Alliance Boots and EORTC begin to work in the research on cancer at European level

-The EORTC aims to improve the treatment of cancer through the development of new drugs, as well as, the evaluation of treatment regimens that combine drugs currently on the market, with surgery or radiation therapy

-the goal is to get a donation of 5 million euros in the next 5 years, which will be used for the creation of a BioBank ” for colorectal cancer, and subsequently, a platform for blood samples to obtain genetic profiles

Barcelona, 2011-September Alliance Boots and the European Organisation for research and treatment of cancer (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer – EORTC in its acronym in English) have begun to work in the fight against colorectal cancer. The initiative is based on the agreement signed last June between the two entities and with the aim get a donation of 5 million euros in the next 5 years, which will be used for the creation of a BioBank ” for colorectal cancer andSubsequently, a platform for blood samples to obtain genetic profiles.

Founded in 1962, the EORTC is the largest European Organization of clinical research in the field of cancer, with a good reputation around the world. It is headquartered in Brussels and its network includes over 300 hospitals in more than 30 countries, caring for around 180,000 patients. The primary objective of the EORTC is to improve the treatment of cancer through the development of new drugs, as well as, the evaluation of treatment regimens that combine drugs currently on the market, with surgery or radiation therapy. Extensive research to properly reflect the different areas of a field as broad as the cancer is often beyond the capabilities of individual European hospitals and laboratories, and can be done better with works involving researchers and clinicians from different disciplines and Nations of Europe.

All the countries of Western Europe and a growing number of countries of the East are represented therein.

There are four divisions in the EORTC dedicated to treatment, research, education and prevention. Fundamental treatment Division structure is based on the contributions of cooperative groups and study oriented towards different tumors or any discipline as radiotherapy. This research is done mainly through the execution of prospective clinical trials, which involves different centers.

Professor Jean-Yves Blay, President of the EORTC, commented: “The EORTC is one of the main participants in the drive to develop tailored treatments for cancer patients.” This will be a breakthrough. We are immensely grateful to Alliance Boots by supporting our work. “Our new BioBank ”, Alliance Boots generously supports, will be an important engine for the improvement of the treatment of cancer”.

About Alliance

Alliance Healthcare is the Division for wholesale distribution and commercial affairs of Alliance Boots.

Alliance Boots is an international leader in health and beauty that offers a wide range of products and services to its customers. Working closely with the pharmaceutical industry with both Pharmacy and develops two major activities: the wholesale pharmaceutical distribution and pharmaceutical retailing.

Alliance Boots is a privately owned, which employs close to 115,000 * people. Its distribution network serves more than 160,000 * pharmacies, doctors, health centres and hospitals through more than 370 * pharmaceutical distribution warehouses in 21 * countries. Boasting more than 3.280 * health and beauty, in 11 shops * countries, 3.180 * which has a pharmacy.

* Data is 31 March 2011 and approximate, and include associated companies and joint ventures.

About EORTC

In 1976, the EORTC Foundation was established by Royal Decree in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Belgium, as an international association with the specific objective of obtaining funds for the support of the activities of the EORTC, to support the Organization’s structure and to support independent academic research projects. It receives most of its funds from the National Cancer Charities. All the charitable associations most important Europe dedicated to the treatment and the research on cancer that support the work of the EORTC are represented in the General Assembly, as well as the Association against the cancer of Hong Kong.

In March 2006, the EORTC Foundation changed its name to the of the Foundation Charity EORTC according to recent changes in the Belgian legislation. The objective of the Foundation Charity EORTC remains exactly the same.