"The implantation of our millionth TAXUS stent system is a significant symbolic achievement for Boston Scientific," said Jim Tobin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boston Scientific. "We are gratified that the TAXUS system has become the preferred treatment option for clinicians, but more important, we are pleased that so many patients have benefited from this innovative, life-enhancing technology."
"This is a noteworthy milestone for Boston Scientific, for physicians and for patients," said Gregg Stone, M.D., Director of Cardiovascular Research and Education, Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy, Columbia University Medical Center, New York. "This product has truly revolutionized how we treat coronary artery disease and dramatically advanced the practice of interventional cardiology."
The TAXUS stent system received CE Mark in Europe in January 2003 and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in March 2004. The TAXUS stent system is the global market leader.
Earlier this week, the Company announced that it had launched its TAXUS® Liberté™ paclitaxel-eluting stent system in 18 countries. The TAXUS Liberté system features the Company's next-generation Liberté coronary stent. The Company plans to launch the TAXUS Liberté system in Europe later this year and in the United States next year, subject to regulatory approval.
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. For more information, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with the regulatory process, litigation, competitive product offerings and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.