Originally Published MX November/December 2004

COVER STORY

Successfully commercializing a new medical technology frequently requires considerable support from clinicians in the field. Such end-users play a vital role in validating the clinical utility of a new technology, conducting clinical trials to support regulatory approvals, and performing ongoing research to demonstrate favorable outcomes.

At Proxima Therapeutics Inc. (Alpharetta, GA), early involvement of clinicians was never in doubt. The company's technology for postsurgical cancer irradiation was initially conceived by Jeff Williams, MD, a triple-board-certified physician at Johns Hopkins Medical Center (Baltimore). Following Dr. Williams's lead, Proxima moved early on to conduct clinical studies of its products.