Longport signs $5 million R&D deal

Ultrasound developer Longport of Swarthmore, PA, last month signed an agreement with Healthlink International of Westerville, OH, in which Healthlink will invest $5 million to support Longport’s R&D efforts. The funds will be used to expand the company’s list of applications for its Longport Digital Scanner (LDS), a portable ultrasound scanner that captures and reproduces images of soft tissue down to 2 cm (SCAN 1/13/99). Healthlink has also purchased an equity interest in Longport, according to the company.

Longport applied for 510(k) clearance for LDS in January, and hopes to receive clearance this month. The company’s application to the Food and Drug Administration covers the use of LDS for dermatological indications, but Longport plans to research other indications, including podiatric, physical therapy, dental, burn treatment, and such oncologic applications as breast and cervical cancer.