Boston Scientific has announced its entry into the renal denervation (RDN) market through the acquisition of Israeli medtech company SoniVie, in a deal valued at up to $540 million. The transaction includes an upfront payment of $360 million, with potential additional payments of $180 million.
The acquisition builds upon Boston Scientific's existing strategic investment in SoniVie, where it previously held approximately 10% ownership. The current deal will secure the remaining 90% of the company, positioning Boston Scientific as a key player in the growing RDN market.
Novel Ultrasound Technology for Hypertension Treatment
At the heart of the acquisition is SoniVie's Tivus intravascular ultrasound system, an innovative technology designed to treat resistant hypertension and other hypertensive disorders. The system employs precise ultrasound energy to target and ablate nerves surrounding the renal arteries, effectively maintaining vasodilation and enhancing kidney filtration.
While the Tivus system has not yet received regulatory approval, a global investigational device exemption (IDE) trial is currently underway to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. This strategic move positions Boston Scientific to compete in the emerging RDN market segment.
Lance Bates, senior vice president and president of interventional cardiology therapies at Boston Scientific, emphasized the significance of the acquisition: "RDN for hypertension is an exciting medical advancement for the millions of patients it may help and is supported by positive results from contemporary clinical trials and ongoing research."
Market Timing and Industry Context
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time in the RDN market. In November 2023, the FDA approved the first RDN system - Recor Medical's Paradise Ultrasound RDN system, followed closely by Medtronic's Symplicity Spyral RDN system. Both systems have since received enhanced reimbursement status from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2024, signaling growing acceptance of RDN technology among healthcare providers and policymakers.
Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions
This latest move aligns with Boston Scientific's broader acquisition strategy. The company has recently completed several significant transactions, including the purchase of Bolt Medical for up to $664 million in January 2025 and the acquisition of Silk Road Medical for approximately $1.16 billion in 2024.
The SoniVie transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, further strengthening Boston Scientific's position in the interventional cardiology space. The company views the Tivus system as a complementary addition to its existing interventional portfolio, offering new opportunities for treating patients with hypertension who don't respond adequately to conventional medication therapy.
