Given Imaging’s new PillCam COLON was not approved for commercial distribution by the FDA on February 18, even though it’s been approved for commercial use in Israel and Europe. The Israeli company develops, produces and markets innovative, patient-friendly products that detect gastrointestinal disorders. The PillCam COLON is a new product based on the PillCam Platform. It’s a tiny disposable video camera in a capsule that can be injested by a patient and used to view their colon. According to Given over 600,000 patients have benefited from PillCam technology.

Given CEO Homi Shamir: “While we are disappointed by the FDA’s decision we are evaluating our options to bring PillCam COLON to the U.S. market as quickly as possible. We recently launched PillCam COLON in Europe and in other countries, and we are working closely with leading GI clinicians to determine its optimal role in patient care. On a parallel track and consistent with our commitment to innovation, we are accelerating development of a next generation colon capsule.”

For more info check out the press release.

Se você já percorreu o mundo, já tirou fotos do Cristo Redentor, da estátua da liberdade, da Torre Eiffel, do Taj Mahal, etc. etc. Talvez você se pergunte se ainda existe algo neste mundo pra você fotografar… a resposta é sim! E está bem perto de você… ou melhor, DENTRO de você! Você por acaso tem algumas fotos do seu estômago no seu album de família?
Hehehe! A ciência ainda não nos permite fazer viagens como as do filme “Viagem Insólita“, mas já permite que engulamos uma mini câmera desenhada pra fazer um “Book” por dentro de nós! Agora sim vai ser possível dizer “O importante é a beleza interna”!
Brincadeiras a parte, a “Pill Cam” ainda não foi aprovada pelos organismos reguladores, mas se aprovada poderá ajudar a detectar doenças e disfunções intestinais sendo capaz de tirar 14 fotos por segundo durante 30 minutos. Depois pra poder ver as imagens você tem que… humm… bom… deixa pra lá…

By Aaron Katsman
IsraelNewsletter.com

I was recently on vacation, spending time both in Seattle and in New York, and I was asked to speak a bit on both the Israeli economy as well as interesting Israeli companies. Other than Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA), the company that is most well know is Given Imaging (GIVN). Everyone seemed to be aware of their “cool” PillCam technology. For those who don’t know, GIVN has revolutionized the gastrointestinal diagnosis industry with the PillCam video capsule, a disposable, miniature video camera contained in a capsule, which is ingested by the patient and allows for the non-invasive visualization of the GI tract. They have become the symbol of Israeli ingenuity.

For investors though, until recently, the stock was in a deep freeze. Though the company had this innovative technology, they had problems penetrating the market, and they disappointed investors with slower than expected growth. Over the last few quarters, however, the company has started firing on all cylinders, and the stock has reacted accordingly. Noted Israeli investor Shlomo Greenberg had an interesting take on the company’s newfound success in a recent Seekingalpha article. He spoke about the appointment of Israel Makov, former President and CEO of TEVA, as Chairman and the impressive Board of Directors that has been compiled. While this certainly plays a part in the company’s recent stock price surge, I think it’s actually executing the business plan that is the main driver. Recent news of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Wealth approving PillCam SB Capsule and equipment for sale and marketing, signing a global strategic agreement with Fujinon Corporation to collaborate on research and development, sourcing and non-exclusive distribution activities and a strong 23% increase in North American PillCam sales, and raising of revenue targets for the rest of ’07, are the main contributors. Ultimately it comes down to execution, not hype that excites investors. We have seen too many overly-hyped Israeli companies falter. It’s refreshing to find innovative companies that are also able to execute on the business side.

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Aaron Katsman is the lead portfolio manager for the Israel Growth Portfolio and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. For more information, go to www.israelnewsletter.com or call 1-888-327-6179, or email aaron@profile-financial.com.

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