抢滩脑中风赛道：颈动脉支架自研、收购、代理三线开火

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape and emerging opportunities in the carotid artery stent market, highlighting the increasing demand for innovative solutions and the challenges posed by price competition in the industry [2][19][21]. Group 1: Market Overview - Carotid artery stenosis is a significant health issue, with approximately 30% of ischemic strokes caused by carotid plaque narrowing, affecting 5 out of 1000 individuals aged 50-60 and 10 out of 1000 for those over 80 [2]. - The global market for carotid stents is limited, with only about 10 products available, most of which are first-generation devices that have been in service for nearly 20 years [2][3]. Group 2: Key Players and Innovations - Medtronic has a long-standing presence in the carotid stent market, having received FDA approval for its Protégé RX self-expanding carotid stent in 2005, and recently signed a strategic agreement with Contego Medical to distribute the Neuroguard IEP system in the U.S. [6][14]. - Silk Road Medical, acquired by Boston Scientific for $11.8 billion, developed the ENROUTE neuroprotection system, which has completed over 25,000 TCAR procedures in the U.S. and generated $177.1 million in sales in 2023, marking a 28% increase from 2022 [10][13]. Group 3: Domestic Market Developments - As of now, no domestic carotid stents have been approved for sale in China, but Suzhou Zhongtian Medical's Zhongtianmi® stent has become the first domestic product to enter special review for innovative medical devices [3][18]. - The Zhongtianmi® stent utilizes a unique single-layer micro-pore hybrid weaving technology, significantly reducing pore size and improving plaque coverage while minimizing risks associated with dual-layer stents [18]. Group 4: Pricing and Competition - The introduction of centralized procurement policies has transformed the high-value consumables market into a price competition battleground, with the maximum bid for carotid stents set at 6,000 yuan, significantly compressing profit margins for companies [19][20]. - The pressure from centralized procurement is pushing smaller companies out of the market, while larger firms leverage their resources to dominate, leading to a consolidation phase in the peripheral vascular stent industry [20][21].