- New capsule features latest innovations from Micron Technology and Zarlink Semiconductor -
YOQNEAM, Israel and BOISE, Idaho and OTTAWA, Oct. 6
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Given Imaging, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIVN), Micron Technology (NYSE:MU) and Zarlink Semiconductor (NYSE/TSX: ZL) announced today that they are finalizing development of a third generation PillCam SB (TM) for the small bowel. The new capsule is expected to be commercially available in 2006.
Doubling the frame rate from two to four frames (images) per second, the new PillCam SB will offer enhanced viewing capacity while increasing the capsule's operational time from eight to nine hours and incorporate new optical and image sensor technology to provide superior image quality. Coupled with Given Imaging's latest RAPID software platform, the new PillCam SB capsule is designed to provide the physician with more detailed and extensive information to improve diagnostic efficacy as well as user friendliness and efficiency.
Micron's complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors and Zarlink's ultra low-power RF (radio frequency) transmitter chips are used in Given's PillCam SB video capsule and PillCam(TM) ESO for imaging the esophagus as well as the future PillCam COLON, which is currently in clinical trials.
"Since inception, Given Imaging has built a strong track record of advancing our line of patient-friendly, PillCam capsule endoscopes by incorporating Micron Technology's latest generation CMOS process technology as well as Zarlink's cutting-edge low power and wireless technologies. Our commitment to responding to the needs of our customers through continuous innovation will continue in 2006 and beyond," said Gavriel Meron, President and CEO of Given Imaging.
"Micron's Digital Clarity(TM) CMOS sensors have set a standard for imaging excellence," stated Bob Gove, Vice President of Imaging for Micron Technology, Inc. "Through our close collaboration with Given, we are enabling the PillCam SB to take yet another step forward in disposable medical imaging." "Our custom solution for Given's product range is indicative of how Zarlink's ultra low-power and wireless technologies are proving indispensable for the healthcare and communications markets," said Steve Swift, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Ultra Low-Power Communications, Zarlink Semiconductor.
About Given Imaging Given Imaging is redefining gastrointestinal diagnosis by developing, producing and marketing innovative, patient-friendly products for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. The company is developing a complete line of PillCam(TM) video capsules for detecting disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The company's technology platform is the Given(R) Diagnostic System, featuring the PillCam video capsule, a disposable, miniature video camera contained in a capsule, which is ingested by the patient. The PillCam(TM) SB capsule is the only naturally ingested method for direct visualization of the entire small intestine. It is currently marketed in the United States and in more than 50 other countries and has benefited more than 230,000 patients worldwide. The PillCam(TM) ESO video capsule, which provides visual examination of the esophagus, has been cleared for marketing by the FDA. Additional capsules for visualization of the stomach and colon are under development. Given Imaging's headquarters, manufacturing and R&D facilities are located in Yoqneam, Israel; it has direct sales and marketing operations in the United States, Germany and France, and local offices in Japan, Spain and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.givenimaging.com/.
About Micron Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND Flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit its Web site at http://www.micron.com/.
About Zarlink Semiconductor For almost 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths, including voice and data networks, consumer and ultra low-power communications, and high-performance analog. For more information, visit http://www.zarlink.com/.
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Given Imaging, including projections about our business and our future revenues, expenses and profitability, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For example, statements in the future tense, words such as "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance identify such forward-looking statements. Those forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results could differ materially from our current expectations as a result of numerous factors, including but not limited to the following: changes in regulatory environment, our success in implementing our sales, marketing and manufacturing plan, protection and validity of patents and other intellectual property rights, the impact of currency exchange rates, the effect of competition by other companies, the outcome of future litigation, the reimbursement policies for our product from healthcare payors, quarterly variations in operating results, the impact of the newly adopted SFAS 123R for expensing option-based payments, the possibility of armed conflict or civil or military unrest in Israel and other risks disclosed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. DATASOURCE: Given Imaging, Ltd.
CONTACT: Fern Lazar, , or David Carey, , both of Lazar Partners Ltd. for Given Imaging, 1-866-GIVEN-IR; or Kirstin Bordner of Micron, +1-208-368-5487, ; or Ed Goffin of Zarlink Semiconductor, +1-613-270-7112 Web site: http://www.givenimaging.com/ http://www.micron.com/ http://www.zarlink.com/
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