Published: August 02, 2011
Innovative cancer treatment to use ITT technology
CLIFTON, N.J. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) has signed a long-term supply agreement with
oncology company Novocure to help produce a powerful new weapon against
an aggressive, recurrent brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme
(GBM).
As part of the pioneering Novocure solution, which was recently approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ITT has adapted its
piezoelectric ceramic technology to produce disks that radiate a
low-intensity, alternating electric field. The technology slows and
reverses tumor growth by inhibiting mitosis, the process by which cells
divide and replicate.
"We have been partnering with Novocure for several years to develop,
refine and produce this innovative solution," said Chris Bernhardt,
president of ITT Electronic Systems. "We are elated that ITT defense
technology will play a significant role in successfully treating one of
the most aggressive forms of cancer."
GBM is the most aggressive and common form of primary brain cancer in
the United States, affecting approximately 10,000 Americans each year.
Working closely with Novocure as one of its key suppliers in this
effort, ITT's goal from the beginning was to ensure the technology's
design was producible and effective so it could be a viable option for
combating this deadly disease.
"We have been shipping 40,000 ceramic disks a month - more than 1
million total - to support clinical trials," said Bernhardt. "Going
forward, we have the capacity to meet Novocure's emerging needs to
ensure that patients who need this treatment will have access to it."
ITT's development and production work is being completed by its
Electronic Systems business in Salt Lake City, Utah, which provides
innovative integrated solutions for the global defense, intelligence,
information assurance and commercial aerospace sectors. As a leader in
electronic warfare and communications, it leverages experience and
innovation to ensure the success of customers' critical missions. Its
technology leadership extends into the areas of airborne electronic
attack, networked and satellite communications, counter-improvised
explosive devices, airspace management, surveillance systems, airborne
and shipboard radar, acoustic sensors, advanced composite structures and
electronic weapons interfaces.
About ITT Corporation
ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and manufacturing
company operating on all seven continents in three vital markets: water
and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow
control. With a heritage of innovation, ITT partners with its customers
to deliver extraordinary solutions that create more livable
environments, provide protection and safety and connect our world.
Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company reported 2010 revenue
of $11 billion. www.itt.com.

ITT Corporation
John C. Dench, 973-284-4543
john.dench@itt.com
Copyright © 2012, Business Wire, Inc., All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2012, NewsBlaze,
Daily News