GE Healthcare Collaborates With Tesla Engineering Ltd. to Produce Ultra High-Field 7.0T MRI Systems for Research Institutions

Today at the joint meeting of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) and the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB), GE Healthcare and Tesla Engineering Ltd. announced that they will collaborate together to produce 7.0 tesla (7.0T) human whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, and build upon the ten year history of GE innovations in this advanced, technical field.

These ultra high-field MRI systems are used for scientific and medical research, primarily for morphological and functional imaging of the brain while steadily expanding to all anatomies. Researchers using ultra high-field scanners hope that their research will contribute to earlier disease detection, more accurate diagnosis and increased effectiveness of investigational therapies for disorders and diseases such as cancer, stroke, epilepsy, drug abuse, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, head injury, visual disorders and schizophrenia.

Tesla Engineering Ltd. is currently building a new factory in Storrington, UK to manufacture the 7.0T magnets. They have recruited several key engineering and management staff with extensive experience in the design and manufacturing of ultra high-field magnets. The first unit from the new production line is committed to GE and scheduled to ship in late 2015.

“This agreement will enable GE to deepen and broaden our collaborations with leading MRI academics and visionaries, sharing our collective expertise and missions in technology, science and medicine,” said Richard Hausmann, president and CEO of GE Healthcare, MR. “The GE 7.0T community in the US, Europe and Asia has already demonstrated breakthrough observations and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and cognitive physiology. Together, we will continue to push the frontiers of MRI for neuroscience and other applications.”

“Tesla is very pleased to collaborate with GE and to take a leadership position in the continuing evolution of MR magnet technology,” said Mike Begg, group managing director, Tesla Engineering Ltd. “This is a solid business opportunity for us that complements and builds upon our existing strengths in superconducting magnet technology, as well as our strong core technology positions in cryogenics.”

About Tesla Engineering Ltd.

Tesla Engineering Ltd. is a company dedicated to the design and manufacture of resistive and superconducting electromagnets for science, medicine and industry. Our magnets include bending and focusing magnets for particle accelerators, specialised gradient coils for use in MRI and advanced magnets for emerging markets such as fusion, renewable energy sources, semi-conductor processing and cancer therapy. Tesla Engineering Ltd. aims to precisely match our products to the customer's requirements in terms of performance, price and delivery. We have been designing and building accelerator elements since 1973 and our team includes some of the most experienced magnet designers and builders in the world.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.

GE Healthcare’s Commitment to Neurology

Between 2010 and 2020, GE Healthcare plans to invest over $500 million in research into neurological disorders. The investment crosses all lines of GE Healthcare's global business and focuses on developing new neurology diagnostic solutions, educating consumers, and expanding research already in progress. Target areas include diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, concussion and traumatic brain injury. For decades, GE Healthcare has produced diagnostics scanners, imaging agents and software to help physicians see more clearly inside the brain and aid better patient management. In 2013, a $60 million investment with National Football League to develop new MR technology for traumatic brain injury was announced, including a $20 million Global Challenge to advance diagnosis and prognosis of mild TBI.