(I have to think this company will be acquired. We'll see what the call premiums look like tomorrow.)
FDA panel backs Cygnus diabetes glucose monitor
December 6, 1999 06:24 PM
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Dec 6 (Reuters) - Federal advisers on Monday backed a watch-like device by Cygnus Inc. CYGN designed to help diabetics keep better track of changes in their blood sugar.
A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted unanimously that the GlucoWatch was safe and effective for sale in the United States. The committee's support is important because the FDA usually follows the advice of its panels.
Cygnus said the device could provide painless measurements of blood sugar, or glucose, every 20 minutes for up to 12 hours. Better glucose information can help patients and their doctors adjust treatments to improve management of the disease.
Nearly 16 million Americans have diabetes, which can lead to serious complications such as blindness, limb loss and kidney damage.
Cygnus, based in Redwood City, Calif., recently announced it would sell most of the assets from its drug delivery business to a Johnson & Johnson unit and focus on developing the GlucoWatch.
REUTERS
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