First, the GlucoWatch faced difficulties in its clinical efficacy and reproducibility of measurements. Cygnus did not resolve these technical
feasibility issues and was unable to replace the standard glucose monitoring device that was on the market. Second, Cygnus lacked an effective managed care resources group. Without a substantial
reimbursement level, it is very difficult for healthcare organizations to approve the GlucoWatch for its
beneficiaries at the price that Cygnus was selling it. Furthermore, Cygnus failed to show the cost benefits of the device. Third, Cygnus entered into a problematic co-promotion agreement with
Sankyo Pharmaceuticals in 2000 that ended unexpectedly. Glucose monitoring products that are new to the market require a sizeable sales force to educate
healthcare professionals and end user, and to create product awareness in various marketing channels. After Sankyo left the agreement, Cygnus was very low on cash and reduced the work force by 60%. Cygnus did not have enough resources or
infrastructure to perform sales and marketing activities on its own. In October 2002, the Company failed to meet the minimum price per share and minimum
market capitalization listing requirements of the
Nasdaq National Market and National Small Cap Market. As a result, its stock was delisted from NASDAQ and transferred to
OTC bulletin board. Manufacturing activities and R&D efforts for future products were suspended. Due to Cygnus’ weak financial condition, operating losses, and lack of a marketing partner, the company's board of directors decided to sell off substantial operating assets, wind-up operations and subsequently dissolve and
liquidate. In December 2004, Cygnus Inc. entered into an asset purchase agreement with Animas Corporation and Animas Technologies LLC in exchange for $10 million
USD in cash. The asset sale was completed in March 2005. The Company retained some cash and equivalents, and accounts receivables but no operating assets and no means to generate revenue, other than pending
arbitration with
Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc. The headquarters lease terminated and Cygnus moved to a single office in
San Francisco. The arbitration with Ortho-McNeil was settled in September 2005. Ortho-McNeil paid $4 million USD in cash to Cygnus. The company had planned to wait till this settlement to file its
certificate of dissolution. In November 2005, the Company filed
10Q indicating intention to file Certification of Dissolution. As a result, trading of Company’s common stock on OTC Bulletin Board stopped. The close of business was on November 21, 2005. Cygnus had never been profitable in its 17 years of history. ==References==