Varian Medical Systems

Varian Medical Systems

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Medical technology, Radiation oncology
Predecessor	Varian Associates
Founded	1948 (1948)
Founder	Russell H. Varian, Sigurd F. Varian, William Webster Hansen, Edward Ginzton
Headquarters	Palo Alto, California , United States
Area served	Worldwide (around 70 countries)
Products	Linear accelerators (LINACs), radiotherapy software, radiosurgery systems, proton therapy systems, brachytherapy products, cancer treatment center software
Number of employees	over 7,100
Parent	Siemens Healthineers (since April 2021)
Website	www.varian.com

Varian Medical Systems is a U.S.-based enterprise focused on radiation oncology technologies and software, with its main office located in Palo Alto, California. Its offerings encompass linear accelerators (LINACs) alongside software designed for cancer therapies such as radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy, and brachytherapy. Additionally, Varian delivers software platforms that support the administration of cancer treatment centers, radiotherapy clinics, and medical oncology practices. The company employs more than 7,100 individuals across manufacturing facilities situated in North America, Europe, and China, maintaining a presence in roughly 70 countries globally.

In August 2020, Siemens Healthineers revealed plans to acquire Varian for $16.4 billion, a transaction finalized in April 2021. Following the merger, Varian operates as an independent entity, preserving its headquarters and employee base. This acquisition strategically broadened Siemens Healthineers’ international reach and fortified its standing within the oncology sector.

History

Established in 1948 under the name Varian Associates, the company was founded by Russell H. Varian, Sigurd F. Varian, William Webster Hansen, and Edward Ginzton to commercialize the Klystron, which was the pioneering tube capable of generating microwave-frequency electromagnetic waves, along with associated devices.

By 1999, Varian Associates had expanded its operations into semiconductor technology, vacuum tubes, and medical equipment. On April 2 of that year, it divided into three separate publicly traded companies: Varian Semiconductor, Varian, Inc., and Varian Medical Systems.

In August 2020, Siemens Healthineers announced an all-stock deal to acquire Varian Medical Systems for $16.4 billion. The acquisition was completed on April 15, 2021, significantly enhancing Siemens’ footprint in the oncology market.

Acquired companies

Prior to becoming part of Siemens Healthineers, Varian Medical Systems followed a growth strategy centered on acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in oncology and medical technology. Notable acquisitions included Pan-Pacific Enterprises (distributor in China), ACCEL Instruments (developer of German proton therapy systems), Bio-Imaging Research, Sigma Micro Informatique Conseil, Argus Software (focused on quality control automation), Dosetek Oy (Finland-based), Velocity Medical Solutions (clinical decision support software), and MeVis Medical Solutions AG.

In January 2018, Varian expanded its interventional oncology capabilities by acquiring Sirtex Medical for $1.3 billion. The subsequent year saw the purchase of CyberHeart, a company specializing in cardiac radioablation technology that extended Varian’s radiosurgery applications into cardiovascular treatments.

Spin-off companies

On January 30, 2017, Varex Imaging Corporation—specializing in X-ray imaging components—was successfully separated from Varian Medical Systems and began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Linear accelerators

Varian manufactures a variety of megavoltage LINAC models featuring different configurations such as multiple multileaf collimator options and radiosurgery functions.

The TrueBeam system is engineered for highly accurate radiotherapy cancer treatments.

Introduced in 2012, the EDGE radiosurgery platform offers advanced non-invasive surgical solutions. Early installations included institutions like the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon and Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.

Halcyon

Launched in 2017, Halcyon incorporates a dual-layer MLC that allows for advanced modulation while minimizing leakage. Its automated capabilities simplify clinical workflows by decreasing the need for manual intervention, including features such as automatic beam switching and daily LINAC quality assurance performed with a phantom.

Although Halcyon's automation improves operational efficiency and user-friendliness for radiation therapists, it may introduce complexities for medical physicists conducting in-depth Quality Assurance. Nevertheless, the system facilitates quicker patient treatments and enhances overall clinical workflow.

Proton Therapy

Varian produces the ProBeam Proton Therapy System, which is installed at numerous international locations. This system employs pencil-beam scanning technology and utilizes IMPT (intensity modulated proton therapy), developed in collaboration with Switzerland’s Paul Scherrer Institute. Additionally, Varian provides specialized medical software and radiology information systems tailored for proton therapy planning.

Ethos Therapy

At the ASTRO annual meeting on September 16, 2019, Varian unveiled Ethos therapy, an AI-powered platform aimed at improving radiotherapy adaptability, versatility, and efficiency. The system delivers fully adaptive treatments within an approximate 15-minute session encompassing patient positioning through to treatment delivery.

Defamation case law

In 1999, Varian initiated legal action against a former employee over defamatory online statements. This dispute resulted in the California Supreme Court decision in Varian v. Delfino, which addressed procedural aspects during an anti-SLAPP motion appeal. The matter was ultimately resolved through a confidential settlement.

University of Pittsburgh

In 2012, following a medical patent infringement lawsuit victory against Varian, the University of Pittsburgh was awarded $73.6 million by a U.S. federal judge to cover attorney fees, expenses, and doubled damages.