Onciomed Inc., headquartered in Irvine, has secured a U.S. patent for an inventive stomach insert designed to address obesity and diabetes treatment.
This patented solution introduces a novel approach through the implementation of three cylindrical components, which can be inserted into the stomach using a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike many traditional surgeries employed for obesity management, this innovative method aims to “occupy volume and induce reduced eating cravings, thereby combating obesity and managing weight gain,” as highlighted by the OC Tech Innovation blog.
Within this system, two cylinders are enclosed on both ends, while the third remains open, functioning to slow down the stomach’s emptying process. This modular setup occupies approximately three-fourths of the stomach’s capacity, according to insights shared by Raj Nihalani, the head of Onciomed. Nihalani, an internist with a seventeen-year tenure in the medical device industry, also holds the position of president at TrialMed Life Sciences in Irvineāa company that aids other enterprises with their clinical trials.
The alarming prevalence of obesity is reflected in the staggering statistics provided by Onciomed’s website. With more than 70 million obese Americans and a global count of 300 million individuals, obesity’s profound impact is undeniable. Financially, it imposes an enormous burden on the United States, amounting to a staggering $200 billion annually.
Since its establishment in 2008, Onciomed has been diligently working on shaping the next generation of weight loss solutions. Their pioneering stomach insert, aptly named the GVS System, has already undergone testing in both pigs and humans outside the U.S. However, it awaits U.S. clinical trials before it can be made available commercially within the country.
The journey of Onciomed has been fueled by investments from private backers, and at present, the company is actively raising equity funding, as confirmed by Nihalani.
In Nihalani’s words, “Obesity is a chronic disease that is treated in stages,” as affirmed by the American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This patent underscores Onciomed’s commitment to transforming the landscape of obesity treatment by offering an innovative, multi-stage solution aimed at providing comprehensive and effective management.