Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC) has revealed that it has enjoyed strong interest from patients enrolling in tests for a new platinum chromium stent platform.

The company is set to launch PLATINUM, a random, pivotal-controlled workhouse trial on the PROMUS Element Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent system.

Officials at the US Food and Drug Administration and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare had already voiced their approval for the scheme.

However, BSC confirmed that a total of 1,532 patients with up to two de novo lesions have now been recruited, thereby completing the enrolment two months in advance.

Hank Kucheman, BSC's Cardiovascular Senior Vice-President and Group President, said: "We are pleased to bring the next-generation Element drug-eluting stent platform another step closer to commercialisation.

"We are confident that the next-generation Element platform - to be offered in everolimus, paclitaxel and bare-metal versions - will further extend our global drug-eluting stent leadership."

The system includes a platinum chromium alloy designed specifically for coronary stents, plus a new stent architecture which allows for thinner struts and improved flexibility.

In addition, radial strength, recoil and visibility have all been increased, while all three stents will feature better deliverability, thanks to the new Apex Dilatation Catheter technology.

BSC claims to have invested nearly $6 billion (£3.71 billion) in new technologies over the past five years.

Source:

Boston Scientific Completes Enrollment in Pivotal Workhorse Trial for Next-Generation Everolimus Stent (18/09/09)

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