Boston Scientific will pay $189M to settle claims it deceptively marketed surgical mesh
Photo | Grant Welker
Boston Scientific headquarters in Marlborough
Boston Scientific, a medical device manufacturer based in Marlborough, will pay out $188.6 million across 47 states and Washington, D.C., including $2.8 million for Massachusetts, to resolve allegations it deceptively marketed transvaginal surgical mesh to patients, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office announced on Tuesday.
According to the complaint, which was filed today in Suffolk Superior Court, Boston Scientific did not disclose the full range of potential side effects from using the mesh, including chronic pain, voiding dysfunction, and new onset of incontinence, some of which may be irreversible.
The mesh, per Healey’s office, is implanted into a patient’s pelvic floor to treat common health issues like stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, common conditions brought on by childbirth and/or age, among other factors. Millions of women were reportedly implanted with the mesh even though it was not proven more effective than tissue repair. Thousands allegedly suffered serious complications as a result.
“This company’s deceptive marketing practices put profits over the safety and well-being of patients,” Healey said in a press release. “Along with a nearly $3 million payment to Massachusetts, this settlement requires that the company make significant reforms to ensure its practices conform with the law going forward.”
In a statement provided to WBJ, Boston Scientific said the settlement was not an admission of misconduct or liability, and is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. The company said it was pleased to have the dispute resolved.
The settlement further requires Boston Scientific to update its marketing points to ensure customers are better informed of the mesh’s potential side effects.
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