Abbott and Medtronic DES double hit likely to increase impact on competitors
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Abbott's Xience and Medtronic's Endeavor are highly likely to reach the US market at the same time - during the first quarter of 2008 - causing a bigger than expected impact on competing firms, say analysts. The double approval will mean that rivals Boston Scientific and J&J will not have time "to establish a foothold against newer entrants", said Morgan Stanley analyst Glenn Reicin. The prediction comes after Mr Reicin reported that the FDA has approved the manufacturing facility where Xience is to be produced. If the Xience DES is approved by the end of the first quarter, it could add $150m to Abbott's 2008 sales, said the analyst.