Varian Medical Systems Inc. has decided to shed its imaging components business in exchange for more freedom to fight cancer. The company plans to spin off its imaging components business as a new public company via a tax-free distribution to its shareholders in a transaction expected to close by the end of the year.

A handful of companies received a green light from the FDA last year to launch devices intended to treat metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, and several other technologies are in various stages of development. One of the most interesting aspects of this competitive market is the wide array of approaches these companies are taking to treat this patient population.