Amersham plc

Amersham plc was a British multinational company specializing in radiochemicals and radiopharmaceuticals for medical diagnostics and research. Founded in 1940 in Amersham, England, the company played a pivotal role in the development and commercialization of radioactive materials for use in medicine, research, and industry. Over the years, Amersham plc expanded its operations globally, becoming a key player in the life sciences sector before its acquisition by General Electric in 2004.

History

Amersham plc's origins trace back to the establishment of the Radiochemical Centre in Amersham in 1940. Initially part of the UK government's scientific research efforts during World War II, the center focused on the production of radioisotopes for use in medical diagnostics and treatment. In 1951, it was corporatized as Amersham International plc, marking its transition into a commercial entity. The company was one of the first to be privatized by Margaret Thatcher's government in the early 1980s, reflecting a broader trend towards the privatization of state-owned enterprises in the UK.

Throughout its history, Amersham plc was at the forefront of innovation in the field of nuclear medicine and life sciences. It developed and marketed a wide range of radioactive materials for various applications, including cancer therapy, diagnostic imaging, and biological research. The company's products, such as radioactively labeled compounds and imaging agents, were critical in advancing medical diagnostics and research.

In 1997, Amersham plc merged with Nycomed ASA (excluding its imaging division) to form Nycomed Amersham plc. This merger expanded the company's product range and global reach. In 2001, the company rebranded itself as Amersham plc, emphasizing its focus on the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.

The acquisition of Amersham plc by General Electric in 2004 marked the end of the company's independent operations. It became part of GE Healthcare, a leading global provider of medical imaging and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.

Products and Services

Amersham plc's product portfolio was diverse, covering various aspects of medical diagnostics, research, and industrial applications. Key product areas included:

• Radiopharmaceuticals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging.
• Radioactive compounds for cancer therapy.
• Radioactively labeled molecules for molecular biology and genetic research.
• Imaging agents and contrast media for diagnostic imaging.

Impact and Legacy

Amersham plc's contributions to the fields of nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, and life sciences research have had a lasting impact. The company's innovations in radiopharmaceuticals and radiochemicals have facilitated significant advancements in medical diagnostics, allowing for more accurate and early detection of diseases such as cancer. Furthermore, Amersham's products have been instrumental in advancing research in molecular biology and genetics, contributing to our understanding of complex biological processes and diseases.

Acquisition by General Electric

The acquisition of Amersham plc by General Electric in 2004 for approximately $9.5 billion was a strategic move by GE to strengthen its healthcare division, GE Healthcare. This acquisition allowed GE Healthcare to expand its portfolio of diagnostic imaging and medical diagnostic products, incorporating Amersham's expertise in radiopharmaceuticals and radiochemicals.

See Also

• Radiochemistry
• Radiopharmaceutical
• Diagnostic imaging
• Nuclear medicine
• GE Healthcare