Boston Scientifoc acquires Augmenix Inc. and with it the SpaceOAR system for use in prostate radiotherapy

Boston Scientific announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Augmenix, Inc., a privately-held company which has developed and commercialized the SpaceOAR System, a therapy used to reduce common and debilitating side effects that men may experience after receiving prostate cancer radiotherapy. The transaction consists of an upfront cash payment of $500 million, and up to $100 million for reaching sales-based milestone.Each year, more than 1.1 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer worldwide and approximately 400,000 men will undergo prostate radiotherapy. One of the most common complications of treatment is rectal radiation injury, due to the rectum's proximity to the prostate and the resulting high doses of inadvertent radiation exposure. Prior to radiation therapy, the SpaceOAR hydrogel is injected to create additional space between the rectum and prostate during treatment, thereby reducing rectal radiation dose and associated side effects. The SpaceOAR hydrogel is CE Marked, cleared by the FDA and has been used in more than 30,000 patients worldwide.