In an effort to expand access for its members to hospitals across the state of Georgia, Cigna HealthCare (Atlanta) has introduced 42 new hospitals and 3,200 affiliated physicians to its network since late 2006, creating in-network access to over 90% of the healthcare facilities in the state.

We have made great strides in expanding our network in Georgia and we are not done yet," said Scott Evelyn, president/GM, CIGNA HealthCare of Georgia. We are aggressively working to increase in-network access for our current and future Cigna HealthCare members across the state.

Product Briefs

Provista Diagnostics (Phoenix) reported the availability of the Provista Memory Test and the Provista Memory Test PLUS. The two self-administered tests are designed to evaluate the inability to recall common associations that may indicate that further medical assessment and intervention is required. The Provista has been designed to test for cognitive and memory impairment and consists of 20 simple questions to assess memory and thinking ability. It is based on tests similar to those physicians use to routinely measure these abilities in their patients. The test consists of 12 odor strips to identify and is scored in less than five minutes. The Provista Memory Test PLUS was developed based on extensive independent research sponsored in part by the National Institutes on Health and Aging. Provista Diagnostics is a diagnostic development and commercialization company.

Response Genetics (Los Angeles) said its ResponseDX: Lung and ResponseDX: Colon tests are now available to select medical institutions and practice groups through its CLIA-registered laboratory. ResponseDX: Lung and ResponseDX: Colon are PCR-based tests that help guide therapeutic treatment decisions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). This test measures ERCC1 gene expression, a molecular marker to identify NSCLC and CRC patients who may and may not benefit from platinum-based therapy. Response is engaged in the research and development of pharmacogenomic cancer diagnostic tests.

Alcon (Washington) released the primary efficacy and safety results of the second controlled proof of concept clinical study of anecortave acetate administered as an anterior juxtascleral depot in the sub-Tenon s space to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Prior to enrolling in the study, all patients had been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, had confirmed visual field changes and had off-therapy intraocular pressures (IOP) between 24 mmHg and 36 mmHg. One injection of drug or vehicle was administered to each patient and intraocular pressures were assessed at two weeks, six weeks and at month three, with month three predefined as the visit for primary efficacy. Alcon is an eye care company.

ELA Medical (Denver), a Sorin Group company, reported the FDA s approval to market Isoline, its latest generation of defibrillation leads. Leads are insulated wires inserted through the vein as part of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or a pacemaker system. They are a key component of the implanted system. Connecting the device to the heart, the leads carry high voltage and electrical impulses from the implanted device to the heart when needed by the patient. The Isoline defibrillation leads have a multi-lumen structure with a silicone body and include an ETFE protective coating placed around the cables leading to the electrodes. The Sorin Group makes medical technologies for cardiac surgery.