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AGENT™ Drug-Coated Balloon

AGENT is the first and only U.S. coronary drug-coated balloon (DCB), introducing a new treatment option for patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR). AGENT is purposefully designed to provide reliable and efficient drug transfer, and effortless deliverability in complex anatomy.

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FDA approved: An AGENT of change for ISR treatment

AGENT Drug-Coated Balloon expands treatment options for physicians and their patients by delivering a targeted anti-proliferative drug dose, without introducing an extra layer of metal.


Why choose AGENT Drug-Coated Balloon? 

The right drug. The right delivery method. ​

AGENT is designed with a novel excipient, sharp-edge structure, and uniform crystalline formulation. Its proprietary TransPax™ coating technology optimizes the three phases of drug delivery: transfer, absorption, and retention.

Paclitaxel, the drug used in AGENT and the majority of DCBs worldwide, is better suited for a Coronary DCB Application than Sirolimus:

Novel excipient maximizes balloon-to-vessel wall transfer and minimizes downstream particulates.

Targeted transfer

  • Paclitaxel is more durable, repels water, and dissolves under hydration (hydrophobic).4,5
  • Novel excipient (ATBC) maximizes balloon-to-vessel wall transfer.
Sharp microscopic Paciltaxel (PTX) structure that enhances tissue absorption.

Rapid absorption

  • Paclitaxel has a higher affinity for fatty tissue (lipophilic), accelerating drug tissue absorption.6 
  • Needle like coating improves tissue penetration.
Uniform crystalline formulation maintains the Paciltaxel through the healing process.

Sustained retention

  • Paclitaxel has a lower dissolution rate and higher chemical stability that enables sustained release.7,8 
  • Crystalline formulation maintains therapy throughout the healing process. 

TransPax™ Coating Technology

With the right balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics, our proprietary TransPax Coating Technology is designed to maximize drug transfer to the target vessel wall and delivers the right amount of treatment exactly where it’s needed.

TransPax coating is a combination of:

  • Low dose paclitaxel at 2µ/mm2
  • Novel excipient Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC)
  • Proprietary manufacturing process
Uniform crystalline formulation maintains the Paciltaxel through the healing process.

Exceptional deliverability

AGENT reduces time to lesion, which allows for maximized drug tissue concentration and minimized downstream particulates, reducing the risk of embolization.

AGENT DCB is designed for effortless deliverability with its Laser Bonded Tip, Z Glide for enhanced trackability, and a flexible Bi-Segment Inner Shaft.

ISR treatment option expansion

~10% of PCIs are complicated by in-stent restenosis (ISR)1. Currently, 82% of patients with ISR receive another stent.2 Yet repeat intervention is associated with a higher risk of target lesion revascularization.3

For patients with ISR, placing additional stents increases risks including thrombosis9 and future ISR.10,11 Coronary DCBs provide a proven alternative.  

DCBs have demonstrated non-inferiority to drug-eluting stents, and they can be used with patients who have clinical risk factors such as metal allergies, smoking, renal failure, or bleeding risk associated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).12

Icon illustrating multiple layers of stent

Avoid additional layers of metal 

Reducing potential stent related complications

Expanding arrows represent how a physician's current treatment plan can enable future options that are best for the patient.

Expand treatment options

Leaving no metal behind for lifetime patient management 

Medicine with downward pointing arrow represents the reduced rate of medication-related bleeding complications

Shorten the duration of DAPT12

Which may result in a reduced rate of medication-related bleeding complications13


Comparing DCB to DES when treating ISR

DCBs present an advantage when compared to bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents in that they do not introduce an additional metal layer that may cause potential complications (including fracture, malposition, and thrombosis).⁵

Drug released from a drug-coated balloon in the vessel to treat challenging coronary anatomy.

Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB)

Excipient maintains coating integrity, but is less protective than DES Polymer 
Single high dose transfer over 30-60 sec
No permanent implant
Polymer drug released from drug-eluting stent in the vessel to enable short DAPT.

Drug-Eluting Stent (DES)

Polymer protects drug during tracking
Polymer controls sustained drug release for 90+ days*
Permanent presence of stent

Discover the Modern PCI approach

See the vessel with OPTICROSS™ high-definition coronary imaging catheters to inform treatment decisions.

See the vessel

Assess plaque type and severity using the latest imaging and physiology technology. Eliminate guesswork and make clearer treatment decisions.

Prep the vessel with the right tool, like the WOLVERINE™ Coronary Cutting Balloon™.

Prep the vessel

Successful outcomes start with proper lesion assessment and vessel preparation. Achieve optimal lumen gain with our cutting balloon and rotational atherectomy tools.

Treat the vessel with the right drug-eluting therapy, like the SYNERGY™ XD Everlimus-Eluting Platinum Chromium Coronary Stent.

Treat the vessel

With our innovative stent portfolio and coronary drug-coated balloon technology, you have access to market-leading therapies that will ensure you are able to improve long-term patient outcomes.

Subscribe for updates on AGENT DCB

Receive timely updates on significant announcements, exclusive opportunities to engage with peers through educational events, and access valuable tools to enhance your ability to assist more patients.

Clinical highlights

2024

AGENT IDE Trial

AGENT IDE is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial in the United States to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the AGENT™ DCB compared to balloon angioplasty in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR).1  At one year, AGENT DCB demonstrated statistically lower event rates1:

50% risk reduction in TLR

(13.0% vs. 24.7%, P=0.0005)

49% risk reduction in TV-MI 

(5.8% vs. 11.1%, P=0.023)

Zero definite/probable ST

(0.0% vs. 3.2%, P=0.0004)


AGENT IDE Trial Primary Endpoint

AGENT DCB showed statistically superior outcomes compared to balloon angioplasty for TLF at 1-year (17.9% versus 28.6% P= 0.003).

TLF relative risk reduction from using AGENT DCB was approximately 41%.

41% relative risk reduction for TLF
AGENT IDE trial primary endpoint graph shows target lesion failure (TLF) at 1-YR: AGENT DCB 17.9% vs balloon angioplasty 28.6%

Featured clinical publications

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) Interventional Council 

In February 2023, The American College of Cardiology (ACC) Interventional Council released the recommendation that all cardiac cath labs should have imaging capabilities. The review proposes PCI best practices and advocates for broader use of IVI technologies.


RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI study

The recent RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI study provides evidence in favor of using intravascular imaging-guided PCI to address complex coronary artery lesions. At the 3-year follow-up, intravascular imaging-guided PCI demonstrated a reduced risk of target vessel failure when compared to angiography-guided PCI.¹

Modern PCI clinical data

Discover more clinical data for intravacular ultrasound (IVUS), FFR, and vessel preparation.

Technical specifications

Detailed illustration of how the AGENT Drug-Coated Balloon is structured and where you can find the design elements. TechnicalProductImage

Compliance Chart

 

Ballon Length (mm)
Pressure atm (kPa)2.002.252.502.753.003.504.00
3.0 (304)1.862.062.282.532.763.193.66
4.0 (405)1.932.142.372.612.853.303.80
5.0 (507)1.992.202.442.682.933.393.88
6.0 (608)2.032.262.502.753.003.463.96
7.0 (709)2.072.312.552.813.063.524.04
8.0 (811)2.102.342.592.853.113.574.09
9.0 (912)2.132.382.622.883.153.614.14
10.0 (1013)2.152.402.652.913.183.644.18
11.0 (1115)2.182.422.672.943.213.684.22
12.0 (1216)2.192.442.692.963.233.724.25
13.0 (1317)2.212.462.722.993.26  
14.0 (1419)2.232.482.743.023.28  

Modern PCI

The most complete Modern PCI portfolio in the industry

Ordering information

 

Balloon Diameter (mm)Balloon Length (mm)
E (mm)12152030
2.00H7493960812200H7493960815200H7493960820200H7493960830200
2.25H7493960812220H7493960815220H7493960820220H7493960830220
2.50H7493960812250H7493960815250H7493960820250H7493960830250
2.75H7493960812270H7493960815270H7493960820270H7493960830270
3.00H7493960812300H7493960815300H7493960820300H7493960830300
3.50H7493960812350H7493960815350H7493960820350H7493960830350
4.00H7493960812400H7493960815400H7493960820400H7493960830400

Modern PCI

The most complete Modern PCI portfolio in the industry

Training and education for AGENT DCB

AGENT DCB Webinar Series on EDUCARE features cardiology experts discussing clinical data and optimizing treatment options for ISR patients.

Description: Learn from top operators about the use of the AGENT Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) in Modern PCI. This video series, with cardiology experts, will take a closer look at clinical data and discuss optimizing treatment for patients with DCB technology.

IVUS Series journey map on EDUCARE allows users to participate in learning exercises and case studies at their own pace.

Description: Gain clarity and confidence in imaging while exploring lessons from industry leaders, interactive learning exercises, and real-life case studies.

Online medical training and education courses

The EDUCARE online platform makes healthcare education and training more relevant, more comprehensive, more personal, and more accessible. Register to access a library of procedural videos, case studies, training resources, and events.

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On demand

Get 24-hour access to content from your desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

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Personalized

Explore interactive videos, case studies, and more, tailored to your medical field.

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Trusted

Gain education and insights from globally recognized industry experts.

Resources

AGENT DCB brochure coming soon


1. Stolker JM, Cohen DJ, Kennedy KF, Pencina MJ, Lindsey JB, Mauri L, Cutlip DE, Kleiman NS. Evaluation of Drug-Eluting Stents and Ischemic Events (EVENT) Investigators. Repeat revascularization after contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention: An evaluation of staged, target lesion, and other unplanned revascularization procedures during the first year

2. Moussa ID, Mohananey D, Saucedo J, et al. Trends and outcomes of restenosis after coronary stent implantation in the United States. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;76:1521–1531. 

3. Kastrati A, Cassese S (2020). In-stent restenosis in the United States: Time to enrich its treatment armamentarium. In (Vol. 76, pp. 1532–1535): American College of Cardiology Foundation, Washington DC.

4. Yerasi C, Case BC, Forrestal BJ, Torguson R, Weintraub WS, Garcia-Garcia HM, Waksman R. Drug-coated balloon for de novo coronary artery disease: JACC state-of-the-art review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;75:1061–1073.

5. Tepe G, Brodmann M, Micari A, et al. 5-year outcomes of drug-coated balloons for peripheral artery in-stent restenosis, long lesions, and CTOs. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2023;16:1065–1078.

6. Kawamoto H, Ruparelia N, Latib A, et al. Drug-coated balloons versus second-generation drug-eluting stents for the management of recurrent multimetal-layered in-stent restenosis. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2015;8:1586–1594. 

7. Yabushita H, Kawamoto H, Fujino Y, et al. Clinical outcomes of drug-eluting balloon for in-stent restenosis based on the number of metallic layers. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2018;11:e005935. 

8. Nakamura M, Isawa T, Nakamura S, et al. Drug-coated balloon for the treatment of small vessel coronary artery disease – a randomized non-inferiority trial. Circ J. 2023;87:287–295.

9. Alfonso F, Coughlan JJ, Giacoppo D, Kastrati A, Byrne RA. Management of in-stent restenosis. EuroIntervention: Journal of EuroPCR in Collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology. 2022;18:e103–e123.10. Market Data on file at BSC as of July 2023.

10. Market Data on file at BSC as of July 2023.

11. TCT 2014 Abstract – A Gongara, M Shibuya, B Huibregtse, Y Cheng, J McGregor, G Conditt, GH Yi, G Kaluza, J Granada.

12. Yeh RW, Bachinsky W, Stoler R, et al. Rationale and design of a randomized study comparing the AGENT drug-coated balloon to plain old balloon angioplasty in patients with in-stent restenosis. Am Heart J. 2021;241:101–107.

13. Surapaneni M, et al. International Scholarly Research Notices 2012.

14. Kim M, et al. International journal of nanomedicine (2011): 2997–3009. Missing article title

15. Data on file.

16. Teichgräber Ulf, et al. Trials 22.1 (2021): 1–13. Missing article title

17. Tzafriri A, et al. Journal of Controlled Release. 2019; 310:94–102.  Missing article title

18. Granada J. What’s next in drug-eluting SFA techonology? Endovascular Today. 2017;16:9.

19. Scheller B, Rissanen TT, Farah A, et al. Drug-coated balloon for small coronary artery disease in patients with and without high-bleeding risk in the BASKET-SMALL 2 trial. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2022;15:e011569.

20. Boston Scientific internal research. Agent DCB positioning. January 20, 2022.

Please review the AGENT Brief Summary for full instructions on use. 

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the product labeling supplied with each device. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. The material not intended for use in France.

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