Korean distributor agreement with DK Healthcare in South Korea
MWN-AI** Summary
Polarean Imaging plc, a pioneer in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for lung health, has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with DK Healthcare Co., Ltd. in South Korea. This partnership enhances Polarean’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market, marking its second international collaboration aimed at expanding its innovative Xenon MRI platform. The agreement leverages DK Healthcare's extensive experience in diagnostic radiology, as the company has established itself as a reputable distributor since its founding in 1986.
Under the terms of the agreement, Polarean will work closely with DK Healthcare to secure the necessary regulatory approvals to launch the Xenon MRI platform in South Korea. DK Healthcare's established relationships with leading hospitals and imaging centers in the region are expected to facilitate the introduction of Polarean's technology, which provides clinicians with unprecedented insights into lung function by visualizing ventilation and gas exchange in a manner that traditional imaging cannot.
Christopher von Jako, CEO of Polarean, expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with DK Healthcare, highlighting South Korea’s commitment to early detection and precision medicine as key factors in this partnership. Joonhyuk Lee, CEO of DK Healthcare, echoed this sentiment, noting the potential of the Xenon MRI technology to significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from various respiratory conditions, including lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Polarean’s flagship product, XENOVIEW™, is the first hyperpolarized Xenon MRI inhaled contrast agent, already FDA-approved in the US. The collaboration with DK Healthcare stands to enhance the capability for advanced respiratory imaging solutions in South Korea, ultimately aiming to meet the medical needs of millions with chronic respiratory ailments.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Polarean Imaging plc's exclusive distribution agreement with DK Healthcare in South Korea marks a significant step in expanding its international footprint, particularly in the dynamic Asia-Pacific medical imaging market. This partnership not only leverages DK Healthcare’s longstanding reputation but also aligns with South Korea's innovative healthcare ecosystem, which prioritizes advanced technologies and early detection in medicine.
Investors should view this development as a positive signal for Polarean’s growth strategy. The collaboration is poised to expedite regulatory approvals and facilitate the introduction of the Xenon MRI platform, potentially tapping into South Korea's sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and increasing demand for non-invasive imaging solutions. As South Korea is recognized for its emphasis on precision medicine, the Xenon MRI platform is well-suited to address the nation's needs, particularly in respiratory care and lung disease diagnostics.
The strategic decision to partner with a local distributor ensures that Polarean can navigate the complexities of the South Korean regulatory landscape more efficiently, reducing barriers to market entry. DK Healthcare’s robust relationships with medical institutions may enhance product adoption rates, ultimately driving revenue growth. The emphasis on early detection and improved patient outcomes aligns well with Polarean’s mission, which could contribute to sustaining its market competitiveness.
From a market perspective, this agreement could attract investors looking for companies with innovative healthcare solutions in emerging markets. With the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases globally, Polarean’s focus on expanding access to its state-of-the-art imaging technologies positions it favorably against competitors.
In summary, Polarean’s partnership with DK Healthcare represents a strategic alignment that not only bolsters its international expansion efforts but also enhances its value proposition in an advanced medical imaging landscape. Investors may want to closely monitor further developments from this partnership as it could lead to substantial growth opportunities moving forward.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
DURHAM, NC and LONDON, Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX) (“Polarean” or the “Company”), a commercial-stage medical imaging technology leader in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") of the lungs, announces it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with DK Healthcare Co., Ltd. (“DK Healthcare”) for the distribution of Polarean’s Xenon MRI platform in South Korea.
This agreement represents Polarean’s second international distribution partnership, strengthening the Company’s commercial presence across the Asia-Pacific region. Through this partnership, Polarean is strategically positioning its innovative Xenon MRI platform for entry into one of the world’s most advanced medical imaging markets. The Company will collaborate with DK Healthcare to obtain the necessary regulatory clearances ahead of commercial launch in South Korea.
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Seoul, DK is a leading provider of diagnostic radiology systems and imaging technologies in Korea. And DK Healthcare is one of the affiliates of DK. Through long-standing partnerships with global medical device manufacturers, DK Healthcare has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge imaging solutions, along with comprehensive technical, clinical, and maintenance support.
Christopher von Jako, Ph.D., CEO of Polarean, said: “We are delighted to partner with DK Healthcare, one of South Korea’s most respected medical imaging distributors, to expand access to our Xenon MRI platform. South Korea’s strong emphasis on early detection and precision medicine makes it an ideal growth market, and this agreement accelerates our dual-track strategy to grow internationally through high-quality regional partners while our U.S. team continues to drive adoption domestically.”
Joonhyuk Lee, CEO of DK Healthcare, said: “We are excited to introduce Polarean’s Xenon MRI technology to Korea’s leading hospitals and imaging centers. This platform offers clinicians a new dimension in lung function assessment by enabling visualisation of ventilation and gas-exchange that was previously impossible with conventional imaging. We believe Xenon MRI will play a vital role in transforming respiratory care in South Korea through enhancing early detection and outcomes for patients with lung cancer, COPD and beyond.”
About Polarean
Polarean is a revenue-generating medical imaging technology company revolutionizing pulmonary medicine through direct visualization of lung function by introducing the power and safety of MRI to the respiratory healthcare community. This community is in desperate need of modern solutions to accurately assess lung function. The Company strives to optimize lung health and prevent avoidable loss by illuminating hidden disease, addressing the global unmet medical needs of more than 500 million patients worldwide suffering from chronic respiratory disease. Polarean is a leader in the field of hyperpolarization science and has successfully developed the first and only hyperpolarized Xenon MRI inhaled contrast agent, XENOVIEW™, which is now FDA-approved in the United States. Polarean is dedicated to researching, developing, and commercializing innovative imaging solutions with its non-invasive and radiation-free pulmonary functional MRI platform. This comprehensive drug-device platform encompasses the proprietary Xenon gas blend, gas hyperpolarization system, as well as software and accessories, facilitating fully integrated modern respiratory imaging operations. Founded in 2012, with offices in Durham, NC, and London, United Kingdom, Polarean is committed to increasing global awareness of and broad access to its XENOVIEW MRI technology platform. For the latest news and information about Polarean, please visit www.polarean.com .
XENOVIEW IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication
XENOVIEW™, prepared from the Xenon Xe 129 Gas Blend, is a hyperpolarized contrast agent indicated for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older.
Limitations of Use
XENOVIEW has not been evaluated for use with lung perfusion imaging.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None.
Warnings and Precautions
Risk of Decreased Image Quality from Supplemental Oxygen: Supplemental oxygen administered simultaneously with XENOVIEW inhalation can cause degradation of image quality. For patients on supplemental oxygen, withhold oxygen inhalation for two breaths prior to XENOVIEW inhalation, and resume oxygen inhalation immediately following the imaging breath hold.
Risk of Transient Hypoxia: Inhalation of an anoxic gas such as XENOVIEW may cause transient hypoxemia in susceptible patients. Monitor all patients for oxygen desaturation and symptoms of hypoxemia and treat as clinically indicated.
Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients: The adverse reactions (> one patient) in efficacy trials were oropharyngeal pain, headache, and dizziness. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: In published literature in pediatric patients aged 6 to 18, transient adverse reactions were reported: blood oxygen desaturation, heart rate elevation, numbness, tingling, dizziness, and euphoria. In at least one published study of pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years, transient decrease in SpO2% and transient increase in heart rate was reported following hyperpolarized xenon Xe 129 administration.
Please see full prescribing information at www.xenoview.net .
Contact Information:
Polarean:
Chuck Osborne
Chief Financial Officer
+1 (919) 206-7900, ext. 117
cosborne@polarean.com
Polarean Investors:
Anna Dunphy / Phillip Marriage
+44 (0)20 7933 8780
polarean@wallbrookpr.com
Polarean Media Contact:
Alexis Opp
+1 (919) 206-7900, ext. 145
aopp@polarean.com
General inquiries: info@polarean.com
Follow Polarean on LinkedIn here
Attachment
Polarean:Chuck OsborneChief Financial Officer+1 (919) 206-7900, ext. 117cosborne@polarean.comPolarean Investors:Anna Dunphy / Phillip Marriage+44 (0)20 7933 8780polarean@wallbrookpr.comPolarean Media Contact:Alexis Opp+1 (919) 206-7900, ext. 145aopp@polarean.comGeneral inquiries: info@polarean.com
FAQ**
How is Polarean Imaging PLC PLLWF's collaboration with DK Healthcare expected to impact the medical imaging landscape in South Korea, particularly for lung disease diagnosis?
What specific advantages does Polarean Imaging PLC PLLWF's Xenon MRI technology provide over conventional imaging methods in the assessment of lung function?
How does the entry of Polarean Imaging PLC PLLWF into the Asia-Pacific market align with its broader international expansion strategy, particularly after securing partnerships like the one with DK Healthcare?
Given the innovative nature of Polarean Imaging PLC PLLWF's technology, what regulatory challenges might the company face in obtaining necessary clearances before their commercial launch in South Korea?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Polarean Imaging PLC (OTC: PLLWF).
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