Mammotest boosts Fischer’s 1999 results

X-ray and mammography vendor Fischer Imaging posted revenue increases for the fourth quarter and year (end-December), thanks to growth in its Mammotest stereotactic biopsy business and the restructuring of its operations last September. Mammotest sales increased both in the U.S., through Fischer’s direct sales force, and in Europe, through its partnership with Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon Endo-Surgery division (SCAN 10/29/97).

The company reported fourth quarter revenues of $16.3 million, up 9% from $15 million in the same period 1998, and net income of $398,000, compared to a net loss of $4.4 million in 1998. For the year, Denver-based Fischer’s revenues climbed 10%, from 1998’s $59.8 million to $66 million. Net loss for the year was $343,000, compared to a loss of $6.8 million in 1998.

Also during the fourth quarter, Fischer moved closer to filing a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for its full-field digital mammography unit, SenoScan. The company has been in discussions with the FDA, according to Morgan Nields, chairman and CEO, and is in the process of evaluating whether to submit a 510(k) or a PMA.