First two patients at HonorHealth Research Institute implanted in EndoStim's LESS GERD clinical trial for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and DALLAS, Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HonorHealth Research Institute and EndoStim, Inc., announced that the first two patients in Scottsdale, AZ have been implanted with the EndoStim device in the Lower Esophageal Sphincter Stimulation for GERD (LESS GERD) trial.  The EndoStim system is a minimally invasive implantable device designed to provide long-term reflux control by restoring normal function to the esophagus through neurostimulation.

GERD affects nearly 65 million people in the United States¹. It occurs when stomach acid or other stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, often caused by a weak valve, or sphincter, between the esophagus and the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Frequent and troublesome symptoms can include heartburn, regurgitation, sleep disruption, vocal impairment and respiratory complications. Most GERD is successfully treated with acid blocking medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPI). However, nearly 30 percent of patients on PPI medication continue to suffer from symptoms. The traditional anti-reflux surgery is laparoscopic fundoplication surgery, a procedure in which the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter. While typically effective, fundoplication can cause significant side effects.

The LESS GERD trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the EndoStim Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Stimulation System in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who experience symptoms despite taking high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications.

"A large number of patients still suffer from disruptive symptoms despite taking GERD medications for many years. EndoStim therapy has the potential to be an ideal option for these patients," said James Swain, M.D., Medical Director and Principal Investigator for the study at HonorHealth Research Institute.

HonorHealth Research Institute is a unique hybrid of world-class care and groundbreaking clinical trials and research. Here, leading researchers, physicians and clinical teams work together to bring newly discovered therapies and diagnostic products, as well as provide innovative care and treatments to patients. Through the offerings of its strategic partnerships, the Institute is able to make the greatest impact on the patients' health and quality of life, by bringing tomorrow's cures that offer hope to patients today.

"The LESS GERD clinical trial is a significant undertaking to generate the first randomized, controlled, double blind evidence for a treatment for chronic GERD," said Rohan Hoare, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of EndoStim. "We are excited to begin this study in Scottsdale and look forward to working with the team at HonorHealth Research Institute to establish EndoStim therapy in the United States."

About the Lower Esophageal Sphincter Stimulation for GERD (LESS GERD) Trial

The LESS GERD trial will examine the effects of the EndoStim LES Stimulation System on GERD outcomes such as: esophageal acid exposure; GERD symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation); ability to avoid dependence on PPI medications; and the effect on overall quality of life. A minimum of 110 subjects will be implanted with the EndoStim device. The study is open to GERD patients who are between the ages of 22 and 75; have been diagnosed with GERD; have taken daily PPI medication and whose GERD symptoms are not completely resolved or have side effects from the PPI; and have had no prior surgery involving the esophagus.

Patients seeking information on the trial should visit: www.lessgerd.com.

About HonorHealth

HonorHealth is a non-profit health system serving an area of 1.6 million people in the greater Phoenix area. The company encompasses five acute-care hospitals, an extensive medical group, outpatient surgery centers, a cancer center, clinical research, medical education, a foundation and community services with approximately 11,500 employees, 3,700 affiliated physicians and 3,100 volunteers. HonorHealth was formed by a merger between Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network. HonorHealth's mission is to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Learn more at HonorHealth.com.

About EndoStim

EndoStim is a medical device company based in Dallas, Texas, and Nijmegen, The Netherlands, developing and commercializing a revolutionary treatment for GERD. The EndoStim LES Stimulation System is CE Marked for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with symptom duration of six months or longer, and is available in a number of countries throughout Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. The EndoStim system is not approved for sale in the US and is limited by US federal law to investigational use only. For more information, visit www.endostim.com.

¹ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Definition and Facts for GER and GERD, http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-adults/Pages/definition-facts.aspx. Accessed June 9, 2016.

SOURCE EndoStim

Related Links

http://www.endostim.com