EndoBarrier on offer at two Australian clinics

GI Dynanics (ASX:GID) continues rollout of its EndoBarrier in Australia with it now offering the weight loss and diabetes treatment in two additional locations, St Vincent's Clinic and Macquarie University Hospital.

The company will set up a “centre of excellence” in St Vincent's Clinic in Sydney to perform implants of the device and train surgeons in the procedure.

Gastrointestinal surgeon Reginald V. Lord MD, who practices at St Vincent's Hospital, will spearhead the introduction of the treatment at both hospitals.

EndoBarrier is a tube-shaped liner designed to be inserted endoscopically in a non-surgical procedure. It forms a physical barrier between food and a portion of the intestinal wall, mimicking the effects of a gastric bypass.

Unlike a gastric bypass, the procedure is reversible, and does not carry the risks of the major surgical procedure.

The therapy is used to reduce blood glucose levels, promote weight loss and affect gastrointestinal hormones involved in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

As well as having TGA approval in Australia, EndoBarrier has a CE Mark in Europe, and GI Dynamics is in the process of seeking FDA approval in the US.

Last month, GI Dynamics won provisional approval from the FDA to jump straight to a full clinical trial of EndoBarrier, using data from clinical trials conducted outside of the US to stand in for a pilot study.

GI Dynamics is headquartered in Massachusetts and listed on the ASX. The company's share price grew 2.9% to $0.710 today.