Boston Scientific Announces Agreement to Acquire Bolt Medical, Inc.
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Bolt Medical, Inc., the developer of an advanced laser-based intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) platform designed for the treatment of coronary and peripheral artery disease.
Lance Bates, senior vice president and president of Interventional Cardiology Therapies at Boston Scientific, stated, "Intravascular lithotripsy therapy is one of the fastest-growing segments in the medical device field, addressing a major unmet need for patients with complex calcified arterial disease through a minimally invasive method." He further explained that Bolt Medical's next-generation technology complements their existing portfolio and that adding this system will enable them to better support physicians and their patients while providing a foundation for future innovation.
Cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide, often result from narrowed coronary and peripheral arteries that restrict blood flow. These narrowed arteries can be caused by cholesterol deposits and calcium buildup, which complicate treatment. Lithotripsy is a procedure in which physicians break up hardened deposits, such as calcium, to restore blood flow. The Bolt IVL™ system uses a novel approach to fracture calcium by creating acoustic pressure waves within a balloon catheter. The system also features directional emitters to ensure consistent energy delivery when treating calcified lesions. Boston Scientific initially developed the Bolt IVL concept, leading to the establishment of Bolt Medical in 2019. As a strategic investor, Boston Scientific owns a 26 percent equity stake in Bolt Medical. The deal includes an upfront payment of about $443 million for the remaining 74 percent of the company, with an additional potential $221 million contingent on the achievement of certain regulatory milestones.
