Mar 28, 2003
Guidant Reports Results of Preclinical Study of Stents for Treatment of Vulnerable Plaque

Study Evaluates Therapeutic Options for Preventing Heart Attacks

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced findings of a vulnerable plaque study evaluating the use of metallic and drug eluting stents in a diseased animal model at 28 days. This preclinical study is the first of its kind to evaluate potential therapeutic methods of heart attack prevention by examining favorable responses induced by stent implants in complex lesions exhibiting features of vulnerable plaques. Pedro R. Moreno, M.D., of the University of Kentucky, will present the findings of the Guidant-sponsored study at the Association for the Eradication of Heart Attack''s 5th Vulnerable Plaque Symposium to be held tomorrow in Chicago, Ill.

"Our preclinical results indicate that metallic stenting may have the potential to stabilize the thin-capped fibroatheroma features that characterize vulnerable lesions," said Dr. Moreno. "However, restenosis rates in high risk, lipid-rich, inflamed plaques deserve further investigation. If these lesions have a higher likelihood of restenosis, drug eluting stents may provide an option for vulnerable plaque resistant to systemic therapy." The study compared the stabilizing features of metallic and drug eluting stents in animals and found that the everolimus eluting stent showed promising results with the lowest risk of restenosis.

"Guidant is dedicated to supporting research that may one day prevent many of the 1.1 million heart attacks Americans suffer each year," said Dana G. Mead, Jr., president, Vascular Intervention, Guidant Corporation. "We believe that Guidant is uniquely positioned for leadership in this emerging field, and we are enthusiastic about the work we are doing to better understand its implications for patients and physicians. Dr. Moreno''s study brings us a step closer to understanding the impact of stent therapy for treating vulnerable plaque lesions before they pose a significant risk to the patient."

Traditional medical knowledge holds that heart attacks are caused by arteries that become narrow over time, as atherosclerosis progresses within the artery wall. However, a newly established body of evidence indicates that as many as 85 percent of heart attacks are triggered by complex vulnerable lesions - vulnerable plaque - that suddenly rupture, causing blood to clot and occlude the artery. Research suggests that local therapies may play a role in the area of vulnerable plaque.

In September 2002, Guidant announced results of a study utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new coronary imaging technology that provides resolution 10 times greater than intravascular ultrasound, to examine highly detailed images of complex coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. The Massachusetts General Hospital OCT study found that OCT is able to successfully detect morphological characteristics of coronary lesions that have been associated with heart attack.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 11,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life''s most threatening medical conditions. For more information visit www.guidant.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information about Guidant, including its products and services, please visit the company''s newsroom at www.guidant.com/newsroom.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the therapy. The statements are based on many important factors, including progress in additional clinical studies, regulatory and product developments, and other factors identified in exhibit 99.1 in the company''s most recent 10-K. The company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.