New Plan for Hologic's Mammography - Analyst Blog
March 04 2013 - 8:00AM
Zacks
In an attempt to exhibit the
benefits of 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) over conventional
2D mammography, Hologic Inc. (HOLX) has planned to
carry its 3D mammography in a new mobile mammography coach for a 12
month trip. Accordingly, this leading provider of healthcare
products for women formed an alliance with healthcare specialty
vehicles provider Armor Mobile.
As per the plan, this mobile coach
will traverse the U.S. in the next one year. With this new
approach, the company plans to show how the combination of 2D and
3D in breast cancer screening helps improve early detection,
reduces false positives and unnecessary call backs by 40% compared
to 2D mammography.
We note that unlike a 2D mammogram
screening that involves a single X-ray image of the breast, 3D
mammography captures multiple, low-dose images from various angles
around the breast. The images are then used to produce a 3D digital
reconstruction of the breast.
Hologic is also scheduled to
exhibit some of its newest offerings at the annual meeting of the
European Society of Radiology, during Mar 7–11, in Vienna, Austria.
The European Congress of Radiology (“ECR”), the largest
radiological meeting in Europe, offers the ideal platform for the
company to showcase its products.
Hologic will display its extensive
suite of healthcare solutions for the screening and diagnosis of
breast cancer, breast biopsy, osteoporosis risk assessment, medical
MRI coils and extremity imaging. Management is enthusiastic about
its breast tomosynthesis program including the introduction of a
tomosynthesis biopsy option for the company’s Affirm breast biopsy
guidance system. Hologic will also conduct education sessions and
training workshops for tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy.
Moreover, Hologic is set to display
two new products at ECR, namely Selenia Dimensions Avia Package and
Flouroscan InSight-FD Mini C-arm. While the Avia Package provides
cost effective 2D screening and diagnostic solutions, the Mini
C-arm will meet the needs of orthopedic and extremity surgeons by
improving workspace access and ease of positioning.
We note that expectations from the
breast tomosynthesis technology are sky-high. However, over the
past few quarters, Hologic witnessed several challenges in the form
of economic uncertainties in Europe, slower sales cycles and
increasing pricing pressure.
In the light of these facts, the
estimates for the ongoing fiscal have remained stagnant over the
last 90 days. Accordingly, the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3
(Hold). While we remain on the sidelines for Hologic, other medical
stocks such as Cyberonics (CYBX), Given
Imaging (GIVN) and Medical Action (MDCI),
each carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) are expected to do
well.
CYBERONICS INC (CYBX): Free Stock Analysis Report
GIVEN IMAGING (GIVN): Free Stock Analysis Report
HOLOGIC INC (HOLX): Free Stock Analysis Report
MEDICAL ACTION (MDCI): Free Stock Analysis Report
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