ASAHI INTECC, Boston Scientific to develop new, differentiated FFR wire

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) and ASAHI INTECC (Securities Code 7747, Second Section, Tokyo and Nagoya Stock Exchange) have formalized plans to develop a new, differentiated fractional flow reserve (FFR) wire. The joint project focuses on creating a device intended to improve handling compared to existing FFR wires.

The FFR market is an emerging field in interventional cardiology that exceeds $250 million worldwide and is experiencing a double digit growth rate. FFR guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is cost effective and also reduces one-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates. The jointly developed FFR wire will be designed for use with the Boston Scientific POLARIS™ Multi-Modality Imaging System.

The companies have also agreed to collaborate on key enhancements to the Boston Scientific RotaWire™ Atherectomy Guidewire. ASAHI INTECC will provide components for the new RotaWire which is designed by Boston Scientific to provide improved control and handling. The RotaWire is a unique 0.009" wire that is used within the Boston Scientific market leading Rotablator™ Rotational Atherectomy System to treat calcified lesions in coronary arteries.

The introduction of the components manufactured by ASAHI INTECC to advance the RotaWire Atherectomy Guidewire is further evidence of the Boston Scientific commitment to improving products used in the treatment of complex coronary disease.

"We expect our collaboration with ASAHI INTECC to help improve care for patients with coronary artery disease and strengthen our interventional cardiology portfolio," said Kevin Ballinger, president, Interventional Cardiology, Boston Scientific. "The ASAHI INTECC expertise in guidewire technology is unparalleled. By leveraging the strengths of our technologies, we have the opportunity to create truly differentiated products."

"Boston Scientific has advanced sensor and atherectomy technologies. By combining these technologies with our expertise in wires and components, we believe the manipulability of these products will improve dramatically," said Masahiko Miyata, president and chief executive officer, ASAHI INTECC. "Through our collaboration with Boston Scientific, we are confident that we will be able to help improve outcomes for patients."

ASAHI INTECC specializes in wire drawing, wire forming, torque transmission, and coating processes for percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography (PTCA) guidewires.

Boston Scientific anticipates commercializing both specialty wires in 2015.