J&J released some preliminary results today for the next-generation “Nevo” stent the company hopes will revive its fortunes in the $4 billion drug-coated stent market.  The study, a head-to-head trial of Nevo and Boston Scientific’s Taxus, gathered data from 394 patients, and found that those who received a Nevo stent had less tissue growth inside the stent than patients who received a Taxus stent.

This study suggests that patients who get the Nevo device are less likely to need follow-up procedures than those who receive Taxus.  In a note, Wachovia analyst Larry Biegelsen said “the results from the Nevo Res I study will help JNJ stop the erosion of its market share in Europe and could help JNJ gain share if physicians buy into the safety message.” J&J is also pitting Nevo against Abbott’s Xience stent in a separate study.