on its innovation, HORIBA has acquired a leading position worldwide in the small-sized hematology analyzers. In particular in Japan, HORIBA commands a market share for small-sized hematology analyzers that is approximately 50%. Point-of-care testing (POCT)(*), which is defined as immediate, accurate diagnostic testing at the site of patient care, will merit higher demand as it contributes not only to quick and proper medical diagnostics, but also to a reduction in medical expenses with fewer drugs being dispensed. HORIBA in Japan is steadily expanding its market share in small-sized hematology analyzers and blood glucose measurement instruments that are used in familiar medical environments such as private practitioner clinics or hospital testing rooms.
*Point-of-care testing (POCT) is defined as medical testing at or near the site where patients are located; in places such as surgery by a doctor or a physician, a hospital ward, or a clinic for outpatients.

Health and diagnostic testing, disease diagnosis

Medical testing centers, small- and medium-sized hospitals, medical practitioners

Equipment for blood sample analysis (hematology analyzers, equipment for measuring immunological responses, clinical chemistry analyzers, blood glucose measurement systems)

Products overview

Impact on earnings from changes in medical insurance systems in different countries