Our History

Founded in 1946, MDS Nordion’s history is a story of innovation, internationalism, and growth. Today, the company markets more than 50 products to a well-diversified base of over 650 customers in 65 countries around the world.

Originally the radium sales department of Eldorado Mining and Refining Ltd., MDS Nordion’s history of innovation started in the late 1940s with the development of one of the first teletherapy units that used the radioisotope cobalt-60 to destroy cancerous tumours. These types of teletherapy units are still being used today to treat patients.

Soon after, the division was given responsibility for selling radioisotopes produced by the newly established nuclear research facility at Chalk River, Ontario. As a result, in 1951, Eldorado established a commercial products division (CPD) to manage the growing isotope business, especially cobalt-60 used in cancer treatment.

In 1952, the federal government created Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), a Crown corporation. Shortly thereafter, CPD was transferred to AECL, where it rose to international prominence and remained for the next 40 years.

Its global success in the medical equipment business resulted in extensive research and development, which in turn led to two businesses that would shape the company for decades to come—the use of cobalt-60 to sterilize products by irradiation; and the delivery of medical isotopes to be injected into the human body to help diagnose and treat illnesses. 

In 1988, ownership was transferred from AECL to the Canadian Development Investment Corporation (CDIC). The company assumed a new name, Nordion International Inc. and was later sold to MDS Health Group in 1991. Since then, Nordion has grown substantially, continuing to improve the lives of millions of people around the world, while expanding its business into new products and markets.

Most recently, MDS Nordion has expanded its radiotherapeutic capabilities through a number of partnerships and collaborations, and TheraSphere®, an innovative treatment for liver cancer. Leveraging our core competencies and building on our established platform, MDS Nordion continues to make a distinct difference in the well being of people worldwide.