Originally published May 2020 at https://www.cityofvista.com.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. While some cancer care has proven to be a challenge during the pandemic, some companies are working diligently to make sure accurate testing and diagnosis are still a priority for patients. Leica Biosystems in Vista is one of those healthcare companies. The medical devices company is a global leader in workflow solutions and cancer diagnostics, operating in over 100 countries. Its Imaging Solutions Business, based in Vista, manufactures Aperio Digital Pathology systems.
“With unique expertise, we are dedicated to driving innovations that connect people and improve workflows across radiology, pathology, surgery and oncology,” said Melissa Aquino, President, Leica Biosystems. “Our mission of ‘Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives’ is at the heart of everything we do.”
During the current pandemic, Leica Biosystems has found a way to keep operations running smoothly while keeping employees, customers, and client samples safe.
“Leica Biosystems is a business serving the essential healthcare industry, and as such, the City continues to stay in close contact with them to ensure their needs are being met so they can continue to work in a safe environment.” said Kevin Ham, the City of Vista’s Economic Development Director.
“We are grateful for the support the City of Vista continues to provide to our business,” said Pawan Signh, VP Product Development and Operations and Site Leader for the Vista facility. “We appreciate the information the City has shared with us thus far and look forward to being kept up to date in the future. The more specific information we receive regarding policy and guidelines, the better we are able to ensure our business activities.”
Keeping Associates Safe
“The safety and wellbeing of our associates is our number one priority,” said Singh. “We are following all local and state guidance regarding social distancing practices. Around 80% of the workforce in our Vista facility is currently working remotely. Because we are a global company, our associates are used to working virtually and collaborating from afar. Those who do report into the office are helping to ensure the ongoing development, support, and manufacturing of important cancer research and cancer diagnostics products on our production lines.”
For those who are working on-site, the appropriate use of masks has been determined and they have been made available for employees. Workspaces have been modified to keep a social distance of six feet or greater, and increased sanitation practices have been put in place to ensure the offices and labs are doing everything to keep their spaces clean.
For associates who work in the field or with direct customers, such as Field Service Engineers and Applications Specialists, they too are following hospital guidelines with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) within their environments. Like many, these adjustments were made in a short period of time but have been put in place effectively and in an efficient manner. Singh added, “We are proud of all our associates for their passion, commitment and adaptability.”
Meanwhile, the City of Vista is working closely with companies such as Leica Biosystems Aperio to make sure they have the support they need to maintain their business.
“Our City Council is leading efforts to support our vibrant and diverse industries that call Vista home,” said Vista Mayor Judy Ritter. “These local businesses play a critical role in the health of our community, and are an important economic engine for our region, including much-needed jobs. We are proud to have companies such as Leica Biosystems Aperio in our own backyard and we will continue to work with the company, as well as others, to ensure their continued success, even during the current health crisis. Thanks in part to our City Council, we are strategically prepared to meet the challenges of the times ahead.”
Helping Pathologists Provide Cancer Care while Working Remotely
Unlike traditional pathology practices where a pathologist views glass slides on a microscope, Aperio Digital Pathology Solutions allow for a safe diagnosis with high-performance digital imaging tools.
Pathologists can safely diagnose cases from remote locations including home offices using Digital Pathology
“Working closely with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) we have received its enforcement discretion to enable remote diagnosis using Aperio Digital Pathology products (WebViewer, our web-based viewing software within the Aperio eSlide Manager software platform, with images acquired on Aperio AT2 (RUO), Aperio AT2 DX or Aperio GT 450 (RUO) digital pathology scanners) during the COVID-19 emergency period. This recent enforcement is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Singh.
“This application will allow pathologists maximum flexibility to safely view and diagnose pathology cases from remote locations using readily available consumer PCs and monitors at home.” he added. “Keeping our customers safe during the COVID-19 response while also enabling them to maintain a high standard of patient care is a top priority for us right now.”
Outreach and Community Support
Outreach is an important part of the culture of Leica Biosystems. While tradeshows and conventions have been sidelined during the pandemic, Leica Biosystems has found a way to interact with its customers virtually, including organizing virtual trade shows — the first, the Digital Pathology Virtual Summit from May 19-to-20, will focus on digital pathology, and another virtual summit on June 3 will highlight the company’s life science solutions.
Leica Biosystems community involvement includes a partnership with the San Diego Food Bank in Vista. An ongoing virtual food drive, which was started last month, has brought in over $1,000 donated by Leica Biosystem associates. They hope to continue to add to it over the next few weeks. Last year, Leica Biosystem team members volunteered at the Food Bank as a sponsored event. They have also participated in events to support the National MS Society as well as many other charities.
Leica Biosystems volunteers at the San Diego Food Bank in 2019
Leica is one of several innovative healthcare technology companies based in Vista.
“We have a vibrant innovation cluster that provides an economic boon and quality of life to our city,” said Ham.”While many local companies are pivoting during the COVID-19 crisis, our local life science and biotech startup community continues to play a crucial role in developing life-saving technologies and treatments for patients around the globe.”
Economic Development contact for the City of Vista:
Kevin Ham
Economic Development Director
