TAXUS Stent System Demonstrates Strong Performance in Diabetic Patients

Strategic Insights -

A recent analysis published in the EuroIntervention journal has further reinforced the efficacy of the TAXUS(R) Express (2TM) paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system in treating coronary artery disease in diabetic patients. The study integrated data from four TAXUS clinical trials, involving 3,445 patients with coronary artery stenosis, 814 of whom had diabetes. The analysis showed that diabetic patients who received a TAXUS stent system had significantly lower rates of restenosis and repeat interventions compared to those who received a bare-metal stent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The integrated analysis of four TAXUS clinical trials (TAXUS II, TAXUS IV, TAXUS V, and TAXUS VI) demonstrated the strong performance of the TAXUS stent system in diabetic patients, including those with insulin-treated diabetes.
  • Diabetic patients with more complex lesions showed a significant advantage of the TAXUS stent system in reducing restenosis and repeat interventions.
  • The pooled clinical trial results at nine months reported a target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate of 5.4% in non-diabetic patients in the TAXUS group and a TLR rate of 5.8% in diabetic patients (insulin-treated) in the TAXUS group.
  • The TAXUS benefit provided for the high-risk diabetic population is in contrast to outcomes with bare-metal stents, which are worse for diabetic patients.
  • The unique mechanism of action of Paclitaxel, the drug used in TAXUS stents, supports the conclusion of emerging evidence of the excellent efficiency of TAXUS in insulin-dependent diabetics.
  • Boston Scientific's Senior Vice President and President of International, Jeff Goodman, stated that the findings are very encouraging, especially considering that diabetics account for almost one-quarter of patients undergoing treatment for coronary artery disease.

Statistics:

  • 814 patients with diabetes participated in the four TAXUS clinical trials.
  • The average number of complex lesions in diabetic patients was higher than in non-diabetic patients.
  • The pooled clinical trial results at nine months reported a TLR rate of 5.4% in non-diabetic patients in the TAXUS group and a TLR rate of 5.8% in diabetic patients (insulin-treated) in the TAXUS group.
  • Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer, and marketer of medical devices with products used in interventional medical specialties.

Sources:

  • EuroIntervention journal
  • Boston Scientific Corporation
  • TAXUS clinical trials (TAXUS II, TAXUS IV, TAXUS V, and TAXUS VI)
  • "TAXUS benefit in diabetic patients: a pooled analysis of 4 randomised trials" (EuroIntervention, May edition)
  • Boston Scientific press release, May 17, 2007 (PRNewswire-AsiaNet)