Cypher in Japan
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
J&J/Cordis will begin distributing the sirolimus-eluting coronary stent mid-year, co-marketed by Guidant, following Japanese marketing approval, the firm announces March 31. The release will coincide with anticipated reimbursement approval. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare recently lowered reimbursement levels for catheters for cardiac surgery with stents (1"The Gray Sheet" March 1, 2004, p. 27). Approximately 166,000 angioplasties are performed annually in Japan, 70% with stent placement, according to the firm...