Nairobi , Kenya– April 6, 2026 – MicroPort® Coronary, a subsidiary of MicroPort Scientific Corporation, announced the first commercial implantation of its Firehawk® Sirolimus Target Eluting Coronary Stent System in Kenya, marking the official entry of MicroPort® Coronary products into the Sub-Saharan Africa market and expanded access to advanced coronary intervention technology in the region.
The Firehawk® stent has been the subject of the TARGET-FIRST clinical study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 20251 and recognized as one of the Top 10 Interventional Cardiology Papers of 2025 by The European Heart Journal2. The study evaluated 1-month DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy versus 12-month DAPT in low-risk AMI patients after complete revascularization, demonstrating a 54% reduction in bleeding without increased ischemic risk.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Nduiga and his team at Coptic Hospital in Nairobi. The procedure was completed without reported complications. Dr. Nduiga expressed satisfaction from his experience with the Firehawk® stent, and he intends to continue recommending its use to fellow practitioners.
This first implantation represents the first commercial use of the Firehawk® stent in the region. MicroPort® Coronary intends to build on this milestone by introducing complementary technologies to support lesion pre-treatment, imaging assessment, and procedural optimisation, as well as supporting local physicians through training and clinical education programmes. MicroPort® Coronary remains committed to advancing the adoption of its products in international markets, tailoring its approach to meet regional clinical needs and expand access to quality cardiovascular care. .
About MicroPort® Coronary
Shanghai MicroPort Medical (Group) Co., Ltd. (MicroPort® Coronary) was established on May 15, 1998, in Zhangjiang Science City, Shanghai, China. As the birthplace of the MicroPort® Group, the company specializes in providing products and services for the interventional treatment of coronary artery-related diseases. It has developed a mature global network for research and development, production, marketing, and services. MicroPort® Coronary now has a presence in nearly 90 countries and regions, serving more than 3,000 hospitals.
Forward-looking statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Statements regarding future product introductions, market expansion, and commercial activities reflect current plans and are subject to change, including subsequent product rollout and clinical education projects in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Regulatory disclaimer
The Firehawk® Sirolimus Targeted Drug-Eluting Stent's regulatory approvals and cleared indications vary by country and region. Not all products or indications described in this release may be approved in all markets. Healthcare professionals should refer to applicable local regulatory requirements and instructions for use.
References
1. Tarantini G, et al. Early Discontinuation of Aspirin after PCI in Low-Risk Acute Myocardial Infarction. N Engl J Med. 2025 August 31. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2508808
2. Emanuele Barbato, et al. The year in cardiovascular medicine 2025: the top 10 papers in interventional cardiology, European Heart Journal, Volume 47, Issue 4, 21 January 2026, Pages 405–407, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf1046