FDA panel backs expanded Lap-Band indication

FDA's Gastroenterology and Urology Devices Panel voted 8-2 that the benefits of the Lap-Band gastric binding system from Allergan Inc. (NYSE:AGN) for obesity outweigh the risks in patients with a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more co-morbidity. Lap-Band is approved for use in patients with a BMI of at least 40 kg/m2, or a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 with at least one or more co-morbidity. ...