Marlborough-based medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific is investing $1.5 billion in MiRus, a privately held firm developing replacement heart valve technology.
The deal gives Boston Scientific an approximately 34% ownership stake in Georgia-based MiRus, along with an exclusive option to fully acquire the company’s replacement aortic heart valve business for an additional $3 billion.
Boston Scientific announced the investment Monday, saying it is focused on the Siegel heart valve system being developed by MiRus. The technology is designed to treat aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart’s aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow.
The Siegel valve is designed to be inserted through a minimally invasive procedure rather than open-heart surgery. The system uses a smaller delivery device than current competing products, which could reduce complications during procedures, according to Boston Scientific.
MiRus recently launched a large clinical trial involving up to 1,025 patients to test the safety and effectiveness of the valve system in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
The agreement includes an option for Boston Scientific to acquire MiRus technologies related to mitral and tricuspid heart valve replacement procedures.
Brad Kane is editor of the Worcester Business Journal.
