Boston Scientific to acquire Asthmatx

Boston Scientific has agreed a deal which will see it take control of Asthmatx, a firm specialising in medical devices for asthma control.

The definitive merger agreement will see Boston Scientific pay an upfront sum of $193.5 million (123.1 million pounds), with additional payments of up to $250 million to be paid based on sales of Asthmatx products up to 2019.

Asthmatx is responsible for manufacturing the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System, a catheter-based treatment which is designed to be less invasive than alternative procedures, typically allowing patients to return home the same day.

Michael Phalen, president of Boston Scientific's endoscopy division, said the technology represents a "significant medical advance" which can help to reduce medical care costs.

He added: "Boston Scientific's acquisition of Asthmatx demonstrates our commitment to providing the most advanced technology solutions to interventional pulmonologists and their patients."

This week, the company attended a scientific symposium in the US in order to present new clinical data reinforcing the efficacy of its Promus and Taxus stent systems.