Friday, September 26, 2008

GI Dynamics’ stomach liner helps weight loss

By Mass High Tech Staff

Medical device firm GI Dynamics reported study results investigating its non-invasive device EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The removable device creates a barrier between ingested food and the intestinal wall, moderating food through the digestive system. It can be implanted and removed orally.

The multi-center, randomized trial enrolled 37 morbidly obese people. Results showed that subjects using the device lost triple the weight than dieting patients without the device. At 12 weeks, patients in the device group lost 30.2 lbs versus 9.7 lbs for patients in the control group. The study also showed that the device lowered blood glucose levels and reduced the need for diabetic medication in some patients.

The study had no procedure-related adverse events, the company said.

The results were reported at the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 13th World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ruben Schouten, Maastricht University Medical Center, Netherlands, presented the results.

Lexington-based GI Dynamics was founded in 2003 with ongoing financing from Advanced Technology Ventures, Catalyst Health Ventures, Cutlass Capital, Domain Associates, Johnson & Johnson Development Corp. and Polaris Venture Partners.