GI Dynamics extends Australian reach of EndoBarrier

GI Dynamics (ASX:GID) has expanded the Australian availability of its EndoBarrier diabetes and obesity treatment device.

EndoBarrier is now commercially available across five new centres in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart and Perth.

The treatment option had already been available in Melbourne’s Epworth Clinic for Bariatric Surgery and St Vincent’s Clinic and Macquarie University Hospital in Sydney.

“We are excited about the continued commercial progress and expanded footprint of EndoBarrier Therapy and are pleased to be able to provide this treatment to people right across Australia,” GI Dynamics CEO Stuart A Randle said.

EndoBarrier is a thin tube-shaped liner designed to be inserted endoscopically into a portion of the intestinal wall. Once in place it acts as a barrier between food and the portion of the intestine, achieving an effect similar to a gastric bypass without the risks of the invasive procedure.

The product has TGA approval as a treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes for up to 12 months. It also has a CE Mark in Europe and is progressing through the approvals process in the US.

The Australian Diabetes Council estimates that one in four Australian adults have either diabetes or pre-diabetes. Furthermore, around 14 million Australians are classified as overweight or obese.

GI Dynamics (ASX:GID) shares were trading 4.29% higher at $0.73 as of around 1.30 pm on Tuesday.

Image features ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots of Terry Crews, an EndoBarrier patient who has lost 20 kg in the last two months and is no longer taking insulin injections.