Boston Scientific buys Asthmatx, hopes to expand use of bronchial thermoplasty

Boston Scientific has acquired Asthmatx, the developer of a bronchial thermoplasty procedure marketed as an alternative to inhaled medications for the treatment of severe asthma for an upfront payment of $193.5 million and future payments of up to $250 million. The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System, which was approved by the FDA in April 2010, uses heat to reduce the smooth muscle in the airway, reducing its ability to constrict. Asthmatx CEO Glen French said of the deal, "We will be able to leverage Boston Scientific’s sales and marketing expertise to introduce the Alair System to a growing number of physicians and provide much needed relief to many patients affected by this debilitating disease. Read the company’s press release.