Elekta and Key Distributor Enter Agreement to Increase Production Efforts of Radiotherapy Technology in Russia
Stockholm, SWEDEN, October 29, 2012 – Elekta, a world leader in the design and manufacture of cancer treatment technology and software, and MSM-MEDIMPEX, a major Russian medical technology distributor, have announced their intention to set up production of radiotherapy equipment in Russia, with the intent to improve access to radiation therapy treatments to Russian citizens afflicted with cancer. Russia is the world’s ninth most populous country.
The announcement – a Memorandum of Understanding – specifies that Elekta and MSM-MEDIMPEX will work together to manufacture and assemble radiotherapy technology, in addition to a radiotherapy support/service infrastructure in Russia and eventually other Commonwealth of Independent States countries. This effort will amplify national initiatives (such as the National Oncology Program, RNOP, started in 2009) to modernize existing radiotherapy facilities, establish new treatment centers and extend training programs for clinical staff.
This strategy to improve cancer care in Russia will receive a significant boost by cooperating with the Moscow State University (MSU) on R&D projects, efforts that are designed to enhance and adapt Elekta technology to meet local needs. Training programs also will be developed with MSU and supervised by top Russian medical institutions.
Elekta is the number one provider of oncology equipment in Russia. Working with MSM-MEDIMPEX since 2006, Elekta has received orders for more than 60 linear accelerators and 100 treatment planning systems across the country, a trend that will continue within the framework of the RNOP and Elekta / MSM-MEDIMPEX initiatives.
“In line with the Russian government’s efforts to modernize and improve the oncology field, and within Elekta’s human care mission, Elekta is elated to bring its clinical solutions even closer to Russian patients,” says Elekta President and CEO, Tomas Puusepp. “Ultimately, this developing cancer management infrastructure will provide similar added value and high-tech processes as those in Elekta’s main supply center in the United Kingdom.”
“MSM is proud to announce this result of our long-term cooperation with Elekta,” says Professor Dmitry Balalykin, founder of MSM and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We began distributing Elekta solutions several years ago and have together built a unique service, training and educational infrastructure, which reflects a responsible, long-term approach of both companies to the market. In addition to attracting radiotherapists and medical physicists, this infrastructure has resulted in the leading position of Elekta products in the radiation therapy market in Russia. Today, we take the next step to providing better support for patients.”
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For further information, please contact:
Johan Andersson Melbi, Director, Investor Relations, Elekta AB
Tel: +46 702 100 451, email: johan.anderssonmelbi@elekta.com
Time zone: CET: Central European Time
The above information is such that Elekta AB (publ) shall make public in accordance with the Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was published at 07:30 CET on October 29, 2012.
About Elekta
Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care. Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both healthcare providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives.
Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are used in over 6,000 hospitals worldwide. Elekta employs around 3,400 employees globally. The corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. Website: www.elekta.com.
About MSM
MSM was established in 1994 as a medical engineering company, specializing in the distribution of radiotherapy equipment and software. Today, MSM is one of the leading oncology product distributors in the Russian Federation and CIS.
With a strong team of highly qualified professionals, engineers and medical physicists on board, MSM provides clinics with turnkey projects including installation, training and full after-sales service support. Website: www.msm-medimpex.ru