Abbott’s Xience stents approved for three-month dual anti-platelet therapy

Abbott has been granted European regulatory approval for its Xience drug-eluting stents (DES) for the use of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) for at least three months after stent implantation in patients with coronary artery disease.

The Xience Prime and Xience V everolimus-eluting stents have been granted CE Mark approval for this new indication, which represents the shortest duration of DAPT for any major DES in Europe.

Short-term DAPT regimens can help patients avoid many of the safety risks associated with longer durations, while also making it easier to interrupt or discontinue the medication for reasons such as the need for surgery.

This new indication has been supported by clinical data drawn from studies involving more than 10,000 patients.

Dr Charles Simonton, divisional vice-president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Abbott Vascular, said: "We are pleased that Xience has been recognised as the only major DES in Europe with a minimum three-month indication for DAPT – a confirmation of its strong safety profile."

Last month, Abbott reported stronger-than-expected sales growth of nearly six percent for the first quarter of 2012.