The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has marked another milestone in India’s medical-device innovation journey with the launch of Chitra Core, an indigenously designed coronary drug-eluting stent. Developed on a Cobalt-Chromium alloy platform, the stent is aimed at reducing vessel injury while offering a cost-conscious alternative in coronary intervention.
From Chitra Heart Valve to Coronary Stents
SCTIMST’s legacy in indigenous cardiac-device development dates back to 1990, when its Chitra Heart Valve entered clinical use. The valve has since been implanted in more than two lakh patients, establishing the institute as a key centre for frugal medical-device innovation.
More than three decades later, the institute has expanded its cardiac-device portfolio with Chitra Core, one of two fully indigenous coronary stents developed by its Biomedical Technology wing.
Chitra Core Designed With Lower Metal Content
Chitra Core is a polymer-coated Everolimus drug-eluting stent, but its key differentiator lies in its patented design, material selection and manufacturing technology. According to SCTIMST, the device contains 30-40% less metal than conventional coronary stents.
The lower metal content is intended to minimise vessel damage and reduce complications associated with stent implantation, including restenosis and late-stage thrombosis.
The technology was developed by SCTIMST’s Division of Artificial Internal Organs and subsequently transferred to Invasive Technologies Pvt Ltd under an MoU signed in 2024.
CDSCO Approval Paves Way for Commercialisation
Invasive Technologies received the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) manufacturing licence for Chitra Core in December 2025, following completion of the required regulatory process.
The product’s commercial soft launch took place in New Delhi on August 15, 2026, during the annual conference of the Interventional Cardiology Council of Kerala, highlighting the growing role of indigenous technologies in India’s medical-device sector.
Chitra TiN: The Next Indigenous Stent
Alongside Chitra Core, SCTIMST has developed Chitra TiN, a Titanium Nitride-coated bare-metal coronary stent. The device is based on a polymer-free technology and is now moving towards pre-clinical regulatory evaluations ahead of a proposed global launch.
The project received support from the Technical Research Centre for Biomedical Devices under the Department of Science and Technology.
Titanium Nitride Coating Targets Stent-Related Risks
According to the project team, Chitra TiN has been designed to prevent direct contact between the metallic surface of the stent and blood or tissue through its Titanium Nitride coating.
TiN is known for its biocompatibility, mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for implantable medical devices. SCTIMST has been researching TiN applications since the late 1980s, and the technology is also being used in its second-generation TTK Chitra-Titanium heart valve.
Global Regulatory Evaluation Ahead
SCTIMST says Chitra TiN has shown encouraging results in histopathological evaluations following animal studies. However, before a global launch, the device will need to undergo extensive pre-clinical and regulatory testing in accordance with international standards.
The institute sees the technology as a potential first-of-its-kind application of Titanium Nitride coating in coronary stents at its targeted price point.
Recognised Among Leading Healthcare Innovations
Chitra TiN has already received recognition for its innovation potential. It was among the top three healthcare innovations at the Aegis Graham Bell Awards 2024 and was also selected among the top 12 innovations under the BUILD programme of the IIT Madras Incubation Cell in 2023.
With Chitra Core now entering commercial use and Chitra TiN progressing towards global regulatory evaluation, SCTIMST’s coronary stent programme represents another step towards strengthening India’s indigenous medical-device ecosystem.
