Abbott, Boston Scientific Stents & Stuff (at CNBC)

So, I can now safely say, with complete confidence, that Food and Drug Administration approval of the new Abbott drug-coated stent will not happen in the second quarter. Recently, at least a couple of analysts have been telling clients a decision was getting pushed out until the third quarter and one suggested that Xience won't be launched until Q4. The question now is whether the FDA will make a move before the July 4th holiday. Any bets? Speaking of stents, a folo-up to my post last week on the analyst report saying that Boston Scientific is discounting its drug-coated stent when they're bought along with other medical devices the company makes. At first, a BSX spokesman told me the company doesn't publicly talk about such alleged deals. But then Paul Donovan sent me another email last night asking in the subject line,... [read full story]