Abiomed gets Japanese distribution

Abiomed Inc., a Danvers developer and manufacturer of medical products designed to assist or replace the pumping action of a failing heart, today disclosed a five-year distribution agreement with a Japanese company that should generate at least $16 million worth of sales.

Under the agreement, Medix Japan Inc. will distribute Abiomed's AB5000 and Impella products, following Impella's regulatory approval in Japan, Abiomed said.

"Japan represents a sizable market for our recovery technologies with a population of approximately 127 million, 600 open heart hospitals, and 1,800 catheterization labs," Abiomed chief executive Michael R. Minogue said in a statement.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)