Eisai Co., Ltd. and its diagnostics subsidiary EIDIA Co., Ltd. has entered into two separate sale agreements with Tochigi-based medical equipment manufacturers Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation and GE Healthcare Japan Corporation for Japan sales of PROTOCO2L, a carbon dioxide insufflation system for CT (computed tomographic) colonography, and carbon dioxide insufflation tube PROTOCO2L Catheter Set (collectively referred to as “the Product”), both of which are currently marketed by EIDIA.

The product is used in CT colonography, a minimally invasive colorectal examination performed to detect lesions such as colorectal cancer through the use of CT imaging without requiring the insertion of a colonoscope into the colon. It uses medical carbon dioxide that is readily absorbed by the bowel, which allows for consistent distension of the large intestine and minimization of the discomfort incurred by patients during the procedure.

Carbon dioxide insufflation systems are widely utilized in both the United States and Europe in CT colonography as a useful screening tool for detecting and diagnosing colorectal cancer in its early stages. EIDIA launched the Product as the first system of its kind in Japan on August 22, 2011 to address the significant needs that existed in the medical setting.

The conclusion of the agreements will see the new addition of Toshiba Medical Systems and GE Healthcare Japan, both of which are major sellers of CT equipment in Japan, as powerful sales channels, and is expected to further contribute to the widespread use of CT colonography in colorectal exams and the early detection of colorectal cancer in Japan.

With a view to further fulfilling its corporate mission of human health care (hhc), the Eisai Group established a new Eisai Japan organizational structure in June 2010 to formulate and implement comprehensive strategies across its four Japan business segments comprising prescription pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, diagnostics, and generics. By providing a wide range of information and products related to all aspects of integrative oncology, one of the Group's defined areas of therapeutic focus, Eisai and EIDIA seek to make further contributions to increasing the benefits provided to patients.