With technology developed at Nanyang Technological University. Amaranth has entered into an increasingly competitive race involving start-ups with their eyes on a considerable prize-the creation of a vascular stent composed of biodegradable polymers.

Bioabsorbable Therapeutics, a start-up built around technology developed at Rutgers University, expects to begin conducting clinical trials on its bioabsorbable stent. The company, which is constructing the stents with polymers that contain non-sterioidal anti-inflammatories, is targeting the coronary market.

TissueGen, a start-up spun out of the University of Texas, is developing a bioabsorbable stent that permits the delivery of hydrophilic, or water soluable, therapeutics. If successful the sent would open up the door for a whole new family of drugs to be delivered via a stent.