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Posted: 2:50 PM Dec 3, 2010
FDA may allow weight loss surgery for more people
An FDA advisory panel approved Friday plans to let a common weight loss surgery be performed on more people. If approved by the FDA the procedure would be available to people 50 to 75 pounds overweight.
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WASHINGTON (AP) - A panel of federal health experts has
recommended expanding approval of a stomach-shrinking band to help patients who are obese but lighter than patients currently
recommended to receive the implant.
The Food and Drug Administration panel voted 8-2 that benefits
of Allergan's Lap-Band exceed its risks when used in some obese
patients.
The vote comes as the U.S. faces an obesity epidemic
encompassing nearly 35 percent of adults.
About 15 million people are currently eligible for Allergan's
device, which is approved for people with a body mass index of 40
or higher, or over 35 plus a related medical problem like diabetes
or high blood pressure. If the FDA expands the devices' approval,
an estimated 27 million obese patients would be eligible.
Allergan shares rose 52 cents to $68.80 on Friday. In
aftermarket trading, they picked up $2.20, or 3.2 percent, to $71.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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