ALPHARETTA, Ga., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) is pleased to announce it has been selected as one of eight winners of the FDA's Opioid Addiction Innovation Challenge. The product selected is an enhanced nerve visualization system in development by Avanos' Acute Pain division.  

The FDA launched the challenge in May 2018 to spur the development of medical devices and solutions to help combat the growing epidemic of opioid misuse and abuse. Avanos was selected as one of eight winners among more than 250 submissions from medical device companies and/or developers.

"The opioid epidemic is one of the most severe health crises we face today, and we are committed to being part of the solution," said Joe Woody, Avanos chief executive officer. "Our selection is an exciting recognition of our focus on innovation and demonstrates that our increased R&D investment and capability is being recognized." 

The product selected by the FDA as part of the challenge is currently in pre-approval stages and the award does not confer potential agency approval status. However, being among the selected companies for this challenge will provide Avanos with critically important access to and integration with FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) experts, allow for enhanced clinical trial development plans, and expedite the FDA review process of our winning product.

About Avanos Medical, Inc.
Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) is a medical technology company focused on delivering clinically superior breakthrough medical device solutions to improve patients' quality of life. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Avanos is committed to addressing some of today's most important healthcare needs, such as reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. Avanos develops, manufactures and markets its recognized brands in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.avanos.com.

SOURCE Avanos Medical, Inc.