Olympus to redefine BPH treatment landscape with iTind

Nitinol device left in place for 5–7 days, then removed—no residual material in the body

Shares evidence of improved IPSS and urinary flow rate...“Creates a channel without resection”

Pushes for wider domestic adoption by highlighting its clinic-level procedure capability and rapid recovery

Olympus Korea is moving to reshape the urology market with its benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment device, “iTind.” Leveraging the advantages of its non-resection, shape-memory alloy structure, the company is highlighting key features such as sexual function preservation and rapid recovery as it pushes to expand market penetration.

 

Olympus Korea held a press conference on the 31st to outline strategies to broaden adoption at domestic clinics and improve patient accessibility following the recognition of its new health technology.

 

(From the left) Naeun Min (UG Marketing Cell Leader), Jeongsoo Kim (SP Unit Leader), Junsoo Lee,(SP Marketing Sub-Unit Leader)

Olympus Korea strengthens urology portfolio Olympus Korea already possesses a diagnostic and therapeutic portfolio for various diseases, including cancer, through medical endoscopes, laparoscopes, and surgical equipment.

 

Its core areas are gastroenterology, respiratory, and urology, while also providing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions in otolaryngology, surgery, and other fields.

 

In April, Olympus Korea introduced the minimally invasive BPH treatment device ‘iTind’ to the domestic market.

 

iTind is a temporary implantable device made from Nitinol alloy.

 

When inserted into the prostatic urethra in a folded state, it gradually unfolds at the 5 o'clock, 7 o'clock, and 12 o'clock positions in response to body temperature, gently exerting pressure on the prostatic urethra and bladder neck.

 

This process induces localized ischemia and tissue remodeling, widening the urinary channel.

 

The device is removed after 5–7 days via a simple procedure, leaving no foreign material behind.

 

Junsoo Lee, SP Marketing Sub-Unit Leader at Olympus Korea, stated, “iTind is a non-incisional treatment that creates a channel without using energy, thus avoiding tissue damage.

 

It is a minimally invasive option that preserves sexual function while offering rapid recovery.” The first domestic procedure was performed at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital in April.

 

The company noted that the simple procedure enables use even at clinic-level facilities and plans gradual site expansion.

 

Jeongsoo Kim, SP Unit Leader at Olympus Korea, added, “Unlike resection surgery, it offers differentiated value by leaving no foreign objects in the body and enabling faster recovery.

 

It will become a new treatment strategy that reduces the burden on both patients and clinicians.” Clinical evidence-based efficacy and safety...strengths of new health technology iTind’s clinical data simultaneously demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety.

 

In a 48-month follow-up study of 81 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) decreased by 45.3%, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) increased by 114.7%.

 

A 12-month follow-up multicenter study (120 patients) confirmed a 54.9% reduction in IPSS and a 106.6% increase in Qmax, with no reports of sexual dysfunction or ejaculation disorders.

 

Naeun Min, UG Marketing Cell Leader at Olympus Korea, stated, “Long-term benefits have been confirmed overseas, and early domestic procedure cases show high patient satisfaction.

 

There is no residual material in the body and no tissue deformation, reducing the burden of repeat procedures.” In this regard, Olympus disclosed on-site feedback from clinicians, noting that patients reported improved urination and a rapid return to daily life after the procedure, indicating high initial satisfaction.

 

iTIND was officially designated as a new health technology by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in May last year and is currently used in 23 countries, including the US, Europe, and Korea.

 

It is also listed in the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), securing treatment evidence.

 

Confidence in market expansion...“Will enhance patient accessibility to spread treatment value” According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of BPH patients in Korea reached 1.61 million in 2024, a roughly 24% increase compared to five years ago (1.3 million in 2019).

 

Pic of iTind

Of these, 98% are managed with medication, driving rapid growth in demand for the minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) category, which bridges the gap between drugs and surgery.

 

Currently, iTind is a non-reimbursed procedure, leading to cost variations between hospitals.

 

This means that even with good technology, cost limitations can create access barriers.

 

Lee noted, “Although non-reimbursed, the cost is roughly half that of existing minimally invasive procedures, improving accessibility.

 

It’s a realistic option for patients delaying surgery or struggling with drug side effects.” In the long term, Olympus Korea is focusing on expanding adoption primarily in clinics and delivering patient-tailored treatment solutions.

 

Lee added, “We will continue education and awareness efforts to position iTind as a low-burden treatment option.

 

Expanding access and delivering the clinical value of iTind will be our key priorities.” Kim concluded, “Olympus Korea is expanding its medical device portfolio beyond cancer treatment to enhance patient quality of life.

 

Beginning with iTind, we will continue delivering innovative solutions in urology and minimally invasive care.”