Benzinga | Jul 6, 2021 08:12AM EDT

CytoSorbents Shares Are Trading Higher On Launch Of Trial On Ticagrelor Removal During Cardiothoracic Surgery

* CytoSorbents Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSO) receives full FDA approval to conduct the STAR-T trial in the U.S. to support regulatory clearance of DrugSorb Antithrombotic Removal (ATR) system for intraoperative ticagrelor removal during cardiothoracic surgery.

* This study is being performed under the previously announced FDA Breakthrough Designation received in April 2020.

* STAR-T will enroll up to 120 patients, and enrollment is expected to begin soon.

* The study's primary endpoint will evaluate whether the use of DrugSorb-ATR with the standard of care reduces the risk of perioperative bleeding complications compared to standard of care alone.

* The trial will also evaluate reductions in ticagrelor blood levels and additional outcomes to capture the full potential clinical and cost-economic benefits of DrugSorb-ATR.

* AstraZeneca Plc's (NASDAQ: AZN) Ticagrelor is frequently preferred as first-line therapy in patients with the acute coronary syndrome in preparation for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent placement.

* Price Action: CTSO shares are up 12.5% at $8.27 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.