Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Mederi Therapeutics Inc. is launching an innovative new radiofrequency device for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Mederi’s Stretta is a balloon catheter with a needle that delivers radiofrequency energy. The system is inserted into the esophagogastric junction, or the sphincter controlling the entrance of food into the stomach, and prevents stomach acids from backing up into the esophagus. The radiofrequency waves work to restore the function of the valve separating the esophagus from the stomach.

“Our treatment induces collagen deposition. We create small thermal lesions which reform the lower esophageal sphincter and restore it to normal function,” Mederi CEO Will Rutan told Mass Device. “There are substantial, long-term data demonstrating high effectiveness rates and durability beyond four years, so it not only works, but it lasts.”

Curon Medical Inc., received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a decade ago to market the device. The company went bankrupt in 2006, paving the way for Mederi to acquire its assets. Mederi re-submitted the application for Stretta to the FDA and won clearance six months ago.

The product offers an alternative to patients who suffer from the severe acid reflux condition. GERD is often managed through diet and lifestyle changes but many require medication, such as Reglan (metoclopramide) in order to find relief. However, medications can have serious side effects.

Stretta’s target market is the 20 percent of GERD sufferers who cannot find relief through drugs or surgical intervention.

Related posts:

• New GERD treatment may spell relief for sufferers
• GERD sufferers sought for study on investigational heartburn treatment
• Gastroparesis treatments offer little relief
• Non-surgical procedure offers hope to patients with GERD
• New study may lead to different treatments for GERD

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 at 1:29 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.