Abraxis is developing new drug compounds to assist in the treatment of coronary artery diseases. Coronary artery disease, sometimes called CAD, is the most common form of heart disease. Coronary artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis, the build up of plaque, a waxy substance of cholesterol, fatty compounds, calcium, and clotting factors in the blood. As the plaque builds up in the coronary artery, the artery narrows which is called stenosis, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to all organs of the body. The heart, like all other organs, requires oxygenated blood for its cells to work. As the artery narrows, the heart gets less and less oxygen, and a heart attack may occur.

While medications can be used to relieve some of the symptoms of coronary stenosis, a much narrowed coronary artery may require treatment to open the narrowed vessel. Angioplasty is such a treatment. During balloon angioplasty, a long, thin tube (catheter) that has a small deflated balloon is inserted in the artery. Once it is at the blocked coronary artery, the balloon is inflated, flattening the fatty plaque against the artery wall. This procedure enlarges the space that was once blocked, then the balloon is removed. Up to 20% of patients who have balloon angioplasty require another operation because the coronary artery closes again or restenoses. Sometimes, a small, mesh-like metal device or stent can also be inserted into the blocked coronary artery to physically keep the artery open. Often, stents contain medicine to help keep the artery open. These stents are then called drug-eluting stents. Abraxis is investigating the use of a new compound as a drug-eluting stent.