Siemens Healthineers has entered into a technology licensing agreement with Kromek Group Plc, a UK-based developer of radiation detection solutions, to enable the in-house production of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) material for gamma ray detectors used in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems. Under the terms of the agreement, Siemens Healthineers will license Kromek’s technology to produce CZT, which will extend its research, development, and manufacturing capabilities to allow for a potential future line of gamma ray detectors for multi-modal SPECT systems.

Expansion of Siemens Healthineers CZT research efforts will run in parallel with continued development of its sodium iodide (Nal) SPECT innovations. The sodium iodide-based SPECT systems will continue to be in high demand due to their versatility and ability to perform all nuclear medicine applications, including theranostics.

CZT can detect radiation without requiring the conversion of gamma radiation to optical light at room temperature. It offers high-energy resolution measurement, which can be a key factor in enabling certain detector and system designs.

Over a four-year period, Kromek will transfer 15 of its existing 174 furnaces for CZT production to Siemens Healthineers and provide the company with all know-how, IP and related services for CZT-based SPECT detector production. The qroup expects to report revenue growth for the current financial year and profit significantly ahead of market expectations, with a much strengthened balance sheet.