Prep-free capsule for colorectal cancer screening receives CE mark

The European Commission gave a CE mark to C-Scan, a capsule used for a preparation-free colorectal cancer screening, according to a press release issued by the manufacturer, Check-Cap.

The capsule does not require bowel preparation, fasting or sedation, leading the company to suggest it could increase the number of adults who receive screening for colorectal cancer (CRC).

“This is a key validation of C-Scan and its potential as a convenient and comfortable option for identifying polyps in the colon,” Bill Densel, CEO of Check-Cap said in the press release. “We look forward to continued progress on our initiatives and remain on target to commence our European post-approval and U.S. pilot trials, each in [the first half of 2018], as we define marketing and commercialization pathways throughout 2018.”

C-Scan is an ingestible, ultra-low dose X-ray capsule combined with a wireless tracking system, which generates structural information on the lumen of the colon. It allows physicians to identify pre-cancerous polyps and other abnormalities by helping to create 2D and 3D maps of the colon, according to the press release.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men, as well as women, and causes the second most deaths. Screening rates remain low despite evidence that removing adenomatous polyps reduces incidence of CRC. Approximately 1.4 million cases of CRC are diagnosed every year throughout the world, causing almost 700,000 deaths, according to the press release.

Disclosures: Densel is employed by Check-Cap.