Description

An Israeli medical device company has developed a breakthrough solution for Colorectal Cancer Screening and is actively looking for a partner for further R&D.
Colorectal cancer is the Western world’s second largest cancer killer claiming more victims then breast cancer and AIDS combined. Worldwide figures claim 1 million new cases and more than 500,000 deaths each year. Yet, colorectal cancer is 90% preventable or curable with early screening. Although there has been a dramatic increase in the number of colonoscopies in the past year due to increased awareness and broader insurance coverage, many patients still avoid screening due to colonscopy’s invasiveness, discomfort, perceived risks, and intimidating bowel preparation. An Israeli medical device company has developed a breakthrough solution for colorectal cancer screening. The device requires no preparation, no invasive procedures, and can detect clinically significant polyps within the same accuracy as a colonoscopy.

The developed technology is based on an multi-disciplinary imaging solution for screening of the colon. The system includes a disposable imaging capsule to be swallowed, a receiver, proprietary imaging software and an associated database for quick web based access and analysis by a physician.

The imaging capsule is swallowed by the patient, who can continue in their daily routine as the capsule travels painlessly through their colon, to be excreted naturally 24-48 hours later. The capsule is a similar size to those of other capsule endoscopy products (approximately 30 mm length and 11 mm diameter). The imaging capsule contains a tiny imaging device that transmits X-rays, with minimal radiation, to the intestinal wall and back. The analysis of distances creates 3-D images of the colon’s internal surface, enabling accurate detection of clinically significant polyps. The reason no prior bowel cleansing is necessary is because X-rays can “see through” intestinal content in the way optics cannot. In addition, X-rays achieve a full 360-degree radius around the capsule, thus colon folds do not obstruct the capsule’s view, and this capsule can detect polyps behind colon folds.

Data gathered via the capsule is transmitted by a secure data link to a recorder worn on the patient’s wrist or belt. There, the data is stored for a physician's analysis. If nothing is detected, no colonscopy is necessary. If 3D images reveal polyps, a therapeutic colonscopy will be prescribed. The receiver will also alert the patient when the capsule has been excreted, about 24-48 hours after the beginning of the screening. Upon collecting data, a trained gastroenterologist physician can analyze the 3D reconstruction from any computer in a mere 10-15 minutes.

The company intends to establish the “gold standard” of colon cancer screening, meeting the tremendous medical need of an estimated 35 million patients annually in a $25 billion market. This medical development is an imperative, competitive, innovative technology that can and will save millions of lives.

Innovations and advantages of the offer

The technology is safe, patient friendly, accurate and simple. Since the capsule is designed to image only the colon interior through which it travels, the amount of x rays required is significantly lower than that of X-ray systems operating from outside the body. This technology’s X-ray transmission only occurs while the capsule is in motion, further limiting radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is equal to 1 chest x-ray or 1/300 of a CTC (Virtual Colonoscopy) analysis. (This takes into account capsule’s potential ‘back-and-forth’ movement).

The Israeli technology is patient friendly because it is “self administered”, yet has achieved the same range of accuracy as doctor-administered screenings. Since it fosters non-invasive detection with no bowel-cathartic preparation, the technology will increase not only CRC screenings but also, general patient compliance to be tested. Self administration of this screening test will also “free-up” resources and increase screening throughput, thus saving more lives.

The technology has been proven in animals to detect clinically significant polyps within the same range of accuracy as a standard colonoscopy. Since the technology’s X-rays, unlike optic alternatives, foster an advanced 360-degree radius around the capsule, folds do not obstruct the capsule’s view and the images can detect polyps behind colon folds as well.

No hospital beds, intimidating bowel preparation, or expensive equipment is required. Since trained gastroenterologists can analyze the data in 7-10 minutes, doctors will spend less time on screenings and more time with patients who need therapeutic colonoscopies.

Current and Potential Domain of Application

Today, worldwide, 15 million annual colon screenings occur. Market potential is 30-40 million annual screenings. This technology will increase compliance, screenings, and the number of colon cancer survivors.
Despite the fact that the screening may prevent severe disease, suffering and cost, many prospective patients tend to put off the Colonoscopic procedure due to the unpleasant preparation process. The new capsule eliminates this stage of the inspection, but massive screening of large poipulations is still depending on very large amount of trained gastroenterologist physicians. An intelligent visualization software tool may analyse the results and will save this need for 90% of the cases.

Current Stage of Development

Available for demonstration

Collaboration Type

Joint further development

Comments

Type of partner sought: Industrial R&D in the medical imaging field

Specific area of activity of the partner: Further research and development of technology

Task to be performed by the partner sought:

• Medical software that can analyze the Colonoscopic video output
• Validation by comparative clinical tests
• Regulation of the software tool
• Participate and support the marketing and the sales

Ref: 12 IL 80EP 3O23