TOMSK, Feb 13 – RIA Tomsk. The prototype of a new-generation
coronary stent, created in Tomsk, which is coated with nanoparticles that
"destroy" atherosclerotic plaques, was tested for toxicity during
preclinical studies; clinical trials should begin before 2020, the Doctor of
Chemical Sciences of Tomsk Politechnic University (TPU) Marina Trusova reported to RIA Tomsk.
Earlier it was reported that TPU created a composite nanomaterial to fight
against atherosclerotic plaques – the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.
The scientists of TPU and Cardiology Research Institute proposed to apply it to
the coronary stent, which is injected into the blood vessel affected by
atherosclerosis. It expands the walls of the vessel. During the project, Tomsk
citizens received the patent of the USA and Eurasia for the nanomaterial
developed by them.
"We assembled a prototype of a stent. The nanoparticles on its surface
penetrate into the structure of the atherosclerotic plaque and change its
properties. It can be said that they physically break it. The plaque is
destroyed and with the flow of blood is eventually removed from this place.
<…> Now the stent passes preclinical tests. It is already known that it
is non-toxic, safe for humans", – Trusova told.
She specified that nowaday in medicine stents are widely used with the addition
of medications: "But drugs can give side effects. In general, a stent – is
a support for the walls of the vessel, which makes it wider. In five to six
years the plaque progresses, the stent needs to be changed. Our stent will
"break" the plaque, relieve the patient from a new operation".
According to Trusova, in Russia there is only one company that produces
coronary stents, – Novosibirsk LLC Angioline.
"Residents of Novosibirsk
manufactured a stent for us, which we modified with our nanomaterial. After all
the tests it will be possible to produce stents of a new generation on this or
any other site in Russia. Technology and materials are Russian, this is an
import substitution", – she emphasized.
© РИА Томск. Павел Стефанский
The project is implemented on the basis of TPU, Cardiology Research Institute
and LLC "Nankor". In TPU on this project works a group of scientists
of Research School of Chemistry & Applied Biomedical Sciences under the
leadership of Trusova, as well as the staff of The Boris Weinberg Research
Center under the leadership of Associate Professor Sergei Tverdokhlebov. The
work was carried out at the expense of the Skolkovo Foundation and Bortnik Fund
microgrants.
At present, according to the words of Trusova, the project team is looking for
an investor ready to take on the financing of the clinical tests of the
prototype.