Theragenics to Supply I-125 Brachytherapy Seeds to Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. for Distribution in Japan

BUFORD, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Theragenics Corporation^®, a medical device company serving
the cancer treatment and surgical product markets, today announced it
has reached an agreement with Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. (“NMP”) for
the distribution and sale of Theragenics’ brachytherapy seeds in Japan.
In 2003, NMP sold the first I-125 seeds for the treatment of early stage
prostate cancer in Japan after the procedure was approved there. Under
the agreement, Theragenics will become NMP’s exclusive radioactive seed
supplier for Japan, and NMP will be Theragenics’ exclusive distributor
for the sale of radioactive seeds in Japan. Manufacturing and marketing
authorization in Japan for Theragenics’ AgX100^® I-125 product
was received in March 2016. Shipment of the AgX100 products to Japan
commenced on June 3, 2016.
“Theragenics remains committed to prostate brachytherapy around the
world,” stated Frank J. Tarallo, Chief Executive Officer of Theragenics
Corporation. “We are honored to partner with Nihon Medi-Physics, a
leader in supporting prostate brachytherapy in Japan since the first
implant there in 2003.”
Mr. Tarallo continued, “Japan is an exciting market with the potential
to grow. Theragenics has been a recognized leader in prostate
brachytherapy with over 35 years’ experience in the manufacture and
supply of seeds. Our brachytherapy products have been used to treat over
175,000 men and are now used to treat prostate cancer in 16 countries
around the world. Our expertise, product quality and innovation combined
with NMP’s knowledge of the market will create a dynamic partnership
serving physicians and patients in Japan.”
Hisashi Shimoda, President and Representative Director of Nihon
Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. commented, “We are pleased by our new alliance
with Theragenics Corporation, a major brachytherapy seed supplier. We
believe that Theragenics’ brachytherapy products will enhance our
capabilities to meet the needs of healthcare providers in Japan. With
our new Theragenics alliance, NMP will be able to offer a more
diversified mix of products and services, boosting our ability to
improve the quality of life of as many prostate cancer patients as
possible.”
About Theragenics
Theragenics Corporation^® is a medical device company focusing
on the cancer treatment and surgical products market. Theragenics’
brachytherapy business manufactures and sells products used primarily in
the minimally invasive treatment of localized prostate cancer (www.theragenicsbrachy.com)
and breast cancer. The surgical products business (www.cpmedical.com,
www.galtneedletech.com)
manufactures and distributes wound closure, vascular access, and
specialty needle products. The surgical segment serves a number of
markets including interventional cardiology, interventional radiology,
vascular surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, dental surgery, urology,
veterinary medicine, pain management, endoscopy, and spinal surgery. For
additional information, visit www.theragenics.com.
About NMP
Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. (NMP) is a joint venture of Sumitomo
Chemical Company, Limited and GE Healthcare and is a leading
manufacturer of radiopharmaceuticals and supplier of prostate
brachytherapy seeds. NMP is determined to continue to contribute to the
further improvement of medical care in Japan. For additional information
about Nihon Medi-Physics, please visit: https://www.nmp.co.jp/eng/index.html.