Interventional device developer Boston Scientific of Natick, MA, has begun trials for its first third-generation paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent, Taxus Element. The trial will include 1,500 patients at 100 U.S. and international centers.
Patient enrollment in the trial began July 13, and the company expects the enrollment to be completed within 12 months. The clinical program will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Taxus Element in two studies: Taxus Perseus Workhorse study, which will assess 1,264 patients with "workhorse" lesions from 2.75-4.0 mm, and the Taxus Perseus Small Vessel study, which will compare Taxus Element to a historic control.
Taxus Element features a platinum chromium alloy, which, paired with a new stent design, allows for thinner struts, increased flexibility, and a lower profile while also improving radial strength, recoil, and radiopacity, the company said. Taxus Element also uses balloon technology that improves on Boston Scientific's Maverick balloon catheter technology.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
July 20, 2007
Related Reading
Boston Scientific brings Taxus Express² to Japan, May 8, 2007
Boston Scientific gets Japanese nod for Taxus, April 3, 2007
Boston Scientific shows year-end, Q4 sales growth, February 1, 2007
FDA OKs longer shelf life for Taxus, January 18, 2007
Boston Scientific launches Promus, January 11, 2007
Copyright © 2007 AuntMinnie.com
