GE backs ‘x-ray capsule’ for cancer screening

GE Healthcare is to support manufacturing of an ingestible capsule for colorectal cancer screening.

Check-Cap, a clinical stage medical diagnostics company developing an ingestible capsule for preparation-free, colorectal cancer screening, has entered into an agreement with GE Healthcare to develop and validate high-volume manufacturing for X-ray source production and assembly into Check-Cap's capsule.

Upon successful completion, the parties may discuss collaboration on execution of a high-volume manufacturing facility and distribution of the Check-Cap system.

“We are very excited to commence this strategic relationship with GE Healthcare as we continue our efforts to optimise the supply chain for the Check-Cap system,” said Bill Densel, CEO of Check-Cap.

“GE Healthcare is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of diagnostic imaging agents and radio-pharmaceutical drugs and devices.

“We believe that leveraging their experience and expertise provides us with a significant opportunity to meet our goal of increasing the time and cost efficiencies of production of our capsule for use in future clinical trials and commercialisation.”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US, with an estimated 134,000 diagnoses and 49,000 deaths in 2016. 

Despite compelling evidence that screening can detect colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps, nearly one-third of the recommended adult population has never been screened. 

The Check-Cap system was designed to improve the patient experience by eliminating the features of existing screening methods, such as bowel preparation, invasive procedure, and stool handling, that pose a barrier to test completion. 

Check-Cap is currently conducting a multi-center clinical feasibility study and expects to file a CE Mark submission for the Check-Cap system in the first half of 2017.