BACKGROUND
Coronary artery disease (CAD), affected over 523 million people in 2019, killing 18.6 million. Arterial stents are often used as part of angioplasty to keep arteries from undergoing restenosis (re-collapsing). Unfortunately, in-stent restenosis and thrombosis (clotting) are complications which can cause further cardiac damage or death. Drug-eluting stents have been shown to reduce the risk of restenosis and early thrombosis. However, the drugs employed combined with the non-optimal release rate of drugs inhibit endothelial proliferation, increasing the rate of late thrombosis compared to metal stints. Additionally, the material surface chemistry is largely incompatible with vasculature. With the lack of drug kinematic control and biocompatibility in stents, there is a critical need for drug-eluting stents that can inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation without inhibiting endothelial functionality.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at OSU have developed nanocoatings that significantly improve drug release kinematics and reduced platelet adhesion. Drugs are deposited using a vapor-based process that allows for nanocoating on complex geometries with precise control of thickness and composition. Test data show an almost linear release pattern of atorvastatin and rapamycin, a more effective pattern than the early-burst seen in current drug-eluting stents. Additionally, control over surface composition decreased platelet adhesion by 80% compared to metal stents. This nanocoating process will allow for control of stent drug elusion and increased biocompatibility, drastically reducing the risk of restenosis as well as thrombosis.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Coronary arterial stents;
- Cerebrovascular stents;
- Other vascular stents.
MAIN ADVANTAGES
- Can deliver drugs which support endothelial growth;
- Controlled release of drugs, reducing likelihood of restenosis;
- Marked increase in biocompatibility with human vascular tissues, preventing thrombosis.
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY
Due to increasing rates of CAD in all populations, growth in this market is virtually guaranteed. The global market value of coronary arterial stents was estimated at $5.91 Billion in 2019 and is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%, expanding to $8.08 Billion by 2027.
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
The coatings have proof-of-concept data from tissue culture tests.