A sirolimus-eluting stent ['Cypher'] is more effective than a conventional bare metal stent in preventing coronary artery restenosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), according to results from the SIRIUS study presented at the 52nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology [Chicago, US; March−April 2003]. Results from this study showed that patients implanted with the sirolimus-eluting stent were significantly less likely to experience target vessel failure than those who received the bare metal stent. Furthermore, the reduced need for repeat revascularisation among patients receiving the sirolimus-eluting stent meant that follow-up medical costs were significantly lower, offsetting the higher initial costs, compared with the bare metal stent. Importantly, an analysis of data from patients with diabetes mellitus indicated that the sirolimus-eluting stent was also more effective than the conventional stent in this subgroup, which has a higher risk of restenosis than the general patient population.