U.S. Sales Grew 47 Percent, Leading Company's Continued Global Growth
Sirtex Medical Inc., a leading developer of targeted, innovative liver cancer therapies, announced a 47 percent increase in U.S. dose sales of SIR-Spheres® microspheres compared to the same period last year. SIR-Spheres microspheres are the only fully FDA-approved microsphere radiation therapy for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Globally, Sirtex reported that sales of its SIR-Spheres microspheres targeted radioactive liver cancer treatment grew 34 percent for the quarter ending March 31, 2012.
"Our continued business growth is a result of increased awareness of our beneficial treatment for patients diagnosed with metastatic liver tumors," said Michael Mangano, president of Sirtex Medical Inc. "There is a growing realization among many oncology programs that SIR-Spheres microspheres are a viable option for appropriate patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Complementing their chemotherapy regimens with this technology offers patients the most modern and advanced treatment leading to the best possible clinical outcomes. Our investment in company infrastructure, clinical research, and clinician and physician educational programs continue to allow this life-extending therapy to reach more of the patients who can benefit from it. We continue to refine Sirtex as a leader in the industry by investing in programs to support our interventional radiology and clinical oncology partners."
Dose sales in the third quarter, compared to the same period last year, grew in all regions. Outside the U.S., Asia Pacific achieved a 46 percent increase, and Europe recorded growth of 8 percent. Dose sales are a key measure of the company's business performance, and Sirtex has now reported 31 consecutive quarters of sales growth.
Sirtex Chief Executive Officer, Gilman Wong said, "This is the largest increase in the number of doses sold in a quarter achieved by Sirtex in its history. It is pleasing to see our strategy of making appropriate investments in the company, sales and marketing, clinical studies, and research continues to deliver consistent growth of SIR-Spheres microspheres and building a robust sustainable business."
For more information visit www.Sirtex.com or find the latest updates on the SIR-Spheres microspheres Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/SIRSpheresmicrospheres).
About Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) using SIR-Spheres microspheres
Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), also known as radioembolization, is a novel technology for inoperable liver cancer that delivers doses of radiation directly to the site of tumors. In a minimally invasive treatment, millions of radioactive SIR-Spheres microspheres are infused via a catheter into the liver where they selectively target liver tumors with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy, while sparing healthy tissue.
Clinical trials have confirmed that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with SIR-Spheres microspheres have response rates higher than with other forms of treatment, resulting in increased life expectancy, greater periods without tumor activity, and improved quality of life. SIRT has been found to shrink liver tumors more than chemotherapy alone.
SIR-Spheres microspheres are approved for use in Australia, the United States of America (FDA approval), and the European Union (CE Mark) and additionally supplied in countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Israel, and Turkey. Available at more than 400 treatment centers, over 20,000 doses of SIR-Spheres microspheres have been administered worldwide.
For more information, visit www.sirtex.com.
SIR-Spheres® is a registered trademark of Sirtex SIR-Spheres Pty Ltd
Contacts:
Fleishman-Hillard on behalf of Sirtex Medical
Kassidie Blackstock,
919-457-0749
Kassidie.Blackstock@fleishman.com
