Elemental Healthcare, a leading medical devices company that specialises in providing products for non-surgical treatments, today announced the UK launch of the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner.
EndoBarrier has been designed for people who struggle with the management of Type 2 diabetes, of which over 2.5 million people suffer in the UK, and those who are also clinically obese. The introduction of EndoBarrier could have significant implications on the current burden of diabetes and obesity care in the UK. Recently reported clinical data on the EndoBarrier shows cardiovascular and metabolic improvements as well as significant weight loss following 12 months of therapy.
The EndoBarrier is suitable for patients who have Type 2 diabetes with a BMI of 30-50. It is initially being offered to private patients at St Anthony’s Hospital in Surrey and is hoped to become available on the NHS in due course, following trials at three NHS hospitals.
Clinical trials, involving more than 300 patients to date, have demonstrated significant diabetes improvement and weight loss with the EndoBarrier, when combined with certain diet and lifestyle modifications. In a 12-month study[v], patients fitted with the EndoBarrier, achieved weight loss of more than 20.0 percent of their total body weight (average loss 22kg / 3.5 stone) and amongst patients with Type 2 diabetes, EndoBarrier was able to reduce blood sugar levels, halting the increase of HbA1c levels seen in diabetes and potentially reduced the need for medications to control the disease. The EndoBarrier procedure is quick, incisionless and reversible, and many patients often go home the day of the procedure. In recent clinical trials, there have been no serious adverse events.
Mr. Alberic Fiennes, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Surrey said: “This new procedure is pioneering in that it works as a metabolic regulator directly treating Type 2 diabetes and associated weight-gain, giving patients a chance to drastically improve their condition. I was excited when I first heard about EndoBarrier and impressed at the results produced by clinical studies that showed that as early as the first week post procedure, patients can experience a significant effect on their diabetes.”
Adam Power, Director of Elemental Healthcare, who is launching the non-surgical therapy into the UK in an exclusive partnership with GI Dynamics, the US company responsible for the design of EndoBarrier said: “To halt the rapid growth of Type 2 diabetes and obesity in the UK represents a daunting challenge. We believe EndoBarrier provides an innovative approach in addressing these serious metabolic conditions and could help meet this challenge. It represents an exciting next step in the way Type 2 diabetes is managed.”