Suni to Develop X-Ray Technology for Area Firm

Dental/Medical Diagnostic Systems in Westlake Village has signed an agreement with Suni Imaging Microsystems for Suni to develop enhanced Digital X-Ray CCD technology, which will be licensed on an exclusive worldwide basis to Dental/Medical Diagnostic.

The new X-ray system will have three sensor sizes that are substantially thinner, easier to place in the mouth and more comfortable for the patient than those now in the marketplace, Dental/Medical Diagnostic officials said.

Digital X-ray technology allows a substantial reduction in radiation exposure and permits dentists to view X-ray images without waiting for film development. It also allows for storage of databases and recall of images for comparison purposes.

“Digital X-ray technology should have a major impact on the way dentistry is practiced,” said Robert Gurevitch, Dental/Medical Diagnostic chairman, president and CEO. “We believe the market potential is over $16 billion worldwide.”

Suni Imaging is based in Mountain View.

To maintain its exclusive distribution rights, Dental/Medical Diagnostic must meet minimum royalty payment levels averaging $1.47 million a year for five years. The company expects the product to be launched outside the United States by June of next year. Marketing in this country requires approval from the Food and Drug Administration and could take a few months longer, officials said.