Varian Medical Systems Inc. (NYSE:VAR) and IMRIS Inc. (TSX:IM) inked a co-development deal to create a magnetic-resonance-guided radiation therapy system to treat cancer.
The deal calls for the integration of Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Imris’ MR imaging technology with Palo Alto, Calif.-based Varian’s TrueBeam radiosurgery device.
"We are seeking to augment physicians’ ability to target cancerous tissue very precisely, even in areas of the body that are difficult to image," Varian oncology systems president Dow Wilson said in prepared remarks. "Many studies have shown that increased treatment accuracy can reduce the impact on healthy tissues around a targeted tumor."
The aim is to create a system that will allow the MR device to be wheeled into the radiosurgery suite as needed, rather than requiring the patient to be shuttled from room to room, according to the companies. The deal is anticipated to result in a co-branded product if it passes regulatory muster, with Varian putting its sales and marketing muscle behind the project once it’s commercialized.
