Preliminary net sales of its TAXUS system in the United States from March 8th through March 31st (18 selling days) were approximately $98 million. At its February 23rd analyst meeting, the Company estimated TAXUS system sales of between $54 million and $75 million for the period of March 1st through March 31st (23 selling days). The Company shipped a total of approximately 133,000 units through March 31st; this represents both revenue and non-revenue units. The Company said that it was shipping to 864 accounts at the end of the quarter. There are approximately 1,200 cardiac catheterization laboratories in the United States.
Preliminary worldwide net sales of all coronary stent systems during the first quarter were approximately $283 million, of which $215 million were TAXUS systems. At the February 23rd meeting, the Company estimated first quarter worldwide coronary stent system sales of between $210 million and $240 million, of which TAXUS system sales were estimated to be between $150 million and $180 million.
"All aspects of our U.S. TAXUS launch continue to go very well, and we are pleased that we are exceeding expectations," said Jim Tobin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boston Scientific. "Our execution remains outstanding, and our supply remains unconstrained. Above all, we are gratified to be able to bring this revolutionary technology to physicians and patients in the United States."
The information in this news release is being provided to ensure fair disclosure to all investors in accordance with the Fair Disclosure regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company plans to provide similar information periodically in the coming months.
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 of this press release 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 new product development and introduction, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, intellectual property, litigation, operational improvements, the Company's overall business strategy, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.