Boston Scientific investigated for stent promotion

Medical company Boston Scientific is being investigated by the US justice department (DOJ) regarding the promotion and use of bile-duct stents, according to Bloomberg News.

The Natick, Massachusetts-based firm said it was cooperating with authorities and described the process as civil, not criminal. Other suppliers in addition to Boston are being looked into amid allegations they promoted bile-duct stents for unapproved uses.

No subpoena has been issued, but it was reported that the investigation is a “natural progression” after an increase in the number of negative experiences involving the stents, which are larger than those used for heart arteries and utilised mainly in leg operations.

“Because the leg twists and flexes and stretches, the risk of stent fracture goes up,” Christopher Warren, an analyst at Friedman, Billings, Ramsey and Co told the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. “The DOJ investigation is a natural progression.”

Although doctors are allowed to prescribe drugs or products not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the manufacturers are not.

Boston Scientific is one of the world’s largest medical device companies and employs about 25,000 members of staff.