Singapore: US Patent and Trademark Office has awarded an additional key patent covering the design and implantation method for novel device to treat obesity and diabetes developed by US-based Onciomed.

"The challenge of current treatment is that most of them offer a single mode of action and thus the durability of weight loss is often a problem as the stomach expands over time", said Dr Raj Nihalani, president and CEO of Onciomed. "Our novel Vest technology system was designed to be an alternative to traditional, highly invasive, irreversible bariatric surgery."

It is performed through a minimally invasive single incision laparoscopic procedure, and once in place, the device is intended to be a permanent solution. The Vest acts as a true restrictive technology to provide feelings of early fullness and satiety along with a faster gastric emptying time leading to a reduced absorption of fat and glucose. Patients can then modify their diet, thereby returning to a healthier lifestyle, and, in turn, reduce their dependence on diabetes medications.

"These patents further demonstrate the uniqueness of our Vest technology system, using a minimally invasive and reversible approach for obesity treatment and diabetes," said Dr Nihalani, president and CEO of Onciomed.

"We are pleased with the claims allowed and believe that these patents provide a great foundation for Onciomed to build on as we continually expand our intellectual property position. These patents, along with a high-powered team and a demonstrated animal study and human feasibility, all provide significant confidence to make the Onciomed technology the future standard of care for the minimally invasive leading treatment of obesity and diabetes," he added.