IBA Signs Formal Contract to Install the First Proton Therapy Center in The Netherlands

LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE, Belgium, April 23, 2015 /CNW/ - IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), the world's leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, announces that it has signed a formal contract with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) to establish the first proton therapy center in The Netherlands, in Groningen.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150423/740506 )

IBA will equip the new center with its Proteus^®PLUS two-gantry room configuration, including its next generation Pencil Beam Scanning and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) capabilities. The contract, as noted in IBA's press release dated June 20^th, 2014, will also include a long-term operation and maintenance agreement. The equipment and services that will be supplied by IBA are worth approximately EUR 50 million to IBA.

Olivier Legrain, Chief Executive Officer of IBA, commented: "Following a rigorous public tender process, we are delighted that IBA has been selected as the best proton therapy provider to build the first ever proton therapy center in The Netherlands. More than half of the worldwide proton therapy market is equipped by IBA. Over 40,000 patients have been treated by IBA systems - more than all major competitive installations combined. Thanks to our unique experience, we are committed to supporting UMCG to provide high-quality cancer treatment to more patients across the region."

"The professional support and responsiveness that IBA has demonstrated throughout our demanding tender procedure give us confidence in a successful and long lasting collaboration with them. We are now eager to see the Proton Therapy center opening its doors in 2017 and to provide this technology for the benefit of thousands of cancer patients in Holland", said Bert-Jan Souman, Managing Director of the ProtonTherapyCenterGroningen at the UMCG.

About Proton Therapy 

Proton Therapy is considered the most advanced and targeted cancer radiotherapy treatment due to its superior dose distribution and fewer side effects. Protons deposit the majority of their effective energy within a precisely controlled range, directly within the tumor, sparing healthy surrounding tissue. Higher doses can be delivered to the tumor without increasing the risk of side effects and long-term complications, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Today, more than half of all proton therapy clinical facilities worldwide are equipped with IBA systems. This includes 18 proton therapy centers currently in operation and 16 additional centers under development.

While proton therapy today represents less than 1% of radiotherapy treatments, studies estimate that more than 17% of patients treated by radiotherapy would benefit from being treated by this technique.

About IBA  

IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is a global medical technology company focused on bringing integrated and innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Company is the worldwide technology leader in the field of proton therapy, the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA's proton therapy solutions are flexible and adaptable, allowing customers to choose from universal full-scale proton therapy centers as well as compact, single room systems. In addition, IBA also has a radiation dosimetry business and develops particle accelerators for the medical world and industry.

Headquartered in Belgium and employing about 1100 people worldwide, IBA has installed systems across the world, from Europe and the US and to the emerging markets. IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT. (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB) and more information can be found at: http://www.iba-worldwide.com

About UMCG 

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest hospitals in the Netherlands and it is the biggest employer in the north of the country. A staff of almost 12,000 people work in patient care and in leading medical research, focusing on 'healthy ageing´. For its research and educational function the hospital has close ties with University of Groningen. Some 3,400 students are currently enrolled in degree courses to become physicians, dentist, or movement scientist, and over 450 are doing a medical residency. Patients come to UMCG for basic care, but also for highly specialized diagnostics, examinations or treatment. All patients in the north of the country with complicated or rare conditions are eventually referred to UMCG. Excellent care is always based on the latest insights and given by the best doctors and nursing staff. Together with the support services they always focus on that one common goal: building the future of health. For more information visit: http://www.umcg.nl

SOURCE IBA

For further information: IBA, Jean-Marc Bothy, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: [phone]; Thomas Ralet, Vice-President Corporate Communication, [phone], [email protected]; For media and investor enquiries: Consilium Strategic Communications, Amber Bielecka, Matthew Neal, Ivar Milligan, Jessica Hodgson, [phone], [email protected]; Rx Communications Group (US), Melody Carey, [phone], [email protected]