Boston Scientific study shows benefits of Alair therapy

Boston Scientific has published data from a new study showing the benefits of its Alair bronchial thermoplasty system in treating severe asthma.

The company has conducted a study called Research in Severe Asthma (Risa), which aimed to demonstrate the safety of the recently launched medical device over a five-year period.

It found that Alair was able to demonstrate maintenance of stable lung function over the course of the long-term study period, without the associated risk of late clinical complications.

Alair has been available in the UK since June 2011 and has shown its potential as a proven non-drug therapy from early patient applications at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow and Manchester's Wythenshawe Hospital.

Michael Onuscheck, senior vice-president and president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Boston Scientific, said: "Our acquisition of the Alair System, and its launch in Europe, demonstrate Boston Scientific's commitment to improving patient quality of life through continuous innovation in minimally invasive medicine."

Earlier this month, the company announced the European launch of the Coyote Balloon Catheter, a new device for use in peripheral angioplasty procedures.