Relisys To Initiate Int'l Registry For New Version DES

The Hyderabad based Relisys Medical Devices is initiating an international multi-centre registry to create data on its new version of Drug Eluting Stent (DES). The new version consists of a cobalt-chromium stent, coated with porus carbon-carbon nano-matrix containing the active drug, which eliminates the use of polymer, thus reducing the tissue inflammation and reaction.

The trials are going to be conducted in India, Brazil, Korea, Italy and Japan. Initial recruitment of patients will take place in the next two months and clinical trials will be carried out over a period of 8-9 months, from thereafter. About nine centres will involve in the trials in India alone, out of about 16 centres across the world. Relisys official told Pharmabiz that renowned medical institutions including AIIMS, Escorts, Max Healthcare and Narayana Hrudayalaya would be involved in the multi-centric trials in the country.

Dr N Krishna Reddy, chairman of Relisys said the new Drug Eluting Stent has been designed to eliminate the drawbacks of the currently available Drug Eluting Stent.

Relisys has entered into a licence agreement with Blue-Membranes of Germany for the use of carbon-based drug delivery platform that would enable Relisys to provide an advanced DES, according to ND Badari Narayan, managing director of Relisys.

"The agreement is the first step in the strategic collaboration between Relisys and Blue-Membranes, and the latter will enforce the collaboration to exploit its drug delivery technology. We also aim to integrate the manufacturing services for integrated solutions. Blue-Membranes will also support Relisys in accessing European markets," Dr Soheil Asgari, CEO of Blue-Mmebranes, said.

( Ref : Chronicle Pharmabiz dated August 11, 2005)