New drug-coated stent set to be approved

Medtronic, one of the larger biotech manufacturing forms that specialize in medical devices, is set to release a new drug-coated stent for heart patients.

Although the drug-coated stent is not exactly a new idea, Medtronic's offering -- dubbed the Endeavor -- is slated for regulatory approval by the end of 2007. What's so special about it, you ask?

The Endeavor stent has the same potential problems such as artery re-narrowing and drug delivery system as other stent products, but it's safety features are the differentiator.

Endeavor is supposed to be much safer than other drug-coated stents from makers like Johnson and Johnson which have seen numerous safety concerns in recent years, despite being best-sellers in the biotechnology market for patients. Perhaps Medtronics will turn that perception around.