AMRIC Joins Sweden’s Elekta to Create Research Centre in

Sudbury – A world-leading company in the field of health technology will open an innovation centre in Greater Sudbury through a partnership with the Advance Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC), the new research institute at Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord (HSN).

Today, Elekta announced it will create a new MOSAIQ® OIS research and development centre at AMRIC. Six new jobs are being created initially with six to 10 more jobs expected within the first year of operation.

Based in Sweden, Elekta specializes in radiation therapy and radiosurgery systems, as well as oncology information systems (OIS) that enhance workflow efficiency throughout the spectrum of cancer care.With headquarters in Stockholm, Elekta has over 3,500 employees in 40 countries, with net sales of $1.5 billion (Canadian).

“AMRIC’s demonstrated commitment to ongoing, significant improvements in patient care impressed us,” says Elekta president and CEO Tomas Puusepp. “We realized that physicians and scientists here would readily accept the challenge of discovering the full potential of MOSAIQ OIS, and explore new ways of applying this solution to enhance patient care. We can’t imagine a better venue to establish a MOSAIQ® research and development facility.”

The MOSAIQ® research and development centre at AMRIC will develop, test, and refine clinical applications of Elekta’s MOSAIQ® oncology information management system. The MOSAIQ® system is used to manage cancer patient information, from the time of initial assessment and diagnosis to final treatment and outpatient care. Elekta’s technology provides cancer care providers with access to a single source of patient information to enhance the planning and monitoring of a patient’s treatment plan.

“The creation of the MOSAIQ® research and development centre with Elekta is a perfect example of how AMRIC is forging key partnerships to create a health care research hub in Greater Sudbury,” says Dr. Francisco Diaz-Mitoma, the CEO and Scientific Director of AMRIC. “This partnership with a world leader like Elekta is creating jobs in our community, raising the international profile and reputation of AMRIC and our city, and enhancing patient care.”

“I am proud that the strong knowledge-based economy of Northern attracted Elekta to Sudbury as a destination for investment,” says the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines. “I am pleased that this innovative research facility will help improve access to important technology and provide rewarding jobs for people in the Sudbury region.”

“AMRIC is such an important engine for the northern economy,” adds Rick Bartolucci, Liberal MPP for the Sudbury Riding. “This partnership will streamline cancer patients’ plan of care and create new opportunities for professional growth in the field of cancer treatment while creating jobs along the way.”

“Greater Sudbury has come a long way in positioning itself as a world-class centre of research and innovation,” said Marianne Matichuk, Mayor of Greater Sudbury. “Thanks to partnerships such as this one, our city is creating jobs, and training and attracting the skilled workers that will ensure our long-term prosperity.”

HSN is the first hospital in Canada to utilize MOSAIQ® to coordinate patient information across an entire Local Health Integration Network, or health region. HSN’s Northeast Cancer Centre is using MOSAIQ® to streamline treatment plans for chemotherapy and radiation therapy patients at over 13 community hospital locations across northeastern Ontario.

“This partnership demonstrates the value of research,” says Dr. Denis Roy, President and CEO of HSN. “By testing, evaluating and refining the MOSAIQ® system here in northeastern Ontario, this joint venture will ensure patients in the north and around the world have access to the most effective, seamless cancer care available. We’re putting the best technology in the hands of the best caregivers, and that means the best care for our patients.”

Health Sciences North's vision is to be globally recognized for patient-centred innovation.