Biosensors

Biosensors: Reuters reported yday that the Nobori drug-eluting stent (DES), which Biosensors has licensed to Japan’s Terumo Corp, has proved just as effective as Abbott’s top selling Xience stent, at preventing a second procedure to clear the artery. In a study sponsored by Terumo, on more than 3200 patients, Nobori stent met its primary goal of non-inferiority to the Xience stent one yr after implantation, with 4.2% of patients in both groups requiring a repeat procedure. Both sets of patients also had low similar rates of stent thrombosis, or device-related blood clot formation. Abbott’s Xience stent is the mkt leader in Japan with a 50% share and the top selling US drug coated stent with a 40% share. The study may boost the awareness and use of Nobori stent in Japan, and stem Nobori’s decline in market share, which was a key cause of concern in its latest 3QFYMar13 results. The majority of houses continue to rate Biosensors positively, with TP btwn $1.50 - $1.96, citing potential M&A as a key catalyst.