Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Boston Scientific gets EU OK to launch Altrua pacemaker line

By Mass High Tech

Boston Scientific Corp., a medical devices giant, has won marketing approval and plans a sales launch for its Altrua line of pacemakers in Europe, according to the company.

Natick-based Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) said the new pacemakers, which are implanted devices, are designed to treat a cardiac condition, known as bradycardia, that causes the heart to beat slower and deprives the body of ample oxygen.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve the Altrua pacemakers and the products are not available in the United States, according to Boston Scientific.

Boston Scientific, a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of medical devices, reported a 2007 net loss of $495 million on revenue of $8.4 billion. The firm employed 27,500 workers worldwide as of December 2007.