PillCam developer Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN) said that a recent study found that its PillCam COLON is not as sensitive in detecting colorectal diseases as optical colonoscopy, but that Given's technology is safe and can be a good option for certain patients.
The multi-center study comparing the performance of PillCam COLON capsule endoscopy with optical colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal polyps and cancer was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study's authors found that colon capsule endoscopy is a safe way to visualize the colon, without the need for sedation or intubation. However, the current PillCAM version is not as sensitive in detecting abnormalities as a colonoscopy.
Researchers computed sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for polyps, advanced adenoma and cancer.
Douglas Rex, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Indiana University of Medicine, Indianapolis, said, "Currently there are many individuals who are unwilling or unable to undergo colonoscopy. This study suggests that with technical improvements in the capsule and improvements in bowel cleansing, the capsule could become a safe and effective method to detect colon polyps in these patient populations."
Yokne'am-based Given received the CE Mark for the first-generation version of PillCam COLON in 2006, which is now available commercially in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada and Australia. PillCam COLON is not approved for use in the US. Given Imaging is currently advancing a second-generation PillCam COLON capsule through clinical trials in Israel.
Colon cancer involves the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive tract, while rectal cancer involves the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. Colon and rectal cancers begin in the digestive tract and occur when cells that line the colon or the rectum become abnormal and grow out of control. Reportedly only 50% of the eligible US population undergoes a colonoscopy.
PillCam COLON is a smooth plastic capsule which can be ingested with a sip of water. It has tiny video cameras at each end which capture 4 images per second for up to 10 hours.
Shares in Given rose 2.9% to $9.25 on Nasdaq yesterday, giving a market cap of $270.6 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 16, 2009
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