An endoscopic treatment for obesity that mimics the effects of gastric bypass surgery will soon be available in the UK through a number of designated treatment centres.
US company GI Dynamics has formed an agreement with Berkshire company Elemental Healthcare for the distribution of the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner in the UK and Ireland.
The EndoBarrier, a non-surgical weight loss therapy, has received CE Mark approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In clinical trials, more than 300 patients have demonstrated weight loss and diabetes improvement with the device.
The barrier is placed in the small intestine via the mouth to stop food touching the intestinal wall. This reduces the hormonal activation of hunger, thus mimicking the effects of a gastric bypass procedure without surgery.
The two companies are training Centres of Excellence in the UK to utilise the EndoBarrier, including hospitals in Cheam, London, Manchester and Southampton. These will have exclusive access to the EndoBarrier as a treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Stuart A. Randle, CEO of GI Dynamics, said: “Elemental Healthcare’s proven sales track record, and experience in the diabetes and obesity markets and with bringing minimally invasive products to healthcare providers and surgeons, will be invaluable as the EndoBarrier becomes commercially available in select markets later this year.”
Adam Power, Managing Director of Elemental Healthcare, commented: “The epidemic of type 2 diabetes and obesity is an issue that cannot afford to be ignored and EndoBarrier addresses both of these concerns. We are excited about our partnership with GI Dynamics and proud that we can now offer UK and Ireland-based physicians the most advanced non-surgical technology available on the market.”
Based in Hungerford, Berkshire, Elemental Healthcare Ltd specialises in minimally invasive surgery. Based in Massachusetts, USA, GI Dynamics develops non-surgical treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
