Frost & Sullivan Lauds U-Systems for Its Unique Technology and Strategic Excellence Paving the Way for Robust Growth

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the breast imaging market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes U-Systems, Inc. with the 2012 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company of the Year. The company has already won the 2011 Technology Innovation Award in the automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) market and has now received recognition for leveraging its unique products and demonstrating strategic excellence that has resulted in robust growth.

Approximately 40 percent of women in the United States have dense breast tissue, a condition for which studies suggest that up to 75 percent of cancers can go undetected through screening with X-ray mammography alone. While ultrasound has always been an effective adjunct to mammography, especially for women with dense breasts, its heavy dependence on operator expertise was a disadvantage. U-Systems' pioneering somo-v ® Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) system addresses this and many other challenges to the standard deployment of ultrasound for breast imaging.

"Through its provision of an automated breast ultrasound solution that reduces breast ultrasound screening exam times while improving the accuracy of breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue, U-Systems addresses some of the biggest challenges in breast imaging today," said Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Roberto G. Aranibar. "As a result, U-Systems is on track for significant growth in 2012 and destined to become a key contender in the North American breast imaging equipment market."

U-Systems' somo-v ABUS system automates the breast ultrasound imaging process by providing 3D ultrasound images of breast tissue, making it an ideal imaging modality for a high-volume screening environment. Another differentiating feature of the system is its Reverse Curve™ Soft Touch transducer technology. Unlike conventional transducers, this one has a concave shape that enables a quicker, more comfortable breast exam, while improving imaging resolution and reducing artifacts. The system enables rapid review and archiving of patient exams, which optimizes the workflow of the screening process and allows the operator to select individual diagnostic planes, including a high-resolution coronal view, a feature that cannot be achieved on 2D ultrasound.

"By overcoming the ultrasound modality's limitations as an adjunctive to mammography, U-Systems has developed a technology that has the potential to emerge as a life-saving diagnostic aid that enables physicians to effectively diagnose the breast cancers missed by mammography," noted Aranibar. "Even given the recent controversies surrounding breast density and cancer risk, the company's commitment to investing in clinical research aimed at delivering this important breast cancer screening tool can not be understated."

For instance, the company completed a multi-center breast cancer screening clinical study to provide the evidence needed to support a new pre-market application (PMA) submission to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use of the system in screening applications for women with dense breast tissue. A unanimous vote by the FDA's radiological devices panel recommended approval in April, paving the way for U-Systems' ABUS device to become the first and only ultrasound system to obtain FDA approval for breast cancer screening indications.

U-Systems' path to success can also be attributed to its efforts to raise awareness of healthcare professionals and patients to the issues surrounding breast density. The company's dedication and efforts have attracted more than $30 million in additional venture funding since 2007, which has enabled it to further expand investments in research and development. The company has continued to provide its customers with innovative technology upgrades and enhancements for the somo-v system.

With every successive upgrade, U-System has increased the revenue potential of its unique technology while enhancing effectiveness and ease of use. In recognition of its strategic excellence and commitment to rapidly meeting the needs in the end-user market, the company is the worthy recipient of the 2012 North American Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award in breast imaging.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated entrepreneur spirit by devising a strong growth strategy and robustly implementing it. The award recognizes the recipient's strength in terms of innovation in products/technologies, leadership in customer value and speedy response to market needs.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About U-Systems, Inc.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, U-Systems, Inc. is establishing the standard for breast ultrasound screening. U-Systems develops 3D ultrasound products specifically designed for earlier detection of breast cancer. As the leader in automated breast ultrasound technology, U-Systems created the somo-v® Platinum Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) System to address the limitations of hand-held breast ultrasound.  Incorporating the latest in proprietary hardware and software technologies, the somo-v Platinum is the result of 10 years of research and development. The somo-v Platinum and somo-VIEWer Advanced 3D Workstation were specifically designed to increase breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue where the effectiveness of screening mammography has known limitations.

For more information about U-Systems, visit http://www.u-systems.com.

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan