Endoscopic capsule developer Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN) today unveiled its next-generation Pillcam Colon at the Gastro 2009 Conference in London. The Pillcam Colon2 is a development of the Pillcam Colon1, and is aimed at being more patient friendly, as well as providing better visualization of the colon.
The Pillcam Colon2 includes proprietary, innovative technologies, including intelligent functionality and superior imaging, designed to provide physicians with clear and precise views of the colon and polyps of interest.
Given Imaging has already obtained EU CE Mark certification for the Pillcam Colon2 and has begun marketing in select European countries, with continent wide availability planned by mid-2010.
The Pillcam Colon2 has two-way communications to improve the capsule's motion and imaging. The number of images has been increased to 35 frames per second from four frames per second. Advanced optics provides a 172-degree field of view offering a near 360-degree view of the colon.
A comparative study of which PillCam Colon2 to colonoscopy at five hospitals in Israel showed a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 76% in detecting polyps six mm or larger, and a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 89% in detecting polyps ten mm or larger. The study included 98 patients who had risks or warning symptoms of colon disease.
Given Imaging president and CEO Homi Shamir said, "PillCam Colon2 incorporates the cumulative expertise gained from the first PillCam Colon as well as more than one million PillCam capsule ingestions worldwide. Despite the small size of this initial study and the relatively low prevalence of polyps, we are very encouraged by this data and look forward to working with leading gastroenterologists in Europe, the United States and other markets to initiate additional clinical trials."
Given Imaging also has Pillcams for the small bowel and esophagus.
Given Imaging closed at $16.92 on Nasdaq on Friday, giving a market cap of $495 million, and rose over 4% in premarket trading today. The share rose 4.3% by mid-afternoon on the TASE to NIS 66.93.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 23, 2009
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009