Biotronix Paclitaxel balloon results touted in San Francisco; Leonardo Biosystems gains funding for nanoparticle drug delivery

> Leonardo Biosystems scored some new funding toward development of its drug delivery technology. The firm uses biodegradable, porous silicon particles loaded in turn with secondary nanoparticles to avoid the body's natural defenses and  provide a sustained release treatment for tumors. Story

> U.K.-based Midatech has gained Swiss regulatory approval to begin a first-in human clinical trial using insulin-coated gold nanoparticles. Healthy volunteers will take part in the trial, which will test technology designed to help safely deliver drugs and vaccines. Release

> Nile Therapeutics ($NLTX) reports promising Phase I clinical trial results for its new injection treatment for patients with chronic heart failure. The company wants to deliver cenderitide to patents using Medtronic's pump technology to inject the drug under the skin. Release

> EVOLVE, a Boston Scientific-funded clinical trial, has established that a drug-eluting stent with a bioabsorbable polymer performs comparably to a drug-eluting stent with a polymer that remains in the body. Researchers hope the bioabsorable option is safe and think it could reduce the risk of blood clots and the need for blood thinning medication. Release

> Biotronik says its Delux registry and PEPPER study generated encouraging six- and 12-month safety and efficacy results, respectively for the Pantera Lux paclitaxel releasing balloon. Release

> BioDelivery Sciences International will launch a confirmatory pharmacokinetic study involving a treatment for addiction to opiates combined with its BioErodible MucoAdhesive drug delivery technology. Release