Biosensors Collaborates with Terumo to Promote NoboriT in Japan

Biosensors International Group, Ltd., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative medical devices, has announced a collaboration with Terumo Corporation to promote the NoboriT drug-eluting stent (DES) system at specific specialist cardiology centers in Japan.

Nobori incorporates two elements of Biosensors-developed technology: Biolimus A9T (BA9T), an anti-restenotic drug developed specifically for use with stents; and a unique abluminal biodegradable polymer coating.  Following an agreement with Terumo to manufacture, market and sell DES systems incorporating this technology in Japan, Terumo introduced Nobori there in May 2011.

Since this time, the DES market in Japan has become increasingly competitive. This new agreement will allow two sales forces (Terumo and Biosensors Japan) to jointly promote Nobori, highlighting its outstanding long-term efficacy and safety.

“We have established a strong partnership with Terumo over many years, and are delighted by this latest agreement, which further enhances our long-term strategic relationship,” commented Jeffrey B. Jump, President of Biosensors’ Cardiovascular Business Unit. “Our two companies will continue to work closely together to strengthen our respective technologies and provide continued patient benefit in Japan.” The co-promotion agreement commences in April 2013, for an initial period of three years.

About Biosensors International Group, Ltd.
Biosensors International develops, manufactures and markets innovative medical devices for interventional cardiology and critical care procedures. We aim to improve patients’ lives through pioneering medical technology that pushes forward the boundaries of innovation.

With the increasing use of the BioMatrixT family of drug-eluting stents and the recent launch of our AxxessT self-expanding bifurcation drug-eluting stent, we are rapidly emerging as a leader in the global coronary stent market. The development of the BioFreedomT drug-coated stent will further reinforce our market position.

All three stents incorporate Biolimus A9T (BA9T), an anti-restenotic drug developed and patented by Biosensors specifically for use with stents. Both the BioMatrix stent family and the Axxess stent feature a unique abluminal biodegradable polymer coating, which fully degrades into carbon dioxide and water after six to nine months as it releases BA9. The BioMatrix stent family features workhorse stent platforms for a broad range of lesions, and the Axxess stent employs a self-expanding stent platform specifically designed for treating bifurcation lesions. BioFreedom, a completely polymer-free stent abluminally coated with BA9, is currently undergoing clinical evaluation.

For more information, please visit www.biosensors.com.