According to Dr. Joel Richter, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at the University of South Florida, "What separates EndoStim LES stimulation technology from all previous GERD technologies is its ability to correct GERD pathophysiology and normalize or improve esophageal acid exposure. Safety and lack of side effects with this technology makes it an attractive option for patients looking for alternatives to traditional medical therapy."
Dr. Leonardo Rodriguez, the lead investigator for the CE Mark trial conducted in Santiago, Chile, said, "I believe that EndoStim LES stimulation therapy is the ideal treatment option for patients with severe GERD who are unhappy with their medical therapy or want freedom from life-long dependence on medications. I am very impressed with the clinical results and look forward to offering EndoStim therapy to my GERD patients."
EndoStim is continuing trials in key centers across South America, Europe, and Asia. Prof. Peter Siersema, professor of medicine, director of gastroenterology at University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands and a principal investigator in the ongoing EndoStim international multicenter trial said, "We are excited to be among the first sites in Europe to offer the EndoStim LES stimulation therapy to our patients. The EndoStim technology has the potential to change the way we manage GERD. With its ability to personalize treatment to an individual patient's condition, and with its excellent safety profile, EndoStim therapy could become the ideal option for reflux patients unsatisfied or unhappy with daily medications."
EndoStim has begun enrolling a commercial registry study worldwide and is planning for a U.S. study to begin in late 2013.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease that affects hundreds of millions of patients worldwide, and often requires lifelong treatment with acid blocker medications. Symptoms generally occur when the weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle allows stomach contents to flow backward into the esophagus causing esophageal irritation and damage. Acid reflux causes heartburn, regurgitation and can lead to Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer. Millions of people continue to suffer from bothersome GERD symptoms despite maximal medical therapy.
EndoStim is a venture-backed medical device company based in The Hague, The Netherlands, and St. Louis, Mo., focused on developing innovative active implantable devices.
