EVEON, designer and manufacturer of smart medical devices for the preparation and administration of drugs, is announcing the signing of a framework contract for the development and supply of radiochemistry automatons. These automatons will be incorporated into PMB’s LOTUS equipments (ALCEN Group), with the special purpose of being able to locally produce radiolabelled molecules for PET imaging[1]. The first automatons will be delivered in 2018.

Molecular imaging, as a tool for diagnosis and treatment, is on its way to revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in oncology, but also in cardiac, neurological, and endocrine diseases. PET is mainly used to detect cancer cells. This technique has a high success rate for detecting and locating tumours. It is also used to follow the evolution of pathologies before or after treatment. It truly can improve survival odds by leading to adapted treatment and, in turn, greater efficacy. 

The current PET imaging market is estimated to be worth 1.4 billion USD and continues to grow annually at a rate of 5 to 20% depending on the region. The number of procedures (8.6 million performed in 2016, in Europe and the USA combined[2]) is progressing strongly and should reach 11 million in 2021[3].

PMB, a cyclotron specialist, develops integrated equipments for local production of radionucleides and synthesis of innovative, single-dose radiopharmaceuticals. With LOTUS, PMB plans to broaden its portfolio of biomarkers for diagnosis and make them more easily accessible. It will become possible to locally produce these compounds, alongside imaging centres. This is a paradigm shift for PET imaging, facilitating its use and allowing its deployment to rapidly accelerate. The innovative automated units designed and produced by EVEON respond to these specific challenges. 

EVEON has been chosen to industrialize and manufacture the automatons, as a partner specialised in safe and automatic medical devices. EVEON provides its expertise in techniques, fluidics, and regulatory affairs, both during the industrialization and production phases. The company has already begun to develop a clinical and industrial version of the automatons, with the goal of delivering the first units to PMB as early as 2018. A LOTUS equipment will be assembled with one automaton for each radiopharmaceutical molecule produced. EVEON will be the supplier of the automatons.

“The automaton is a key element of the LOTUS system. PMB has chosen to entrust the development and industrialisation of this subunit to EVEON because we are confident in their ability to successfully complete this project. We have been won over by their technology and their professionalism” said Ludovic Le Meunier, Deputy CEO of PMB.

“This new agreement demonstrates EVEON’s abilities for providing an innovative, integrated solution throughout an entire process from development to industrialisation. This agreement strengthens our position within the market of devices for professionals and marks our 3rd project in the field of oncology, and in this particular case, in radiochemistry” said Vincent Tempelaere, CEO of EVEON. 

[1] Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that allows 3D measurements to be made of biological and metabolic functions, potentially even while in movement. It is most often combined with a conventional CT-scan (PET-CT scan). It enables the detection of tumours, physiological dysfunctions, neurological disorders, and metabolic disorders. It’s one of the only techniques that makes it possible to visualize, characterize, and measure a biological process at a cellular or molecular level. 

[2] Source : Carl von Gall MD, Siemens Healthineers Manager for Global Clinical Marketing dans le CR du Symposium AIPES oct 2016

[3] Source : PET Market 2014 - Biotech Sys - Report 370