We are pleased to announce today the signing of a Memorandum of Scientific, Medical and Technological Cooperation between the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Pa. (USA) and the Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) and the “Costas Papaellinas Organization” (CPO) (Cyprus Pharmaceutical Organization Ltd).
The collaboration focuses on the development of research programs in cancer radiotherapy and, in particular, proton beam therapy, the exchange of researchers, students and other scientists of similar specialties and the transfer of knowledge among faculty and researchers in the department of Radiation Oncology at Penn, which houses the Roberts Proton Therapy Center, the largest center for proton therapy integrated with other forms of radiation therapy under one roof in the world, the CCRI, and the CPO in Cyprus.
Penn Medicine’s comprehensive radiation oncology program offers the latest technology and
treatment options, all of which are delivered by physicians and clinical staff who are leaders in their fields. That means its patients also have access to the latest research and clinical advances.
This collaboration provides an opportunity for all the participants to contribute to the development of new cancer control techniques and strengthen US-Cyprus scientific cooperation. This collaboration attaches particular importance to the project of installing the area’s first proton therapy center based in Cyprus, which would make Cyprus an important center of excellence for proton therapy in the wider Southeastern Mediterranean region. The cooperation among the three parties is also an important step in the development of new jobs in Cyprus.
The Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI),
Is a Non-For-Profit organization, based in Nicosia, Cyprus, is anticipated to be a world class
interdisciplinary research institute that will operate within a network of leading clinical and academic
partners namely the University of Cyprus (UCY), the Karaiskakio Foundation (KF) and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre (BOCOC), aiming to promote excellence in the field of cancer research and in the development and utilization of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic systems to challenge this devastating disease. The Institute will bring together leading scientists working across different areas of biology and medical sciences to develop an internationally competitive program of research aiming to improve the current understanding on cancer pathogenesis and develop novel therapeutic approaches against different cancers. Through state-of-the-art facilities, a strong multidisciplinary research team and links with world-leading institutions, the CCRI will lie at the centre of a nexus of leading cancer researchers, oncologists, cancer service providers, scientists and academics, to create a National Cancer Research Network of Excellence, in so doing bringing Cyprus to the forefront of cancer research and ultimately cancer patient care. The mission of the CCRI is to promote high calibre cancer research in Cyprus and to breed the next generation of cancer research scientists.
The “COSTAS PAPAELLINAS ORGANIZATION” (Cyprus Pharmaceutical Organization Ltd) (CPO),
was created in 1928 and operated for many years as C. A. Papaellinas & Co., under the name of its founder, Costas A. Papaellinas. In 1952 it was succeeded by CPO which is today the main trading company of the Costas Papaellinas Organization Group of Companies. Over the last three decades the Costas Papaellinas Organization has grown extensively in several directions. Through successful strategic moves, such as gaining new agencies, buying out related companies, introducing new innovative processes, as well as forging business alliances, it has succeeded in growing the family business twentyfold over the past 25 years. It has become one of the biggest employers of the Cyprus market having over 450 employees. In addition to importing, distributing, and retailing in Cyprus, Costas Papaellinas Organization, also operates in Greece under the name of Costas A. Papaellinas (Hellas) S.A. The sister company’s headquarters are located on the outskirts of Athens and employs over 80 people. Cyprus Pharmaceutical Organization Limited (CPO) is a leading importer, distributor, and exclusive agent for a wide variety of products and services. It trades in high quality products servicing the fields of advanced Medical Technology, Health care products and pharmaceuticals as well as in beauty and personal care. The majority of their principals are brand leaders in their respective fields and their products are world famous.
