Researchers at the University of Leicester, England will use the state-of-the-art genetic techniques to examine DNA from over 20,000 patients with heart disease. The study will help to identify new genes and molecules responsible for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This, in turn may help to develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Preliminary findings from her research will be presented at the University of Leicester on 24 June.

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Abbott announced the European approval and launch of its TREK(TM) Coronary Dilatation Catheter for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The TREK system represents a new approach to balloon catheter design, and provides physicians with a high-performing option for treating challenging lesions and difficult-to-reach blockages. Abbott received CE Mark for the TREK system earlier this year. The TREK family is a completely re-engineered line of balloon catheters, incorporating many advanced design and technology changes.

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Resverlogix Corp. has announced that it has begun dosing patients in its US Phase 2 clinical trial lead by Cleveland Clinic. This trial will examine RVX-208, Resverlogix’s oral small molecule therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis, in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The Cleveland Clinic has named this trial, ASSERT, which stands for ApoA1 Synthesis Stimulation Evaluation in Patients Requiring Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Covidien’s Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for its Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection. This generic product from the company is pharmaceutically equivalent to Cardiolite®1, a myocardial perfusion imaging agent that is used to detect coronary artery disease. The kit from Covidien will now be available in the market of United States.

InspireMD has achieved positive results with its MGuard coronary stent in an ongoing multicenter trial aimed at establishing the safety and efficacy of the product in high-risk patients with complex lesions. The study’s six-month data demonstrates no thrombosis and an overall MACE rate of 6.6%. The data also highlight the efficacy of MGuard in maintaining blood flow through the treated vessel after six months, according to the company. The product, which combines a coronary stent with an embolic protection device, has received a CE Marking to treat patients with coronary artery diseases.