US-based drugmaker Abbott today announced the launch of the world's first drug eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in India for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).
It works by restoring blood flow to the heart similar to a metallic stent but then dissolves into the body over time, leaving behind a treated vessel that may resume more natural function and movement because it is free of a permanent metallic stent.
Abbott's BVS is made of polylactide, a naturally dissolvable material that is commonly used in medical implants such as dissolving sutures, the company said in a statement. The statement further added that long term benefits of a scaffold that dissolves include, the need for long-term treatment with anti-clotting medications may be reduced, treatment and diagnostic options are broadened and future interventions would be unobstructed as it would be by a permanent implant.
"BVS is a leading example of Abbott's commitment to innovation, from the initial device developed nearly 10 years ago to the expansion of our manufacturing capabilities to support this launch," said Amit Kumar, regional director and general manager, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The launch of Abbott's BVS is supported by a clinical trial program that encompasses five studies in more than 20 countries around the world, including India.
BVS has been implanted in more than 3,000 patients in over 30 countries worldwide in clinical trials and commercial settings.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women around the world, and CAD is the most common type of heart disease. As many as 45 million coronary artery disease cases have been diagnosed in India in 2010 alone and the figure is expected to go up to 60 million by 2015, the statement said.
Illinois-headquartered Abbott Laboratories is all set to enter Gujarat through its subsidiary Abbott India with a plant at Jhagadia near Bharuch, Business Standard had reported earlier. The Rs 360-crore plant would make nutraceutical products. The company has been allotted 45 acres on land at Jhagadia which comes in between Bharuch and Vadodara district.
Abbott currently employs over 12,000 people throughout India. The company employs about 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
