Hologic Launches C-View Software - Analyst Blog
November 29 2011 - 9:30AM
Zacks
Hologic (HOLX), a
leading player in the field of women’s health, has released its
C-View synthesized 2D image reconstruction algorithm. This
eliminates the requirement of a conventional 2D mammogram as a part
of a 3D mammography (tomosynthesis breast cancer screening). The
C-View software creates a 2D image from a single tomosynthesis,
thus doing away with the need for additional 2D exposures.
Hologic will feature the new
algorithm along with its Selenia Dimensions breast tomosynthesis
system at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North
America (RSNA), currently underway in Chicago.
Earlier this year, Hologic received
approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its
Selenia Dimensions 3D digital mammography tomosynthesis system. The
device is capable of producing both 3D and conventional 2D images
that can be used to screen and diagnose breast cancer. Clinical
studies conducted by the company revealed that the image in the
combined mode, 2D plus 3D, is superior to 2D mammography alone to
rule out breast cancer. Besides, the patient need not be recalled
for further study.
Sales of digital mammography
products increased 8% year over year and 18% sequentially to $83.3
million in the most recent quarter, driven by significant increase
in both units and revenues of Dimensions products. Dimensions
accounted for 63% of digital mammography product revenue and 49% of
units.
The company noted that 3D
Dimensions sales, still in its initial stages, are yet to ramp up
to its true potential despite showing sequential growth. Management
does not expect significant contribution before fiscal 2012.
Nevertheless, they are confident of being able to achieve the
target of placing 500-700 3D systems in the US within the first two
years. They also believe that all 2D Dimensions sold will be
upgraded to the 3D platform over time.
Our Take
Brest Health is the largest segment
at Hologic, accounting for 47% of total sales. We are impressed
with the company’s continuous efforts to improve the usability of
the Dimensions platform, which is expected to be an important
growth driver for the Breast Health business.
This is all the more significant
since economic uncertainty and high unemployment are adversely
affecting physician office visits, thereby impacting volumes for
NovaSure and Adiana products (in the Gyn Surgical segment), as seen
in the most recent quarter. Hologic’s competitor in this area,
Conceptus (CPTS), also witnessed similar
challenges. We remain cautious as persisting headwinds might lead
to lower revenues in the Diagnostics business, the second largest
at Hologic.
We maintain our Neutral
recommendation on Hologic over the long term, corresponding to the
Zacks #3 Rank (Hold) in the short term.
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