Boston Scientific to expand cardiovascular portfolio with Bolt Medical acquisition

Boston Scientific Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bolt Medical, Inc., a developer of cutting-edge intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology. The acquisition reflects Boston Scientific’s commitment to advancing minimally invasive solutions for coronary and peripheral artery diseases—conditions that remain leading causes of death globally.

How the Acquisition Enhances Cardiovascular Care

Bolt Medical’s IVL platform offers a novel approach to treating calcified arterial disease, a significant challenge in managing restricted blood flow caused by cholesterol deposits and calcium buildup. The Bolt IVL system leverages acoustic pressure waves within a balloon catheter to fracture calcium, facilitating blood flow restoration. The system’s innovative design includes visible, directional emitters that deliver consistent energy, making it a critical addition to Boston Scientific’s cardiovascular portfolio.

Lance Bates, senior vice president of Boston Scientific, highlighted the growing importance of IVL technology in the medical device industry, stating it fills a significant unmet need for patients with complex arterial disease. He also emphasised how the acquisition aligns with Boston Scientific’s strategic goals to foster innovation and improve patient care outcomes.

Strategic Investment Backed by Clinical Success

Boston Scientific was instrumental in Bolt Medical’s establishment in 2019, initially developing the Bolt IVL concept and maintaining a 26% equity stake. The new agreement secures the remaining 74% of Bolt Medical for an upfront payment of $443 million, with potential milestone payments of up to $221 million.

This strategic acquisition follows Bolt Medical’s success in pivotal clinical trials, including the RESTORE ATK and RESTORE BTK studies, which explored IVL applications for moderate to severely calcified lesions in peripheral artery disease. Results from these trials will support U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark submissions.

Furthermore, Bolt Medical recently received FDA approval to initiate the FRACTURE IDE global trial, investigating the use of its IVL Coronary System for treating severe coronary calcifications. These advancements underscore Bolt Medical’s innovation and market potential, further enhancing the value of this acquisition.

Financial and Market Implications

Boston Scientific anticipates the transaction will close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. While the acquisition may slightly dilute adjusted earnings per share in 2025, Boston Scientific expects to offset these impacts through internal efficiencies. On a GAAP basis, the deal is likely to result in higher amortisation expenses and acquisition-related charges.

However, industry analysts suggest that integrating Bolt Medical’s IVL system into Boston Scientific’s portfolio could drive long-term growth by addressing significant gaps in cardiovascular care. The acquisition positions Boston Scientific to lead in minimally invasive solutions for calcified arterial disease, an area with rising demand.

The Role of IVL in Treating Calcified Arteries

Calcified arterial disease presents unique challenges due to hardened calcium deposits that complicate traditional treatments. Intravascular lithotripsy offers a less invasive method by targeting these calcifications directly, reducing procedural risks and improving patient outcomes. Bolt Medical’s advanced IVL technology expands the scope of this innovative therapy, paving the way for broader clinical applications and future advancements.