Boston Scientific Corporation,a global medical technology leader, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Xlumena, Inc., a venture-backed medical device company that develops, manufactures and sells minimally invasive devices for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided transluminal drainage of targeted areas within the gastrointestinal tract. The deal is expected to close this week.

The Xlumena portfolio includes the Axios and Hot Axios Stent and Delivery Systems. The Axios Stent and Delivery System has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and is the world's first stent designed for endoscopic ultrasound-guided transluminal drainage of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts. The next-generation Hot Axios Stent and Delivery System incorporates cautery into the delivery of the Axios stent.  Both systems have CE Mark for facilitating transgastric or transduodenal endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts or the biliary tract. These products are currently sold in select countries in Europe.

"We believe the acquisition of Xlumena and their minimally-invasive products combined with the Boston Scientific broad product portfolio demonstrates our commitment to advancing the field of interventional EUS therapeutics," said David Pierce, senior vice president and president, endoscopy, Boston Scientific. "Our combined technologies enable physicians to diagnose and treat diseases of the pancreatico-biliary system using less invasive procedures. We are very pleased to be able to accelerate the global reach of the Axios  stent and to be at the forefront of this fast growing segment."

The Axios technology platform broadens the Boston Scientific portfolio of minimally-invasive approaches to treat pancreatic pseudocysts which may be caused by pancreatitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic ductal obstruction or trauma. The acquisition accelerates the Boston Scientific commitment to lead the EUS segment by coupling the Expect family of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) needles with the leader in therapeutic EUS.

"We are proud to see our technology evolve in conjunction with Boston Scientific's portfolio and provide patients a holistic and minimally invasive solution," said Greg Patterson, president and chief executive officer of Xlumena.

The agreement calls for an upfront payment of $62.5 million, an additional payment of $12.5 million upon FDA clearance of the Hot Axios product, and further sales-based milestones based on sales achieved through 2018.  Boston Scientific currently expects the net impact of this transaction on adjusted earnings per share to be immaterial for years 2015 and 2016 and break-even to accretive thereafter, and more dilutive on a GAAP basis as a result of acquisition-related net charges and amortization.

The Hot Axios and Axios devices for the gallbladder and bile duct have CE mark designation in Europe. They are not available for sale in the United States.

Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world.  As a global medical technology leader for more than 35 years, the company advance science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare.