UTRECHT, the Netherlands,
Jan. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/
-- 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 Bulow, 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.
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SOURCE Elekta