Medtronic, GSK sign EndoBarrier agreements

GI Dynamics, the developers of the EndoBarrier device, has entered into separate research collaborations with Medtronic and GlaxoSmithKline. It is hoped the collaborations could lead to improvements in the device, as well as potential combinations of drug treatment and EndoBarrier therapy to optimise patient outcomes.

The research agreement with Medtronic seeks to understand how the EndoBarrier impacts continuous glucose levels. The company has previously invested $15 million in GI Dynamics.

The GlaxoSmithKline agreement will evaluate the hormonal changes in response to EndoBarrier therapy and further characterize the mechanism of action of the EndoBarrier.

GI Dynmics say that further details of the collaborations are confidential.

EndoBarrier is considered an investigational new device in the US and is entering a pivotal clinical trial. It has received CE Mark approval in Europe, and approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or obesity for up to 12 months.

GI Dynamics has received investments from the Johnson & Johnson Development, along with venture capital firms Advanced Technology Ventures, Domain, Polaris Ventures and Cutlass Capital.