Boston Scientific (BSX) Plunges 10.27% on FDA Recall of Defibrillation Leads, 10-Day Slide to 2025 Low

Shares of Boston Scientific (BSX) fell to their lowest level since April 2025 on Sept. 22, 2023, with an intraday decline of 1.48%. The stock has now dropped 10.27% over the past 10 trading days, marking a 10-day consecutive slide. The selloff reflects a mix of strategic and operational pressures, including regulatory challenges and shifting investor sentiment.

A key driver of the recent volatility was the FDA’s recall of Boston Scientific’s Endotak Reliance defibrillation leads, flagged as the most serious type of recall. The agency linked the devices to 386 serious injuries and 16 patient deaths, citing risks of life-threatening failures. While the company issued a correction notice advising healthcare providers to monitor patients, the recall introduced uncertainty among investors, amplifying short-term selling pressure.

Strategic moves also shaped the stock’s trajectory. On Sept. 19, Boston Scientific announced the $850 million acquisition of Relievant Medsystems, a spine surgery firm, to expand its minimally invasive surgical portfolio. Analysts highlighted the deal as a strategic fit with the company’s growth goals, yet the market’s reaction was mixed. The acquisition initially bolstered investor confidence but failed to offset broader concerns about regulatory risks and operational execution.

Analyst activity added complexity to the stock’s performance. While multiple Wall Street firms upgraded price targets—citing optimism over Boston Scientific’s cardiology and interventional medicine pipelines—buy ratings coexisted with caution. Institutional selling by firms like Gateway Investment Advisers and insider transactions, including an executive’s $629,650.45 share sale, further clouded sentiment. Despite these pressures, long-term investors and smaller firms showed continued support, reflecting a divided market view.

Leadership developments, such as CEO Raymond Gilmartin’s appointment to CVS Health’s board, added a layer of strategic ambiguity. While the move was seen as a potential opportunity for cross-industry collaboration, it raised questions about governance alignment. However, its direct impact on stock dynamics remained limited compared to regulatory and operational factors.

Technical indicators showed mixed signals. A brief “buy zone” entry on Sept. 20 followed bullish guidance, but the stock reversed amid updates on the FARAPULSE study, leading to a 4% intraday drop. The erratic price action underscored the market’s sensitivity to both positive and negative catalysts, with investors balancing long-term growth potential against near-term risks.