Diabetes has emerged as a major concern in Asia Pacific and companies are making a beeline to develop treatments for it. ASX-listed GI Dynamics has developed a novel treatment, called EndoBarrier Therapy, that does not rely on either medication or surgery to help patients regain control of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

"The EndoBarrier device was first implanted in a human subject in 2005 and has evolved steadily since then. Today, the number of patients treated with EndoBarrier Therapy exceeds 800 and we continue our research and development efforts to enhance the product and treatment program, and to explore additional uses of the technology," says Mr Stuart A Randle, president and CEO, GI Dynamics.

Clinical trials and commercial applications have shown that many patients, while receiving EndoBarrier Therapy, have been able to decrease their dosage of oral anti-diabetes medications.

The effects of EndoBarrier Therapy on glucose control are rapid. The EndoBarrier medical device may be implanted for up to 12 months and has shown benefits in three-month, six-month and 12-month studies. "Our current data demonstrate that 87 percent of the patients are able to reach healthy blood sugar levels and lose an average 18 percent of their total body weight in nine months. Initial studies have demonstrated that EndoBarrier Therapy has sustained benefits on glycemic control and weight loss in up to six months post-explant," says Mr Randle.

Till date, the company has raised $156 million in capital, which has been used toward employee costs, company operations, research and development, ongoing clinical trials, and sales and marketing of the product. The product is commercially available in Australia, Chile and several European countries including the UK, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.