Given Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: GIVN), the global leader in capsule endoscopy, and Fujinon Corporation, a global leader in optical technologies and endoscopic equipment, today announced the signing of a strategic agreement. The goal of the agreement is to build closer collaboration between the companies in research and development, component sourcing, marketing and product distribution worldwide except in Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, Given Imaging and Fujinon will collaborate to develop future products for the gastrointestinal endoscopy and diagnostic field.

The agreement also grants Fujinon non-exclusive rights to distribute Given Imaging's capital equipment and small bowel products including Given Imaging's RAPID workstation and data recorders, PillCam SB, and Agile Patency capsules in certain countries worldwide, which will be determined by the two companies on a case-by-case basis.

"We are pleased to be working closely with a world leader in medical imaging technology," said Homi Shamir, president and CEO of Given Imaging. "Together with Fujinon, we will work to develop the next generation of less-invasive gastrointestinal products, leveraging on the combined resources and technologies of both companies to provide more effective treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. We believe this agreement will immediately strengthen our competitive position around the world and reaffirm our technology leadership."

"We are proud to be collaborating with Given Imaging, a proven innovator in the GI field," said Takeshi Higuchi, Representative Director and President of Fujinon Corporation. "Being able to offer Given's capsule endoscopy products alongside our own product portfolio gives our customers a powerful set of diagnostic and therapeutic tools and solidifies our position as the leading provider of GI Imaging solutions. We are confident that the venture between our companies will result in additional innovative benefits to patients worldwide."

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Given Imaging

Given Imaging is redefining gastrointestinal diagnosis by developing, producing and marketing innovative, patient-friendly products for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. The company is developing a complete line of PillCam™ video capsules for detecting disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The company's technology platform is the Given® System, featuring the PillCam video capsule, a disposable, miniature video camera contained in a capsule, which is ingested by the patient. The PillCam SB capsule is a naturally ingested method for direct visualization of the entire small intestine. It is currently marketed in the United States and in more than 50 other countries and has benefited more than 340,000 patients worldwide. The PillCam ESO video capsule, which provides visual examination of the esophagus, has been cleared for marketing by the FDA. Additional capsules for visualization of the stomach and colon are under development. Given Imaging's headquarters, manufacturing, and R&D facilities are located in Yoqneam, Israel; it has direct sales and marketing operations in the United States, Germany and France, and local offices in Japan, Spain, and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.givenimaging.com.

About Fujinon

Fujinon has continually developed as an optical equipment manufacturer of Fujifilm Group. The company has developed numerous products compatible with high-performance and high-quality images using the established optical techniques and provided them to the whole world. In the broadcast fields, the company developed lens compatible with Hi-Vision early and got various lineup including the 101x lens which is the highest quality zoom lens in the world, to have more than 50% of the worldwide market share. Regarding the lens unit for a mobile phone with camera function getting popular in the market, the company leads the world with high-resolution, compact lens unit using aspherical lenses.

In the fields of endoscopes, the company has developed continuously various innovative products promoted the expansion of business by introducing the products such as Double-Balloon Endoscope System, which make the examination and treatment in whole small intestine possible, endoscopic diagnostic imaging support functions FICE, and trans-nasal gastroscope which is prevailing in Japan and Asia for the examination with less pain to be inserted through the nose.

Endoscope business of the company maintains two digit growth every year, and aims at further expansion and growth in the fields of gastroenterological endoscopy.