Ethicon Endo-Surgery Continues to Drive New Research on the Impact of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Diabetes, Other Disorders

13 EES-funded studies being presented at the American Diabetes Association Meeting

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Ethicon Endo-Surgery

Jun 11, 2012, 09:32 ET

CINCINNATI, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The science of obesity is undergoing a revolution, as new research changes the way scientists think about how and why Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery works. Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES) is helping drive that revolution by supporting clinical and pre-clinical research, including 13 studies being presented at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 72nd Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia (June 8-12). The studies investigate a range of cutting-edge approaches to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and evolve the current understanding of the mechanisms of action as a key means to finding new, more effective interventions for obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

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These studies are part of the EES Metabolic Applied Research Strategy (MARS), an ongoing initiative which aims to deconstruct, understand and reinvent metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures in ways that deliver less invasive options. Experts now recognize that surgical manipulation of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract induces physiological responses that can address metabolic abnormalities associated with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia and other metabolic disorders.

MARS examines each specific part of the surgical process to understand the complex cascade of biological signals that it triggers and determine the processes which have the greatest impact. Specifically, studies presented at ADA look at the role of gut hormones on therapeutic outcomes after surgery, and the impact of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on the incretin system and lipid metabolism. The studies will help inform which patients will receive the most benefit from individual procedures; how steps can be taken to minimize adverse events; and how targeted interventions can preferentially treat metabolic disorders.

"By identifying the key underlying physiological mechanisms that mediate the effects of these bariatric procedures, we will be able to understand better how to use the current procedures and develop new therapeutic strategies that harness these highly effective mechanisms," said  Randy J. Seeley, PhD, Donald C. Harrison Endowed Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Director of the Cincinnati Diabetes and Obesity Center, and 2009 recipient of the ADA's Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award. "The MARS strategy represents a clear commitment to the science that will uncover those mechanisms and provide a unique opportunity to change the course of these diseases."

Obesity is a life-threatening condition affecting more than one-third of adults in the United States, and is associated with more than 30 illnesses and medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and cancer.(1),(2) EES is funding research with the aim of changing the conversation about bariatric surgery and weight loss to metabolic surgery and co-morbid condition resolution. This evolution has been reinforced by recent data from the STAMPEDE (Surgical Therapy And Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial which indicates that overweight, diabetic patients who underwent surgery (gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy) achieved significant improvement or remission of their diabetes.(3) The research is being conducted by the Cleveland Clinic.

"We are committed to helping address the obesity epidemic, which is why we have made a multi-year, multi-million dollar investment in this research, which is built on strategic collaborations with leading investigators," said Chuck Austin, Company Group Chairman, Ethicon Endo-Surgery. "We are encouraged that these collaborations are contributing to the evolving scientific understanding of bariatric and metabolic surgery."

Studies supported by EES being presented at ADA:

About Ethicon Endo-Surgery

Ethicon Endo-Surgery develops and markets advanced medical devices for minimally invasive and open surgical procedures, focusing on procedure-enabling devices for the interventional diagnosis and treatment of conditions in general and bariatric surgery, as well as gastrointestinal health, gynecology and surgical oncology. For more information, visit www.ethiconendosurgery.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
David Shaffer
Office: (513) 337-8281
Mobile: (513) 446-0887
[email protected]   

References

1.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/National Center for Health Statistics. Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Extreme Obesity Among Adults: United States, Trends 1976-1980 Through 2007-2008.

2.

American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Obesity in America Fact Sheet.  June 2010.

3.

Schauer PR, et al. Bariatric Surgery versus Intensive Medical Therapy in Obese Patients with Diabetes. NEJM. Published online on March 26, 2012, at NEJM.org.

SOURCE Ethicon Endo-Surgery

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