So far, the weight loss results seen in clinical studies for EndoBarrier have been exciting. We will soon get an update about how patients in this ongoing study are progressing. According to an announcement made today by the company developing the product, GI Dynamics, additional results will be presented on Saturday by the lead investigator for the study at the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) conference in Paris, France.
The EndoBarrier Technology is being investigated as a treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is an innovative, non-surgical therapy that provides benefits similar to those achieved with gastric bypass surgery. The approach does not require surgical incisions, does not alter the anatomy, and can be removed. The ongoing study is evaluating the results and benefits that can be achieved by combining the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner with the new EndoBarrier Flow Restrictor.
The EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner, a medical device functioning as a duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve, is placed endoscopically (via the mouth) to create a barrier between food and a portion of the small intestine where digestion occurs. In previous studies, the data has shown that the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner can achieve dramatic weight loss and an improvement in diabetes.
The new EndoBarrier Flow Restrictor being evaluated in the study is an additional mechanism which adds to the therapeutic effects of the liner. It is designed to delay gastric emptying by providing adjustable restriction at the stomach outlet. In a pilot clinical study, it was demonstrated that combining the two devices could substantially enhance weight loss.
While the medical device is still under investigation, there is a growing amount of pre-clinical and clinical evidence which supports the potential for the EndoBarrier Technology to completely change the way we can treat patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Let’s hope for good news when the results are released this weekend.
