Given Imaging (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN) announced today that Menorah Insurance has approved a coverage policy for its camera-in-a-pill for evaluation of the esophagus.
The policy, which goes into effect March 30, 2005, is the first coverage policy for the PillCam ESO.
"This is an important milestone for Given Imaging as well as for the patients covered by the Menorah policy who may be at risk for developing more serious disorders of the esophagus such as Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer," said Given Imaging president and CEO Gavriel D. Meron.
In the US, PillCam ESO is marketed by InScope, a division of Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a Johnson and Johnson company.
Given Imaging develops, produces and markets innovative, patient-friendly products for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. The company is developing a complete line of PillCam video capsules for detecting disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
The company's technology platform is the Given diagnostic system, featuring the PillCam video capsule, a disposable, miniature video camera contained in a capsule, which is ingested by the patient. The PillCam SB capsule is the only naturally ingested method for direct visualization of the entire small intestine. It is currently marketed in the US and in over 60 other countries.
The PillCam ESO video capsule, which provides visual examination of the esophagus, has been cleared for marketing by the FDA. Additional capsules for visualization of the stomach and colon are under development.
Given Imaging's headquarters, manufacturing and R&D facilities are located in Yokneam, Israel; it has direct sales and marketing operations in the United States, Germany and France, and local offices in Japan, Spain and Australia.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on Wednesday, March 30, 2005