The EuroPCR 2009 was held at The Forum Congress Center in Barcelona for the third consecutive year. Approx. 130 companies exhibited at the trade fair – about 40 less than in 2008 – which once again was accompanied by an extensive scientific program over a 4 day period (May 19-22). The number of attending physicians and auxiliary cardiology staff - which in previous years had reached the 10,000 mark - was perhaps fewer than in the past, but for amg the quality of contacts was higher than in 2008, thanks to the innovations presented by amg.

amg announced the European Regulatory Submission of its next generation of Coronary Drug-Eluting Stents 'ITRIX' (2nd generation DES) using its patented biodegradable drug coating, as well as the new ISTAR PTCA balloon catheter.
Interventional cardiologists are still in search of a device to address some of the limitations of the 1st generation DES technology. The first generation of drug eluting stents (DES), which use bio-stable polymers that stay as a coating on the stent for the life of the implant, are associated with the complication of late stent thrombosis. AMG International GmbH has now produced the first device – ITRIX - with a novel technology where the polymer is absorbed into the body along with the drug it contains, so that only the metallic stent is left behind. This reduces the potential for thrombotic complications.

Working with the guidance of its global medical advisory board of interventional cardiologists, AMG has completed its pivotal study and is now awaiting CE approval to initiate the commercialization of this latest innovation. AMG International expects to launch this technology in late 2009 or 1st half of 2010 through its expanding global network of subsidiaries and distribution partners in Europe and Asia. The ITRIX platform is equipped with a sophisticated polymer which degrades after the release of the drug rapamycin, a well-known, highly efficient drug which prevents restenosis and avoids early thrombotic events post-implantation.
The drug and polymer kinetics chosen ensure optimized absorption of both components by the body and ensure the best possible results. The stent platform that is left is a proprietary technology using the company’s own carbon-ion implantation process to significantly enhance biocompatibility after the drug and the coating have been absorbed. This ‘double protection technology’ used in ITRIX helps minimize patient risk associated with coronary stent implants and avoid late stent thrombosis and restenosis.

For further details about the innovative ITRIX technology, see the full Press Release(please click here for the press release).

The EuroPCR 2009 scientific program was once again packed full of interesting presentations, such as 2nd generation DES, bio-absorbable stents, drug-eluting balloons and self-expandable peripheral stents. All in all, the EuroPCR2009 was considered a success for amg despite overall lower numbers of attendees and fewer exhibitors.

The EuroPCR 2010 will be held once again in Paris.