Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) announced today that CMS granted reimbursement for its Agent drug-coated balloon (DCB).
CMS granted a new technology add-on payment (NTAP) for eligible cases using Agent.
NTAP provides additional reimbursement to hospitals that use designated new medical technologies in the first few years of market introduction. Starting Oct. 1, 2025, CMS intends to provide hospitals with additional device reimbursement when the Agent DCB is used for eligible cases in the hospital inpatient setting.
Agent treats coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with coronary artery disease. ISR occurs when plaque or scar tissue obstructs or narrows a stented vessel. It serves as an alternative to traditional therapies like balloon angioplasty, additional layers of stenting or radiation. The paclitaxel-coated balloon transfers a therapeutic dose of drug to the vessel wall, helping to prevent ISR recurrence.
Boston Scientific won FDA approval for Agent last year, making it the first drug-coated coronary balloon available in the U.S. The company also offers it commercially in several international markets, with more than 100,000 patients treated with Agent globally.
