IBA has acquired Modus Medical Devices (Modus QA), a Canadian manufacturer of phantoms for radiation and proton therapy.

Resembling human organs and tissue, phantoms are used to quantify the potential effects that radiation exposure has on patients at different doses. Modus QA has installed 6,500 in more than 4,000 clinics and hospitals worldwide.

Its addition is expected to help IBA grow in the radiation therapy quality assurance segment by equipping it with advanced phantom solutions it can sell. IBA will uses its large client base to channel Modus QA’s products and expand into new markets in Europe and Asia. Additionally, the deal is expected to boost IBA’s R&D and sales divisions. "Modus QA’s phantom technology is a great add-on for our dosimetry radiotherapy portfolio, meaning we no longer have to look to external companies to fulfill tender requirements. In addition, Modus QA’s expertise will help us increase our offering in medical imaging and proton therapy phantoms, avoiding the need to purchase externally," Jean-Marc Bothy, president of IBA Dosimetry, told HCB News.

Whereas IBA specializes in the design of radiotherapy and proton therapy solutions, Modus QA focuses on quality assurance products that can be used to test complex radiation technologies such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) and respiratory gating.

Both companies plan to work together to expand their product portfolio in medical imaging and in proton therapy. They also will help each strengthen existing relationships with original equipment manufacturers.

With Modus QA’s expertise, IBA will develop new dosimetry products that it will offer as end-to-end range quality assurance solutions for proton therapy centers. "We believe Modus QA’s technology will help expand our portfolio in proton therapy dosimetry. IBA’s Motion Management package, in particular, will benefit from the addition of Modus’ phantoms, further contributing to improving patient outcomes," said Bothy.

Integration will take place in two phases. The first will involve integrating existing technologies and benefit mutually from distribution channels, shared client lists, and across all geographies where Modus or IBA currently operate. IBA will retain existing branding of Modus solutions where it is appropriate, such as for the company's well-known Quasar range of products.

Phase two will focus on the development of new products. “We welcome all Modus employees to the IBA family,” said Olivier Legrain, chief executive officer of IBA, in a statement. “This acquisition is not just important for the Dosimetry business, but is reflective of our wider company strategy to seek out value-enhancing business opportunities to build out our state-of-the-art product offering across our target markets.”

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