1) Briefly, what is it about your company that makes it so special?
Given Imaging’s technology revolutionized the field of gastroenterology in 2001 with the development of PillCam™ capsule endoscopy. We have succeeded in combining our sophisticated software and hardware together using the most advanced technologies in optical design, image processing, and micro electronics. Our camera-in-a-pill technology is recognized by the GI community as the most significant advancement in the field since the flexible endoscope. PillCam capsule endoscopy for the small bowel (PillCam™ SB) was ground breaking because it enabled physicians to visualize the entire 21ft of a patient’s small intestine for the first time in a more patient-friendly manner. This was something that could never be achieved by other diagnostic tests. Being able to see the entire small bowel has enabled physicians to better detect and diagnose these patients in a timely manner.
Ironically PillCam capsule endoscopy is frequently associated with the 1966 science fiction movie “Fantastic Voyage” where a hi-tech submarine was miniaturized and inserted into the bloodstream of a dying person. Similar to the movie Given Imaging took a journey that no one thought we could ever make – getting a missile sized capsule to travel down the inside of a person while taking pictures.
The other thing that makes our company unique is that we were able to adapt and expand our technology platform to other parts of the GI tract. Physicians have already seen the benefits of being able to visualize the esophagus with greater accuracy with the PillCam ESO capsule. We believe PillCam COLON which recently received marketing clearance in the European Union will generate similar results.
2) What country best facilitates starting a tech company?
Israel and I say Israel not just because Given Imaging was established there. The country is young, growing, and exuberant. Israel also has an enormous pool of extremely talented people that are much more affordable then in other hi-tech sectors such as Silicon Valley. The Government is also a strong supporter of the growth of the hi-tech industry and provides incentives to encourage capital investment and scientific research and development. As a result, 285 medical device companies (557 life sciences companies in total) including Given Imaging, have been able to bring their technologies to market over the past decade.
3) What makes an innovator?
An innovator is someone who has a distinct vision of the market’s future requirements, the perseverance to transform that concept into reality and the passion to continuously challenge that vision to improve. In my opinion though, a good innovator is also someone who knows how to make a profit. I consistently ask my team “show me the money” every time we discuss a new innovation.
4) How does your company directly contribute to improving the state of the world?
Given Imaging is changing the practice of medicine. The PillCam Platform helps physicians deliver a higher standard of care for their patients by offering a simple, patient-friendly and highly cost-effective way of diagnosing a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. Our three PillCam video capsules for the small bowel, esophagus and colon represent the future of GI diagnostic imaging.
5) What value do you hope to gain from being a Technology Pioneer?
Greater awareness of the benefits and impact our PillCam Platform technology has had on hundreds of thousands of patients mainly in the western world but also visibility for Given Imaging and PillCam capsule endoscopy with people outside of the western world who might not be up-to-date on our technology. As well, we look forward to establishing a dialogue with the other Technology Pioneers to share ideas and discuss the major health issues affecting the world today.
