Interventional cardiologists can expect important updates on transcatheter valves and drug-eluting stents during this year's late-breaking trials presented at the annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting next week. They include updates from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Abbott.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa's premium source for tracking life-sciences deals, the bimonthly Pacts In Medtech feature highlights notable technology alliances, R&D partnerships and commercial collaborations. This edition covers industry pacts that were signed in May and June 2019.

With a total market potential estimated in the multibillion-dollar range, the drug-coated balloon opportunity is attracting a growing list of competitors, including several leading multinational cardiovascular device companies that have entered the space via recent acquisitions. DCBs still need to prove their worth in large, long-term clinical trials, but the ultimate proving point for DCBs could center on cost: if they can offer an effective treatment option that is significantly less expensive than existing devices, DCBs may provide a compelling economic argument.

Managing Partner at Ascent Biomedical Ventures Geoffrey Smith recently began a new role at Mount Sinai Medical School that is helping academics translate their knowledge into real-world commercial opportunities.