Boston Scientific Stent, With New Drug Coating, Wins FDA Approval

Luke Timmerman7/2/08

Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) said today the FDA has approved a new type of stent for propping open clogged coronary arteries. The FDA cleared for sale the Promus stent that secretes everolimus, a drug designed to reduce scar tissue around the device and reduce blockages. Natick, MA-based Boston Scientific currently sells the Taxus stent coated with paclitaxel, so the approval means it can now offer stents in the U.S. with two different drugs. The Promus stent is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, and distributed by Boston Scientific.

Luke Timmerman is the National Biotech Editor of Xconomy, and the Editor of Xconomy Seattle. E-mail him at ltimmerman@xconomy.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ldtimmerman.