Medtronic and GlaxoSmithKline agree alliance with GI Dynamics

Medtronic and GlaxoSmithKline will be working with GI Dynamics to help progress the development of EndoBarrier, a device for the treatment of diabetes patients.

GI Dynamics, the creator of EndoBarrier, is hoping to further characterise the technology's mechanism of action (MOA) and shed light on new ways in which its product can offer benefits.

EndoBarrier is a thin tube-shaped liner that forms a physical barrier between food and a portion of the intestinal lining to achieve rapid reductions in blood sugar levels and weight loss.

Medtronic will help the company understand how the system impacts continuous glucose levels, while the separate GlaxoSmithKline collaboration will focus on hormonal changes taking place in response to EndoBarrier.

Andy Levine, founder and chief technology officer of GI Dynamics, said: "We expect these collaborations will lead to a better understanding of the MOA of Endobarrier and may lead to improvements in the device."

EndoBarrier has received CE Mark approval and is available in selected regions in Europe, South America and Australia, while US regulators are currently reviewing the product.