Elekta Acquires ProKnow to Advance Oncology Data Analytics Capabilities

On September 1, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that biotechnology company Elekta announced the acquisition of software company ProKnow. Specific financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Following the completion of this acquisition, Elekta will hold the rights to use ProKnow’s products and further develop ProKnow DS, its oncology treatment data analytics software.

Headquartered in Sanford, Florida, USA, ProKnow is a software company dedicated to advancing research in the field of radiation oncology worldwide. The company has made a significant impact on improving patient care, with its flagship product being ProKnow DS.

ProKnow DS is a big data cloud computing software. The product can store and research big data, analyze it, and provide standardized practice recommendations for medical professionals to improve their work efficiency. ProKnow DS also features real-time data mining capabilities, allowing doctors to analyze patients using "big data" population tools such as demographic metric histograms and correlation finders, thereby building their own clinical trial outcome analysis engines. ProKnow has also developed Plan Studies software for measuring treatment plans, enabling doctors to share clinical experiences and compare them with peers.

Elekta, founded on October 10, 1972, and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a biotechnology company. The company is a pioneer in the treatment of cancer and brain disorders. Elekta has developed advanced tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and brachytherapy, as well as workflow-enhancing software systems for cancer care. The company also provides automated integration systems, patient positioning systems, personalized imaging tools, and beamforming solutions.

Ben Nelms, Director and Co-Founder of ProKnow, stated, “We are delighted to join the Elekta team, which not only possesses advanced technology but also demonstrates an innovative mindset. ProKnow and Elekta have a productive history of collaboration—jointly establishing anatomical treatment programs. Our future cooperation holds even greater promise, and ProKnow is eager to support Elekta in advancing its digital strategy while providing the most innovative and effective tools for the field of radiation therapy.”

Elekta CEO Richard Hausmann stated, “This strategic acquisition will help realize Elekta’s digital strategy and accelerate the research and development of our big data and artificial intelligence technologies. Elekta empowers healthcare providers to make optimal decisions and ensure high-quality care. The solutions provided by ProKnow meet the needs of most customers for data management and analysis in oncology treatment. We also look forward to leveraging the expertise and capabilities of the ProKnow team to accelerate Elekta’s growth.”

(Compiled by Hu Yifan)