Boston Scientific says its acquisition of Cortex, Inc., will complement electrophysiology portfolio with solution to advance the treatment of complex atrial fibrillation.
Privately held medical technology company, Cortex focuses on developing diagnostic mapping solutions. Its systems can identify triggers and drivers outside of the pulmonary veins that are foundational to atrial fibrillation (AF).
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
A frequently covered subject on our pages, AF is a heart rhythm disorder affecting nearly 38 million people globally.1 Cardiac ablation is a common treatment for AF. It describes the process of delivering energy to areas of the heart responsible for creating abnormal heart rhythms. Physicians often use a mapping system to examine and analyze a heart’s electrical patterns to guide therapeutic applications. In essence Cortex’s OptiMap™ System uses a basket catheter and proprietary algorithm to identify potential active AF sources. This provides physicians with precise insights which means they can efficiently deliver an individualized ablation strategy for their patients.
Cortex received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for the OptiMap System in 2023. Furthermore the company recently completed the randomized, controlled FLOW-AF clinical trial.
Atrial Fibrillation study outcomes
The study demonstrated that OptiMap-guided treatment of AF sources in patients with persistent AF improved freedom from AF one year after an ablation by 51%. This compared favourably with patients who received conventional pulmonary vein isolation therapy alone. Earlier this year, the company initiated a 300 patient, global clinical trial, RESOLVE-AF. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the OptiMap System in identifying extra-pulmonary vein sources.
About the transaction
Boston Scientific has not disclosed the specific terms of the transaction. The company expects to complete the transaction in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to have an immaterial impact on adjusted earnings per share in 2025. Further it is expected to be slightly dilutive on a GAAP basis due to amortization expense and acquisition-related net charges.
Boston Scientific comments
“We believe the addition of the Cortex technology complements our electrophysiology portfolio with a differentiated cardiac mapping offering to assist with complex AF cases,” said Nick Spadea-Anello, global president, Electrophysiology, Boston Scientific.
“The OptiMap System has demonstrated it can help physicians devise a targeted ablation strategy for complex cases, which can lead to improved procedural efficiency and outcomes in patients with challenging atrial arrhythmias.2 We look forward to advancing this technology and driving future clinical evidence generation with the goal of making it accessible to physicians and patients globally in the years ahead.”
Cortex comments
“We established Cortex to provide physicians with a more intelligent and precise solution for patients with AF,” said CEO Duke Rohlen.
“Joining Boston Scientific will allow us to further develop this technology, which we believe has the ability to transform the treatment of AF for patients around the world.”
Source: PR Newswire
published: November 7, 2024 in: Boston Scientific, Cardio, Clinical Studies/Trials, Mergers and Acquisitions, News
