Abbott commences clinical study of Esprit device

Abbott has announced the commencement of a new clinical study of Esprit, its drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold for treating peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The new Esprit I trial is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the device as a means of addressing blockages in the superficial femoral arteries and iliac arteries resulting in claudication, a common symptom of PAD.

Up to ten clinical trial sites across Europe will take part in the study, which will involve around 30 patients and will assess the treatment's potential haemodynamic, functional and quality of life benefits.

Esprit utilises polylactide, the same proven biocompatible material used in the company's approved Absorb scaffold for coronary artery disease, and could offer a potentially revolutionary new way of treating this condition.

Dr Charles Simonton, divisional vice-president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Abbott Vascular, said: "We've seen promising long-term clinical data with our bioresorbable therapy in coronary patients and we believe there is potential for this technology in the treatment of PAD."

Earlier this month, the company announced a new partnership with the University of Illinois to assess the effects that nutrition can have on learning and memory.