Boston Scientific Acquires nVision Medical

Boston Scientific announced the acquisition of nVision Medical, which markets a 510(k)-cleared device to collect cells from the fallopian tubes, in a deal valued at $275 million. nVision was paid $150 million up front and may receive up to an additional $125 million in milestone payments over the next four years.

The fallopian tubes are 1 mm wide and have historically been impossible to access with available devices. This made diagnoses of many gynecological pathologies challenging; in some cases, such as ovarian cancer, a definitive diagnosis couldn’t be made until the ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed and sent for testing. nVision’s solution addresses this significant diagnostic limitation, with Boston Scientific emphasizing their belief that the device could contribute to earlier diagnoses of ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. this year, often in the later stages of the disease, when it is less likely to be cured.In their press release, Boston Scientific confirmed their commitment to their women’s health portfolio and says they estimate the market for nVision is presently about $500 million. They expect it to grow to $2 billion as adoption of the system increases.