Corporate
News release
TopLAKEWOOD, Colorado, USA--March 25, 2014--Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, has initiated the next phase of its business relationship with Therakos, Inc., a global leader in advancing the science of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP). Terumo BCT will now be the exclusive distributor in Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, Uruguay and Peru of the THERAKOS® UVAR XTS® Photopheresis System (XTS) and the THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System (Cellex), which physicians use to treat patients with diseases of the immune system.
Through its relationship with Therakos, Terumo BCT will be able to expand its product portfolio to provide customers with broader therapeutic products and protocols.
Key Facts:
- THERAKOS® Photopheresis Systems are the only integrated systems for ECP, a leukapheresis-based immunomodulatory therapy that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma unresponsive to other forms of treatment
- On average, more than 800 ECP procedures are performed each year throughout Latin America
- Terumo BCT is the leading supplier of apheresis technology in Latin America
- This multi-year agreement will enable Terumo BCT to begin distributing Therakos products in April 2014 in Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, Uruguay, Peru, and in other countries pending regulatory clearance over the next several months
- Terumo BCT began distributing Therakos products in January 2014 in Australia and New Zealand
Key Quotes:
Axel Monnerjahn, General Manager, Latin America, Terumo BCT
"Within Latin America, we have the longstanding customer relationships, and the clinical and technical resources needed to smoothly transition into this next step in our business relationship with Therakos, providing the most complete therapeutic apheresis options for patients in these regions, and further advancing our position as the market leader."
Sandra Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Therakos
"The establishment of the strategic relationship with Terumo BCT is an important milestone for Therakos and our global expansion strategy. Bringing together the Therakos clinical experience with the market presence and infrastructure of Terumo BCT in Latin America will provide for greater access and treatment options for patients."
About Terumo BCT:
Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, is the only company with the unique combination of apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing, and pathogen reduction. We believe in the potential of blood to do even more for patients than it does today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.
About Therakos Inc.:
Therakos, Inc. is the global leader in the science of extracorporeal photopheresis, an immune cell therapy. Therakos, Inc. has developed and marketed the only integrated systems for ECP for over 25 years. Therakos is committed to advancing the science of ECP and serving scientists, physicians and the patients who suffer from a variety of debilitating immune-based diseases. For additional information on Therakos' products and their approved indications, please visit: www.therakos.com.
About Terumo
Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.