Radiation oncology firm Elekta has received Japan Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare clearance for its Versa HD radiation therapy system.
The linear accelerator is now available for the treatment of cancer patients in Japan, according to the firm. In related developments, Elekta has inked an agreement to grant Toshiba Medical Systems wider distribution rights regarding linear accelerator sales.
Building on a 2010 sales and marketing agreement between the firms, the new deal opens up additional sales channels for Elekta's linac and software products. It also gives Elekta the opportunity to convert existing Siemens Healthcare Lantis oncology information systems that were sold by Toshiba. Toshiba still maintains an installed base in Japan of about 200 Siemens linacs following that vendor's departure from the market in 2011.
The new agreement also includes the intention to develop a centralized customer support center to serve as a single point of contact for all Elekta linac users in Japan. Elekta said it will continue to manage the marketing and promotion of all of its products, as well as education, training, and software service support.
