Cytyc and Digene Strike a Deal

Both Cytyc and Digene have hurdles to overcome. Skeptics fear that Cytyc, which has FDA approval for its monolayer sampling technology for cervical cancer screening, may never be more than a one-product company. And Digene, lacking sufficient sales and marketing presence in clinicians' offices, is progressing slower than many had hoped it would; it still has to clearly define the role of HPV (human papilloma virus) in cervical cancer detection and its utility as a broad screen versus what experts call "a triage tool." By entering into an exclusive agreement, the companies hope to address these issues.