-- Sherri Nobriga-Bonica, BSN, RN, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in
Boston, presented a poster highlighting the use of the Agile™ patency
capsule among patients previously contraindicated for capsule endoscopy.
The presentation discussed the appropriate use of Agile and cites current
literature that evaluates its value in expanding the use of PillCam SB to
identify small bowel disorders.
"The Agile patency capsule offers hope that patients who are currently
contraindicated for capsule endoscopy may be able to receive the gold
standard of care, leading to a diagnosis and therapies to ease their
symptoms," said Ms. Nobriga.
-- Kathy Geissler, BS, RN, CCRC of Rockford Gastroenterology Associates,
in Rockford, Illinois, highlighted the role of a nurse in patient
preparation prior to capsule endoscopy to obtain optimal test results. The
poster outlined potential patient scenarios and suggestions geared to
individualizing patient prep based upon current literature.
"Patient prep is an area where nurses can proactively and positively
impact patient outcomes," said Ms. Geissler. "Clearer studies enhance a
physician's ability to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment
decision, ultimately improving a patient's life."
Ms. Geissler and Margaret (Peg) O'Grady, MSN, ARNP will present a talk
titled "Developing the Role of the Physician Extender with PillCam®
Capsule Endoscopy" as part of the vendor program sponsored by Given
Imaging. The session will take place on Monday, May 18, 2009, 6:15 p.m. -
7:45 p.m., and provide an overview of the value and utility of physician
extenders.
Additionally, Given Imaging sponsored two course sessions related to
capsule endoscopy:
-- "What's In Your Capsule Toolbox?" presented by Sherri Nobriga-Bonica,
RN BSN
-- "GI Bleeds: From Capsule to Double Balloon Enteroscopy," presented by
Sandra Bernklau, MSN APRN-BC CGRN
About PillCam SB
The PillCam SB video capsule measures 11 mm x 26 mm and weighs less than
four grams. It contains an imaging device and light source and transmits
images at a rate of two images per second generating more than 50,000
pictures over an eight-hour period. Initially cleared by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration in 2001, PillCam SB today has become the gold standard
as evidenced by more than 1,000 peer-reviewed clinical papers. It is the
most accurate, patient-friendly diagnostic and monitoring tool for
visualization of the small bowel and is used by physicians to evaluate
patients with obscure GI bleeding, including iron deficiency anemia,
suspected Crohn's disease, suspected small intestinal tumors and monitoring
patients with polyposis syndromes and in suspected or refractory
malabsorptive syndromes, such as celiac disease.
About Agile Patency
The Agile Patency System is an accessory to the PillCam video capsule. It
is intended to verify adequate patency of the gastrointestinal tract in
patients with known or suspected strictures prior to administration of the
PillCam video capsule. Clinical situations that might preclude the use of a
PillCam video capsule unless intestinal patency can be confirmed include
suspicion of strictures related to Crohn's disease, chronic NSAID use,
tumors or radiation enteritis.
About Given Imaging
Since 2001 Given Imaging has advanced gastrointestinal diagnosis by
developing innovative, patient-friendly tools based on its PillCam®
Platform. PillCam capsule endoscopy provides physicians with natural images
of the small intestine via PillCam SB, the esophagus through PillCam ESO
and the colon with PillCam COLON [not cleared for use in the USA]. The
PillCam capsules are miniature video cameras that patients ingest. Given
Imaging's other capsule products include Agile™ patency capsule, to
verify intestinal patency, and Bravo®, the only wireless, catheter-free,
48-hour pH test commercially available for pH testing to assess
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Given Imaging's products use
cutting-edge wireless technology and advanced software to enable
gastroenterologists to better diagnose and more accurately treat patients.
All Given Imaging products allow patients to maintain normal activities.
Given Imaging's headquarters, manufacturing and R&D facilities are located
in Yoqneam, Israel, with operating subsidiaries in the United States,
Germany, France, Japan, Australia and Singapore. For more information,
please visit http://www.givenimaging.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, projections about our business and our future revenues,
expenses and profitability. Forward-looking statements may be, but are not
necessarily, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as
"may," "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans,"
"believes," and words and terms of similar substance. Forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
which may cause the actual events, results, performance, circumstances or
achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future
events, results, performance, circumstances or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual
events, results, performance, circumstances or achievements to differ from
such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the
following: (1) our ability to develop and bring to market new products, (2)
our ability to receive regulatory clearance or approval to market our
products or changes in regulatory environment, (3) our success in
implementing our sales, marketing and manufacturing plans, (4) protection
and validity of patents and other intellectual property rights, (5) the
impact of currency exchange rates, (6) the effect of competition by other
companies, (7) the outcome of significant litigation, (8) our ability to
obtain reimbursement for our product from government and commercial payors,
(9) quarterly variations in operating results, (10) the possibility of
armed conflict or civil or military unrest in Israel, (11) the impact of
global economic conditions, and (12) other risks and factors disclosed in
our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including,
but not limited to, risks and factors identified under such headings as
"Risk Factors," "Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements"
and "Operating Results and Financial Review and Prospects" in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007. You are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except for the
Company's ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the
applicable securities laws, it undertakes no obligation to release publicly
any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to
report the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contact Information: For further information contact: Fern Lazar/David Carey Lazar Partners Ltd. 1-866-GIVEN-IR /