ASGE: Colonoscopy most effective

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE; Oak Brook, Illinois), colonoscopy remains the most effective screening option for colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy is widely accepted as the best method for colon cancer screening because it allows the trained physician to thoroughly evaluate the entire colon. Colonoscopy has a high detection rate for polyps, including small lesions, and the ability to remove them immediately during the procedure, rather than scheduling a second exam. Biopsies can also be taken of any abnormal areas at the same time as the screening or diagnostic test.

The mission of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is to be the leader in advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Sontra Medical now Echo Therapeutics

Following its recent merger with Echo Therapeutics, Sontra Medical (Franklin, Massachusetts), a dual platform-enabled transdermal specialty therapeutics and diagnostics company, said that it has changed its corporate name to Echo Therapeutics. The company’s OTC Bulletin Board ticker symbol will change to ECTE and its corporate web site address will become www.echotx.com.

“Our new name better reflects our expanded strategic focus on building a broad pipeline of advanced topical formulations of FDA-approved specialty pharmaceutical products and next generation needle-free transdermal diagnostics,” said Patrick Mooney, MD, CEO of Echo Therapeutics.

Welch Allyn to globally realign company

Welch Allyn (Skaneateles Falls, New York), a manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, said it has realigned the company around global customer segments as part of a new strategic plan that focuses on addressing the changing needs of physicians, nurses, allied professionals and their patients.

The company also said it will increase its global reach by developing customer-focused solutions for growing and emerging markets outside the U.S. and leveraging technology with the talent and experience of its workforce to pursue leadership in innovation.

NAS gets Nasdaq compliance notice

North American Scientific (NAS; Chatsworth, California) said that it received a notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market indicating that for 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of the company’s common stock has closed below the minimum $1 per share requirement for continued inclusion. Therefore, the company has until April 2, to regain compliance. If, at anytime before that date, the bid price of the company’s common stock closes at $1 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the company understands that Nasdaq’s staff will provide written notification that the company has achieved compliance with the rule.

NAS specializes in cancer treatment.

CRH Medical opens Seattle center

CRH Medical (Vancouver, British Columbia) said that it has opened a Center for Colorectal Health in Seattle. The new center is the company’s first in the Seattle area, one of many new markets that CRH has targeted for expansion.

According to the NIH, about 50% of the U.S. population will develop hemorrhoids by age 50. The company plans to significantly increase the number of Centers for Colorectal Health across the U.S. to address this underserved market.

Thermo Fisher to construct new BioCenter

Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, Massachusetts) reported its plan to construct an $11 million, state-of-the-art BioCenter for the manufacture of single-use bioprocess containers (BPCs) and related products at the site of its existing bioprocess production business unit in Logan, Utah.

Bioprocess containers serve cell-culture applications as well as the production of protein-based drugs, and are used in mixing, storage and transportation of bioprocessing fluids and for bioreactors (used to grow cells, proteins and other biochemically active substances). Single-use bioprocessing components eliminate the risk of batch-to-batch cross contamination and significantly reduce startup costs for customers, Thermo said.