WSI Expands Strategic Partnership with Kimal, Designated as Asian Production Base

WSI announced on May 19 that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kimal, a UK-based cardiovascular specialist company. Under this agreement, WSI will manufacture peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) at its domestic production facilities and will actively pursue sales and joint development of new products in Asian markets, including Japan and China.

This partnership goes beyond simple product distribution, as both companies have agreed to jointly develop PICC products tailored for the Asian market, further strengthening their collaboration. In 2023, WSI signed an exclusive domestic distribution agreement for Kimal's PICC and central venous catheter (CVC) products, and has successfully supplied these products to more than 70 general hospitals in Korea.

Matthew Press, CEO of Kimal, expressed interest in the European market entry of U-BOT, a surgical robot developed by WSI's subsidiary, EasyMedibot. The two companies plan to collaborate on expanding into the European market in the future.

PICC is a medical device inserted through a vein in the arm into a deep vein, safely delivering medication, fluids, blood, and nutrients. It is essential for the treatment of patients with cancer, infections, and chronic diseases.

WSI and Kimal plan to expand joint product development and production in the Asian market, and aim to export to the entire Asian region, starting with Japan and China.

Lee Yoonseok, CEO of WSI, stated, "This agreement with Kimal of the UK will serve as a cornerstone for WSI to go beyond simple distribution and collaborate with global companies by leveraging Korea's manufacturing base." He added, "It will also be an opportunity to enter the emerging medical device CDMO sector and strengthen our global manufacturing capabilities."