Medinol Ltd. is pleased to announce the successful First-in-Human (FIH) implantation of the ChampioNIR Drug-Eluting Peripheral Stent by Drs Gerard S.Goh and Thodur Vasudevan of the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne Australia, introducing a revolutionary advancement in the mechanics, durability and drug delivery of peripheral drug eluting stents.

The ChampioNIR Drug-Eluting Peripheral Stent System poses a transformational technology designed to improve patient outcomes and procedural success. In a first of its kind hybrid mechanical design, radial support is provided by the metallic component of the stent, whereas longitudinal structure is provided by a bioresorbable polymeric mesh providing unsurpassed flexibility and long-term durability in even the most challenging anatomies. Furthermore, a unique drug-elution paradigm releases drug from the entire cylindrical area of the stent, drastically reducing diffusion distances and allowing, for the first time, therapeutic dosing of a large peripheral vessel with a 'limus' drug for an extended period of time.

"We were impressed with ChampioNIR's deliverability and its straightforward deployment", said Prof. Gerard S Goh, Head of Interventional Radiology at The Alfred Hospital. "The Frictionless Deployment Mechanism made the precise positioning of the stent very straightforward".

Dr. Yoram Richter, CEO of Medinol, added: "Medinol is excited to bring to clinical practice the culmination of years of research and development into novel stent designs, tailor-made for unmet clinical challenges in vascular interventions". 

The CHAMPIONSHIP First In Human study will enroll a total of 30 patients across 7 sites in Australia and the United States.  Prof. Sahil Parikh, PI of the CHAMPIONSHIP study commented "The ChampioNIR stent represents a breakthrough in treatment for SFA lesions. I am excited to see this device come to life after years of development."