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One Million Patients Swallow Zarlink Radio Chip as Part of Given Imaging Video Capsule(Market Wire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 07/07/09 -- Zarlink Semiconductor (TSX: ZL) today announced that it has shipped over one million custom RF (radio frequency) integrated circuits for use in Given Imaging's PillCam® SB video capsules for wireless examination of the gastrointestinal tract. Zarlink's ultra-low power RF chip transmits two images per second - more than 50,000 pictures over an eight-hour period - from the PillCam to an external data recorder as the vitamin-sized capsule passes naturally through the patient's small bowel. To-date, Zarlink's RF chips have transmitted approximately 50 billion images to help physicians visually examine the entire length of the small bowel to diagnose disorders such as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), Crohn's disease, celiac disease, tumors and a range of other small bowel disorders. "Zarlink is a long-standing partner providing leading-edge wireless technology and medical regulatory expertise that has helped support the successful introduction and expansion of our wireless video capsule platform," said Kevin Rubey, Chief Operations Officer, Given Imaging. "Our PillCam SB is now in use in more than 70 countries worldwide, and we are committed to developing new capsule endoscopy products that will enable earlier detection of disorders, improve patient care and ultimately save lives." "The success of Given Imaging's PillCam is evidence of the increasing demand for ultra low-power radio solutions for wireless medical devices," said Steve Swift, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Zarlink's Medical Products group. "As a leading provider of radio chips for the wireless healthcare market, Zarlink is well positioned to benefit from this growing opportunity. We congratulate Given Imaging for achieving the milestone of one million capsules shipped, and look forward to an ongoing partnership focused on innovative new wireless products to improve patient care and lower healthcare costs." The PillCam SB video capsule measures 11 mm x 26 mm and weighs less than four grams. It contains an imaging device, light source and Zarlink's RF transmitter chip. The video capsules require no sedation and allow the patient to carry on with normal daily activities. Prior to PillCam capsule endoscopy, exploratory surgery was the only available method for visualizing the entire small intestine. A high-resolution photo of Zarlink's RF transmitter chip is available at http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/5946.htm. About Zarlink Semiconductor For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com. Shareholders and other individuals wishing to receive, free of charge, copies of the reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Regulatory Authorities, should visit the Company's web site at www.zarlink.com or contact Investor Relations. Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the following: our dependence on the successful development and market introduction of new products; our ability to integrate any business, technologies, product lines or services that we have or will acquire; our dependence on revenue generation from our legacy products in order to fund development of our new products; current market conditions, including the lack of liquidity in the markets and economic slowdown, may increase our operating costs or reduce our revenue, thereby negatively impacting our operating results; our ability to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the future; the impact of the current economic crisis on our suppliers and customers and our ability to transfer parts to other suppliers; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; order cancellations and deferrals by our customers; our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial position; the cost and accounting implications of compliance with new accounting standards; and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing. Zarlink and the Zarlink Semiconductor logo are trademarks of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. Contacts: Zarlink Semiconductor Ed Goffin Media Relations and Investor Relations 613-270-7112 [email protected] |