E-Z-EM introduces new GI contrast agent

Contrast agent developer E-Z-EM launched a new contrast agent at December’s RSNA show. Digibar 190 is a barium sulfate product for use in digital fluoroscopic studies of the gastrointestinal tract, and is first in a line of contrast media products E-Z-EM is developing for digital imaging systems. Also at the show, the company’s subsidiary, AngioDynamics, unveiled three new products, including a fluid drainage catheter, a balloon catheter, and a biliary stent. Queensbury, NY-based AngioDynamics has already begun U.S. sales of its fluid drainage catheter, called Abscession. Its new balloon catheter, WorkHorse, and its Vistaflex platinum biliary stent have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, and the company expected to begin selling the products in December.

In other E-Z-EM news, the Westbury, NY, firm reported second-quarter 2000 results (end-November), with earnings of $1.8 million, compared with 1999’s $1.5 million. E-Z-EM posted sales of $28 million for the quarter, up from the previous year’s $26.5 million.