Elekta plans to introduce MRI-guided radiation therapy system in 2017
UTRECHT, the Netherlands, January 22 – Elekta (EKTA-B.ST) updated the market this morning on its latest research and development initiatives, with special focus on Atlantic, the first generation high field MRI-guided radiation therapy system. The company unveiled plans to introduce this game-changing technology in 2017 and deliver the first systems in 2018.
Niklas Savander, President and CEO, told the audience: “We are pleased with the progress we are making, closely cooperating with our clinical partners in the Atlantic consortium and our MRI technology partner Philips. We are creating a new paradigm within the field of radiation therapy and a superior approach to treating cancer. Consequently, I expect Atlantic will positively impact the treatment patients receive, the cancer centers that deliver it and the market potential for radiation therapy.”
The first commercial orders are planned to be taken in 2017 with deliveries in 2018, subject to the applicable regulatory clearances. Elekta estimates there will be 75 orders and deliveries during the ramp-up phase until 2019. This number includes the systems for the members of the consortium.
Savander anticipates that high field MRI-guided radiation therapy will be standard of care within the next 10 years. He also indicated that the price of an MRI-guided radiation therapy system will be about four times the price of Elekta’s current high-end treatment machine, Versa HD™.
Dee Mathieson, Senior Vice President, Oncology Business Line Management, outlined the many benefits that Elekta’s high field MRI-guided linear accelerator is expected to bring to clinics and cancer patients. She highlighted gentler treatment, fewer side effects with potential for better outcomes and lower costs. She added that the specification and progress of the product development places Elekta far ahead of any competing system.
Kevin Brown, Global Vice President Scientific Research, explained: “To claim millimetric accuracy, you actually need to know where the target is in real-time. High field MRI-guided RT gives us this knowledge.” He described several technical breakthroughs that the Atlantic project has already demonstrated to enable real time targeting. Brown said that many of the world’s top radiation therapy centers have expressed interest in the technology. “Over 100 hospitals have enquired about bunker specifications for the advanced technology. They were pleased to hear that they are similar to the bunker specifications of a conventional linac.”
Savander concluded saying that Elekta is currently in a significant R&D investment phase to bring advanced products and solutions to the market. “We are confident that our investments will bring improved clinical outcomes to patients, as well as better returns for our shareholders.”
# # #
For further information, please contact:
Gert van Santen, Group Vice President Corporate Communications, Elekta AB
Tel: +31 653 561 242, e-mail: gert.vansanten@elekta.com
Time zone: CET: Central European Time
Tobias Bülow, Director Financial Communication, Elekta AB
Tel: +46 722 215 017, e-mail: tobias.bulow@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 10:50 CET on January 22, 2015.
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 health care 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 3,800 employees globally. The corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on NASDAQ Stockholm. Website: www.elekta.com.
