Chiron Ophthalmics Inc., a subsidiary of Chiron Corp., saidWednesday that it has received Food and Drug Administrationapproval to begin marketing its Chiroflex silicone, foldable,intraocular lenses for cataract surgery. Chiron Ophthalmicssaid it will begin shipping Chiroflex II and Chiroflex lensesimediately.

In June, an FDA advisory panel recommended approval of ChironOphthalmics' epidermal growth factor in corneal storage mediato preserve endothelial cell conditions. The company is alsoconducting clinical trials of EGF in healing corneal wounds andas a component of viscoelastics used in intraocular surgery.

Stock of Emeryville, Calif.-based Chiron (NASDAQ:CHIR) closedup $3.75 at $68 on Wednesday.

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