Sirtex

Sirtex Medical's story began with a dedicated focus on combating liver cancer. Founded in 1997 in Australia, the company emerged from research conducted in the early 1980s by Dr. Bruce Gray at the University of Western Australia. Dr. Gray was exploring the potential of using radiation-filled beads to target liver tumors. This pioneering research laid the groundwork for what would become Sirtex's flagship product, SIR-Spheres® Y-90 resin microspheres. These microspheres represent a form of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), a minimally invasive procedure designed to deliver targeted radiation directly to liver tumors, thereby sparing healthy liver tissue. This innovative approach offered new hope for patients with inoperable liver cancer, a disease with a significant global impact, diagnosing hundreds of thousands of new cases each year.

Over the years, Sirtex expanded its reach and capabilities significantly. The company went public in 2000 and established a global presence with offices and manufacturing facilities in key regions including the United States, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. This international footprint allowed Sirtex to supply its innovative treatment to a growing number of medical centers worldwide. By 2017, the company had delivered tens of thousands of doses to patients in over 40 countries. A major turning point in Sirtex's journey came in 2018 when it was acquired by China Grand Pharmaceutical and CDH Genetech, leading to its delisting from the Australian Securities Exchange. Under new ownership, Sirtex has continued its mission to improve the lives of patients with cancer. The company remains committed to advancing interventional oncology, focusing on research and development to explore new applications for its technology and to develop new therapies. Recent leadership changes, with Matt Schmidt appointed as CEO in 2024, signal a continued drive for growth and innovation in the fight against cancer.