MDS Nordion Expands Imaging and Drug Development Capabilities

OTTAWA, June 4 /CNW/ - MDS Nordion, a leading global provider of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals used in molecular imaging, announced today that it is collaborating with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada's largest cardiovascular health centre, to establish a Molecular Imaging Centre of Excellence to advance cardiology research.

Molecular imaging is an emerging technology that differs from traditional medical imaging as it examines changes at the molecular level within the body to support early disease detection and treatment assessment. MDS Nordion will invest an estimated US $2.2 million in this new centre, which will be equipped with a research and development radiochemistry laboratory to support cardiology research.

This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to expand MDS Nordion's molecular imaging business. Set to open in late 2007 on the Institute's campus, this new centre will enable the two organizations to collaborate on joint cardiology research using the latest in molecular imaging technology. Through this collaboration, MDS Nordion will also provide its innovative molecular imaging services to large pharmaceutical companies to help them bring promising new drugs to market faster and with less cost.

For patients, molecular imaging technology can play an important role in advancing the promise of personalized medicine within the medical community. In addition to helping medical practitioners detect disease earlier, this technology can help physicians to better determine the best treatment for each patient and to monitor their progress throughout treatment.

"We are making a major commitment to innovation with this new centre that can ultimately make a profound difference in the lives of cardiac patients," said Steve West, president of MDS Nordion. "By joining forces with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, we have a phenomenal opportunity to share world-class knowledge, equipment and advanced technology to improve cardiac care."

"This collaboration will enable the Heart Institute to remain at the forefront of cardiovascular care, education and research," said Dr. Terrence Ruddy, Chief of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute. "The Centre is an important addition that will add a new dimension to our research infrastructure. We expect that the research capabilities and opportunities fuelled by this technology will provide a major step forward in combating and ultimately eradicating heart disease."

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States and Canada. In the United States, cardiovascular disease is responsible for 36.3 percent of all deaths in 2004, and over 79 million Americans have one or more forms of the disease. In 2001, heart disease accounted for 33 percent of all deaths in men and 35 percent of all deaths in women in Canada, according to the Canadian Health Network.

For more information, visit www.ottawaheart.ca.