Alvimedica Launches Cre8 BTK Drug-Eluting Stent in Europe

April 7, 2014—Alvimedica Medical Technologies (Catalca, Turkey) announced the launch of the Cre8 BTK drug-eluting stent (DES), a polymer-free device for the treatment of below-the-knee (BTK) lesions, as part of the company's introduction of its endovascular device portfolio. The device was launched at the Charing Cross international symposium in London, United Kingdom, for use in the European Union and other markets that recognize CE Mark approval, which the company received in July 2013.  

The Cre8 BTK DES was developed by CID: Carbostent & Implantable Devices SpA (Saluggia, Italy), which merged with Alvimedica in late 2013. In addition to Cre8 BTK, the company is launching a new range of steerable catheters, guidewires, and balloon catheters. Alvimedica’s endovascular portfolio includes both self-expanding and balloon-expandable stents to treat peripheral artery disease in the renal, iliac, femoropopliteal, and BTK arteries. 

According to Alvimedica, the Cre8 BTK’s polymer-free drug-release device reduces the risk of polymer-related inflammation and is suitable for patients with diabetes. Other device features include the company’s abluminal reservoir technology that provides a consistent drug load onto the stent for a controlled and directed elution exclusively targeted at the vessel wall; the device’s amphilimus formulation (sirolimus plus an organic acid) uses a carrier to enhance drug bioavailability and distribution to the entire vessel wall; and its bio-inducer surface—a pure carbon coating on the device surface—enables faster DES endothelialization, reduces the risk of device thrombogenicity, and reduces inflammatory response.