About Us

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Pioneering ECP Immunomodulation for almost 40 years1*

The THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System focuses on the delivery of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP). We provide products and services aimed at advancing the science and clinical practice of the therapy and are committed to doing everything we can to help provide optimal delivery of ECP immunomodulation for both healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. The THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System has delivered over 1.6 million treatments in over 300 treatment centres in over 30 countries.2†

History of Photopheresis

Advances from ancient Egypt to our modern era

>3500 years ago

Origins of phototherapy

Ancient Egyptians use the plant Ammi majus in combination with light exposure to help treat vitiligo.1,3

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1947

8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) identified as one of the active ingredients in Ammi majus.4

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1980’s

Dr. Richard Edelson pioneers the process of extracorporeal photopheresis in CTCL.5

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1987

THERAKOS UVAR

The world’s first fully-integrated Photopheresis system.

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1999

THERAKOS UVAR XTSTM Photopheresis System‡

Launch of the second-generation Photopheresis system in Canada.

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2009

THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System

Introduction of the third-generation Photopheresis system.

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2022 - 2026

CELLEX PLUS System Upgrade

5.4 Improved notifications and troubleshooting.6
5.6 The latest generation CELLEX System software.

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Future

Future Concepts

Innovations are being developed with a continued focus on patient safety and user experience. Investigational products are subject to Health Canada clearance.

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Find a Centre

Treatment centres are independent, third-party facilities not owned or operated by Therakos (Canada) Company. This information is provided for centre identification purposes only; treatment availability and/or eligibility are not guaranteed.

References: 1. Honigsmann H. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2013;12:16-21. 2. Data on File – REF-26-00320. Therakos (Canada) Company. 3. Jarkowatch T, et al. Light Treatment in Medicine. (edx) Photobiology, 2000, Springer, New York, NY. 4. Campbell J. Br J Nursing. 2020;29:547-552. 5. Edelson R, et al. N Engl J Med. 1987;316(6):297-303. 6. THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System Operator’s Manual.

Important Safety Information for THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis Procedure

INDICATION

The THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System is indicated for use in the ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation, in the presence of the photoactive drug 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), of extracorporeally circulating leukocyte-enriched blood, in the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and systemic sclerosis (SSc).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Certain underlying medical conditions contraindicate THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis, including:

  • Patients who cannot tolerate extracorporeal volume loss during the leukocyte enrichment phase

  • Patients exhibiting idiosyncratic or hypersensitivity reactions to 8-methoxypsoralen/psoralen compounds

  • Patients with coagulation disorders or who have had previous splenectomy

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis treatments should always be performed in locations where standard medical emergency equipment is available. Volume replacement fluids and/or volume expanders should be readily available throughout the procedure.

  • MR-Unsafe: Do not expose the device to a magnetic resonance (MR) environment. The device may present a risk of projective injury, and thermal injury and burns may occur. The device may generate artifacts in the MR image, or may not function properly.

  • Thromboembolic Events: Thromboembolic events, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, have been reported in the treatment of Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), an indication not approved in Canada. Special attention to adequate anticoagulation is advised when treating patients with GvHD.

  • Concomitant Therapy: When prescribing and administering THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis for patients receiving concomitant therapy, exercise caution when changing treatment schedules to avoid increased disease activity that may be caused by abrupt withdrawal of previous therapy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Hypotension may occur during any treatment involving extracorporeal circulation. Monitor the patient closely during the entire treatment.

Transient pyretic reactions, 37.7-38.9 °C (100-102 °F), have been observed in some patients within 6-8 hours of reinfusion of the photoactivated leukocyte-enriched blood. A temporary increase in erythroderma may accompany the pyretic reaction.

Treatment frequency exceeding labeling recommendations may result in anemia.

Venous access carries a small risk of infection and pain.

Important Safety Information for Methoxsalen Sterile Solution Used in Conjunction with THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Methoxsalen Sterile Solution is contraindicated in:

  • Patients exhibiting idiosyncratic reactions to psoralen compounds

  • Patients with aphakia

  • Patients possessing a specific history of a light-sensitive disease state

SERIOUS WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

  • Concomitant Therapy: Exercise care in treating patients who are receiving concomitant therapy (either topically or systemically) with known photosensitizing agents.

  • Carcinogenicity: Oral administration of methoxsalen followed by cutaneous UVA exposure (PUVA therapy) is carcinogenic. Patients exhibiting multiple basal cell carcinomas or having a history of basal cell carcinoma should be diligently observed and treated.

  • Teratogenicity: Methoxsalen may cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman. Women undergoing photopheresis should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.

  • Cataractogenicity: Patients should be told emphatically to wear UVA absorbing, wrap-around sunglasses for twenty-four (24) hours after methoxsalen treatment, any time they are exposed to direct or indirect sunlight and whether they are outdoors or exposed through a window.

  • Safety in children has not been established.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

See product monograph for methoxsalen sterile solution (if used in conjunction with the THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System) and the Operator’s Manual for the CELLEX system at health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp or by calling 1-833-223-4ECP (1-833-223-4327).

Contact

Important Safety Information for THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis Procedure
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INDICATION

The THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System is indicated for use in the ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation, in the presence of the photoactive drug 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), of extracorporeally circulating leukocyte-enriched blood, in the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and systemic sclerosis (SSc).

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