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: http://www.nmp.co.jp/eng/index.html.
