Boston Scientific’s controversial former CEO joins the board at Aptus Endosystems

SUNNYVALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aptus Endosystems, Inc., a medical device company developing advanced technology for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), announced today the appointment of James R. Tobin to its Board of Directors. Mr. Tobin headed Boston Scientific Corporation for 10 years and was responsible for that company’s significant growth during that period.

“The Aptus team is bringing elegant new ideas to the AAA space to address clinical needs that have to date been underserved”

“Jim is widely recognized as a leading medical device executive who will bring a combination of strategic vision and business acumen to Aptus Endosystems,” said Alan Kaganov Sc.D., Chairman of the Aptus Board. “He’s a proven and skilled executive with broad experience in healthcare markets and will be invaluable to our efforts to transform and develop an emerging medical device company focused on endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).”

Mr. Tobin, 67, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Boston Scientific from March 1999 to July 2009 when the company’s revenues grew from more than $2 billion to over $8 billion. During his tenure, Boston Scientific achieved a number of significant milestones including the successful launch of the TAXUS® ExpressTM paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system, numerous acquisitions and strategic alliances including the transformative acquisition of Guidant Corporation, and the growth of Boston’s international business to more than 40 percent of the company’s annual revenues.

“The Aptus team is bringing elegant new ideas to the AAA space to address clinical needs that have to date been underserved,” commented Mr. Tobin. “The company’s devices promise to make it possible to treat a broader range of patients successfully with fewer late failures.”

Before joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Tobin served as President and CEO of Biogen Idec, Inc., where he was instrumental in making it one of the world’s most successful biotechnology companies. Prior to that, Mr. Tobin was an executive with Baxter International. He became President and Chief Operating Officer of Baxter in 1992 and was responsible for all operations of the $9 billion company. Mr. Tobin holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Harvard College.

About Aptus Endosystems, Inc.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Aptus Endosystems is a privately held medical device company focused on developing advanced technology for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). An estimated 1.5 million Americans have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which can be life-threatening if left untreated, and approximately 200,000 people are newly diagnosed each year. Aptus Endosystems has developed a unique endograft and innovative helical anchor technology that allows physicians to perform minimally invasive EVAR while still providing the control and potential long term durability of an open surgical repair. The FortevoTM AAA Endograft System and the HeliFXTM Aortic Securement System bear the CE Mark for distribution in the European Union. These products are Investigational Use Only in the United States. For more information, please visit www.aptusendosystems.com

Contacts

Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
Jeff Elkins, CEO
Ph: 408.530.9050
jelkins@aptusendo.com