Louvain-la-Neuve, March 1, 2018 – IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), the world's leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, and Proton Partners International, announce today that they have completed testing of the UK's first high energy proton beam machine on 16 February at the Rutherford Cancer Centre in Newport, South Wales. Following a record nine month installation programme, the center plans to treat the first patients with its Proteus®ONE solution in March.

Leveraging its longstanding expertise, IBA has again demonstrated its superiority in installing proton therapy systems and set a new installation record of nine months since synchro-cyclotron delivery. This new global record further increases accessibility to proton therapy for cancer patients in the UK while IBA's closest competitor will take at least 50% more time for the installation in its center. It demonstrates IBA's speed of delivery from contract signature to first treatment, and secures the customers' investment as they can deliver treatment in line with their business plan.

The single room Proteus®ONE proton beam therapy solution, installed and maintained by IBA, is the industry's only truly compact image-guided IMPT proton therapy system. It has a unique open gantry environment designed to ease the treatment workflow of the radiation therapists and to optimize the patient experience by providing a comfortable and calming environment. Proteus®ONE also offers the most advanced proton therapy technology on the market as it combines pencil beam scanning with 3-D cone beam computed tomography large field of view for true volumetric imaging at isocenter. Its compact design makes it easy to install, integrate, operate, and finance.

Olivier Legrain, Chief Executive Officer of IBA, commented: "We are delighted that we have been able to work with Proton Partners International and the Rutherford Cancer Centre to successfully make proton therapy available for cancer patients in the UK for the first time. By installing this equipment in only nine months we have further demonstrated that IBA is the leading proton therapy company in combining cutting-edge proton therapy technology with market leading delivery for the benefit of patients."

Mike Moran, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Partners International, added: "We are thrilled that the UK's first proton beam therapy system has been approved for treatment at our Rutherford Cancer Centre in Newport. Through working with IBA we have ensured that our centers are installed with the latest cancer technology in the fastest way possible for the benefits of patients. We are extremely proud to be at the forefront of delivering this innovative cancer treatment."


About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is a global medical technology company focused on bringing integrated and innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company is the worldwide technology leader in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA's proton therapy solutions are flexible and adaptable, allowing customers to choose from universal full-scale proton therapy centers as well as compact, single room solutions. In addition, IBA also has a radiation dosimetry business and develops particle accelerators for the medical world and industry. Headquartered in Belgium and employing about 1,500 people worldwide, IBA has installed systems across the world.

IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange NYSE EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).

More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com


About Proteus®ONE
Proteus®ONE is the compact intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) solution from IBA. It benefits from the latest technologies developed with renowned clinical institutions. Proteus®ONE is smaller, more affordable, and easier to install and operate. It is ultimately easier to finance, making this advanced radiation therapy modality available to more institutions and patients worldwide.
Proteus®ONE allows you to think big but scale smart.

*Proteus®ONE is the brand name of a configuration of the Proteus®235.


About Proton Partners International Ltd
Proton Partners International is a private limited company, registered in Wales. The company was founded in 2015 by Mike Moran and UK and international cancer experts, including Professor Karol Sikora, former head of the World Health Organisation's cancer programme. Initial investors include the Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund managed by Professor Sir Chris Evans, the leading life sciences entrepreneur, and Neil Woodford's Woodford Patient Capital Trust. Institutional and private investors committed to almost £125m equity finance in the company.

The Welsh Government's Life Sciences Investment Fund is a key investor in Proton Partners International.

For more information on Proton Partners International, please visit: http://proton-int.com/
Follow us on twitter @ProtonPartners


About The Rutherford Cancer Centres
The Rutherford Cancer Centres are at the forefront of providing innovative cancer care and creating a better future for cancer patients. With its commitment to excellence, the centres will provide an all-encompassing cancer service, delivering world-class imaging, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and proton beam therapy treatment.

Treatment at The Rutherford Cancer Centres will be available to medically-insured private patients, self-paying patients and patients referred by the NHS.