paclitaxel (University Hospital Tuebingen formulation)

Paclitaxel is an antiproliferative small molecule that acts as a microtubule stabilizer by binding to tubulin. This stabilization prevents the disassembly of microtubules, which is a critical step in cell division, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. This specific fluid formulation was developed by the University Hospital Tuebingen (Medizinische Klinik III) for local intracoronary delivery via a specialized catheter. It was investigated in the Phase 3 Local-Tax Trial as a method to prevent restenosis in patients with coronary artery stenosis following the implantation of bare-metal stents. Unlike drug-eluting stents that release medication over an extended period, this approach involves a one-time, direct administration of fluid paclitaxel to the vessel wall immediately after stenting.

Other names

fluid paclitaxellocal intracoronary paclitaxel