Boston Scientific Expands Endoscopy Business With LumenR Acquisition
Boston Scientific has expanded its gastrointestinal (GI) business by acquiring the LumenR system, a tissue retractor that remains in development, for an undisclosed sum. The system was designed to improve visibility and reduce procedure times for the minimally invasive endoscopic removal of cancerous lesions from the GI tract.
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are procedures developed as less-invasive alternatives to open GI surgery, and have been widely adopted for the removal of large lesions in the gut wall, as well as en bloc resections of large neoplasms. By handling these resections and dissections endoscopically, surgeons can reduce both patient recovery times and complications, compared to traditional open surgery, said scientists from Mayo Clinic.
The LumenR tissue retractor is frontloaded over a colonoscope, expands the operating field surrounding the target lesion, and assists endoscopic instruments with two articulating instrument guides. Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine — including current LumenR CEO Gregory Piskun — report that the retractor system simplifies endoscopic removal of colonic lesions. Surgeons also were able to use “markedly less” CO2, which is commonly pumped in during endoscopic procedures to expand the operating space.
“We have seen promising outcomes in reducing both procedure times and patient complications during our evaluation of the LumenR system,” said Piskun in a press release. “We are excited by this investment by Boston Scientific to acquire the LumenR system and bring it to market.”
Art Butcher, president of Boston Scientific’s endoscopy division, added that the system has potential to “improve visibility and control” during ESD and EMR procedures.
“Every year, patients around the world undergo open gastrointestinal surgery that has a profound impact on their lives,” said Butcher. “By bringing this innovative technology forward, we have an opportunity for more physicians to treat patients successfully through less invasive endoscopic procedures.”
Though specific terms of the deal were not discussed, Boston Scientific intends to further develop and evaluate the system’s safety and efficacy, within its endoscopic development program before bringing it to market.
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2013, an estimated 1.2 million Americans were living with colon and rectum cancer, and there are 95,270 new cases diagnosed each year.
The LumenR deal marks Boston Scientific’s second GI-related move in three months – the company signed a $210 million deal in September to acquire EndoChoice, a medtech specializing in endoscopic imaging systems, single-use devices, and infection control products. The move was part of Boston Scientific’s effort to “build leadership” in the endoscopy market, according to Butcher.
Boston Scientific picked up XLumena and its portfolio of endoscopic ultrasound solutions in a deal worth $75 million in 2015. Senior leadership for the company commented that products from both XLumena and EndoChoice dovetailed nicely with Boston Scientific’s existing endoscopic pipeline and portfolio.