Colorectal capsule innovator, Check-Cap Ltd., together with collaborator GE Healthcare, tell us they’ve achieved an important initial milestone in the development of high volume, X-ray capsule manufacturing capabilities.
Background
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with an estimated 135,000 diagnoses and 50,000 deaths in 2017. Despite compelling evidence that screening can detect colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps, nearly one-third of the recommended adult population has never been screened. The C-Scan® system is designed to improve the patient experience with screening by eliminating many unattractive requirements, such as bowel preparation, fasting, and sedation.
Utilizing innovative ultra-low dose X-ray and wireless communication technologies, the C-Scan® capsule generates information on the contours of the inside of the colon as it passes naturally. This information is used to create a 3D map of the colon, which allows physicians to look for polyps and other abnormalities. Designed to improve the patient experience and increase the willingness of individuals to participate in recommended colorectal cancer screening, C-Scan® removes many frequently-cited barriers, such as laxative bowel preparation, invasiveness and sedation. The system is clinical stage, but not currently cleared for marketing in any jurisdiction.
The big news then, relates to the all-important X-Ray sources, produced at GE Healthcare using a customized manufacturing method, which have now passed all tests required to ensure compliance with C-Scan® system specifications.
Company comments
for Check-Cap
“We are very excited to have achieved success in the first critical phase of our collaboration with GE Healthcare, where we demonstrated the capability of our process to manufacture X-ray sources for the C-Scan® system,” said Bill Densel, CEO of Check-Cap. “We look forward to moving ahead with the development and validation of scalable production and integration processes that can provide capsules for future U.S. clinical trials and commercialization.”
for GE Healthcare
“The results of this critical phase of the collaboration are incredibly exciting for patients and the future prevention of colorectal cancer,” said Emmanuel Ligner, General Manager of Core Imaging for GE Healthcare Life Sciences. “GE Healthcare will continue its collaboration with Check-Cap using our expertise in radiopharmaceutical and device manufacturing to bring the C-Scan® system to clinicians and patients.”
Source: PR Newswire
published: May 10, 2017 in: Endoscopy, Technology