 |
| Terumo's Nobori drug-eluting stent--Courtesy of Terumo |
Terumo's drug-eluting stent, Nobori, nabbed a bit of Abbott Laboratories' ($ABT) Xience glory as it proved in a large study to be just as effective as the top-selling American brand.
The stent met its primary goal of matching Xience's ability to restore proper blood flow and prevent restenosis, a function of the stents' slowly released drugs, which are biolimus in Nobori and everolimus in Xience. A polymer coating that carries the drug is designed to dissolve in both models, reducing the risk of an inflammatory response.
The Terumo-sponsored Kyoto University study, comparing the two devices in 3,235 patients, showed similar low rates of repeat procedures, blood clots and restenosis--or narrowing of the vessel--after one year of using the device, according to a Reuters report.
By comparing so well against the Xience stent, Terumo undoubtedly hopes to snag part of Abbott's share in the market, of which the American company is tops ahead of Boston Scientific ($BSX) and Medtronic ($MDT). Abbott also has the Absorb stent currently in trials, which dissolves completely in the body.
- here's the Reuters report
Special Report: Xience - The top drug-eluting stents