Elekta informs investors of transformation program and advanced portfolio development at ASTRO Capital Markets presentation
BOSTON, September 26, 2016 – Elekta’s (EKTA-B.ST) President and CEO, Richard Hausmann, PhD, told investors and analysts at a Capital Markets presentation today that the company is on track to reach the targets of its transformation program.
These targets include an EBITA margin of 20 percent in 2017/18; cost reductions of SEK 700 million, with full effect 2017/18; and a net working capital to sales ratio below five percent in 2016/17.
Richard Hausmann spoke at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), in Boston, where he outlined the company’s strategic direction. “As the world-leader in oncology informatics and the pioneer in state-of-the-art treatment systems, I see that Elekta has the potential to considerably grow these two related, yet different business.”
He explained how Elekta’s oncology informatics (MOSAIQ®) will facilitate continuous improvement in efficiency, quality and outcomes, while its image-guided treatment systems are designed to effectively and efficiently control cancer with minimal harm to healthy tissue.
John Lapré, Elekta’s Chief Technology Officer, told the audience that imaging is the key in radiation therapy and explained how Elekta’s R&D focus supports this. “Conformal radiation means we can wrap a high dose around a target as tightly as possible to avoid damage to surrounding tissues. This is the foundation for High Definition Dynamic Radiosurgery, the powerful combination of Versa HD™ and Monaco®. Our MR-linac* research is taking this even further, as we integrate Elekta's most advanced radiotherapy system with a high-field MRI scanner. This will enable unprecedented precision in radiation therapy, especially on moving body parts such as organs.”
Christopher Schultz, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Medical College of Wisconsin also spoke about MR-linac, telling the audience about Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Network’s experience as a member of the MR-linac Consortium. He said he expects Elekta’s MR-linac will enable more accurate treatment of tumors and greater avoidance of adjacent normal structures that will likely improve tumor control and reduce side effects.
Dr. Schultz said, “The superior MR-linac-based image guidance and motion management will allow clinicians to treat new disease sites, including tumors that move as patients breathe, such as those in the liver, pancreas and kidney. Currently such tumors are difficult to see and track with in-room CT-based image guidance systems. For some tumors or disease sites, the enhanced precision of MR-linac guided treatment may also allow for the use of fewer treatments.”
*Elekta’s MR-linac is a works in progress and not available for sale or distribution.
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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 15:00 CET on September 26, 2016.
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 3,600 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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