Preparation-free, capsule-based technology has potential to improve colorectal cancer screening rates
ISFIYA, Israel, January 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Check-Cap Ltd. (the “Company” or “Check-Cap”) (NASDAQ: CHEK, CHEKW), a clinical stage medical diagnostics company developing a capsule-based system for preparation-free, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, today announced the enrollment of the first patient in its multi-center study of the C-Scan® system in support of its CE Mark submission.
C-Scan employs proprietary, ultra-low-dose X-ray technology in an ingestible capsule to create a 3D map of the inner colon to detect polyps, which may be, or may become, cancerous. Unlike existing imaging modalities, Check-Cap’s approach does not require bowel preparation, which is a significant obstacle to screening. Designed to improve the patient experience and maximize the number of people who complete screening, C-Scan works in concert with the natural functioning of the colon, and does not require sedation or changes to diet and normal daily activities.
“Completing the optimization of our system and initiating the trial to support CE Marking is a very positive step forward in the development of a more patient-friendly alternative to today’s invasive and preparation-intensive approaches to CRC prevention,” said Bill Densel, CEO of Check-Cap. “We believe that 2017 promises to be a pivotal year for Check-Cap. In addition to submitting for a CE Mark, we plan to initiate a pilot trial in the U.S. in the second half of this year. Recently, we held our first pre-submission meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and were encouraged by our initial discussions with the Agency.”
The current multi-center, prospective trial, designed to demonstrate the safety and clinical performance of C-Scan, will evaluate polyp detection as compared to colonoscopy. Check-Cap expects to submit for a CE Mark in the first half of 2017.
Mr. Densel added, “A robust body of data has shown that screening can reduce mortality by detecting precancerous polyps and early stage CRC. However, individuals have clear preferences, determined by test characteristics, which influence the uptake of existing screening options. We are dedicated to achieving accurate polyp detection, comfort and convenience in a single test, and are committed to developing C-Scan as an option to increase screening rates.”
About Check-Cap
Check-Cap is a clinical-stage medical diagnostics company developing C-Scan®, the first capsule-based system for preparation-free, colorectal cancer screening.
Utilizing innovative ultra-low dose X-ray and wireless communication technologies, the 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 Check-Cap system is currently not cleared for marketing in any jurisdiction.
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SOURCE Check-Cap Ltd.
