Pillcam developer Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN) highlighted new research which pointed to the clinical value of PillCam SB capsule endoscopy in disease management.
The data was presented at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course in San Antonio, Texas.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Dr. Hans Herfarth said, "The body of research on capsule endoscopy continues to grow, supporting its utility in helping clinicians accurately care for patients with conditions of the small bowel, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We also are encouraged to see research that adds to clinician knowledge about achieving optimal patient outcomes using this important technology."
One presentation was of study that concluded capsule endoscopy impacts the overall management of inflammatory bowel disease. Another study which reviewed 250 patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) showed a significantly higher diagnostic yield for video capsule endoscopy procedures performed in patients on chronic anti-coagulation medications. The study's authors concluded that earlier use of capsule endoscopy in this patient population is warranted and suggest that patients continue taking their anti-coagulant medication until just prior to the exam, when applicable.
A third poster presentation led by University of California Los Angeles's Dr. Rome Jutabha retrospectively reviewed 882 small bowel capsule endoscopy cases from a single center. The most common capsule endoscopy findings were angiodysplasia (56.8%), ulcers (32.5%), lymphangiectasia (26%) and mass lesions (20.9%). The researchers concluded capsule endoscopy is a safe and effective diagnostic tool for detecting small bowel pathology, including obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, suspected Crohn's disease and small bowel tumors.
Given shares closed at $16.79 yesterday, giving a market cap of $499.42 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 20, 2010
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