Kodak Acquires Imaging Software

Eastman Kodak Co. extended its reach in the medical imaging arena by acquiring disease-detection software from MiraMedica Inc. of Los Gatos, Calif.

The technology helps radiologists home in on potential abnormalities in their patients by pinpointing odd shapes or other characteristics in digital X-rays.

Dan Kerpelman, president of Kodak’s health-imaging division, said the software -- known as computer-aided detection -- is “changing the way medical imaging is performed around the world.”

Kodak did not reveal how much it is paying for the technology. Some MiraMedica employees will be hired, it said.

MiraMedica was created in 2001. The software emerged from research licensed from Lockheed Martin Space Systems and the University of South Florida.

Kodak is eager to find alternative markets to compensate for a slide in film sales.

Its shares fell 20 cents to $27.75 on the NYSE.

From Associated Press