The results included sub-analyses conducted to understand how EnteroMedics’s Vbloc vagal blocking therapy affects two co-morbidities frequently associated with obesity: type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Approximately six patients were evaluated as part of the type 2 diabetes sub-group analysis. Following activation of Vbloc therapy, mean HbA1c, a measure of blood glucose levels, showed significant improvement. There was a statistically significant reduction of 1.4% (p=.01) to 7.4% and 1.7% (p=.03) to 7% at one month and six months, respectively, from a baseline of 8.7%.
Approximately nineteen patients were evaluated as part of the hypertension sub-group analysis. Following activation of Vbloc therapy, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed improvement.
Specifically, there was a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure of 19.8mmHg (p=.004) and 20.4mmHg (p=.006) at one month and six months, respectively, from a baseline of 144.6mmHg (n=11). Similarly, diastolic pressure was significantly reduced 10.4mmHg (p=.001) and 6.4mmHg (p=.02) from a baseline of 87.9mmHg (n=17) at one month and six months, respectively.
Of equal significance, four of eight patients were able to either reduce or discontinue hypertension medication, and there was no significant change in blood pressure observed in subjects with normal baseline systolic (n=15) or diastolic (n=9) blood pressure, the company said.
Mark Knudson, president and CEO of EnteroMedics, said: “While we remain committed, first and foremost, to developing VBLOC Therapy as a treatment for obesity, we are excited about the potential to treat two of the major co-morbidities of obesity and to expand our product pipeline into these significant disease areas.
“This process has already been initiated in diabetes, with the launch of our Enable feasibility trial, and is in the planning stage for hypertension. These indications represent significant value potential for EnteroMedics, both within the medical community and with our shareholders, in addition to expanding the company’s strategic options.”