Obesity and diabetes device maker GI Dynamics (ASX:GID) continued its global march with the commercial launch of its EndoBarrier gastrointestinal sleeve in the Netherlands.
GI Dynamics’ device is a plastic sleeve inserted endoscopically into the small intestine, where it slows the uptake of nutrients from food to induce weight loss and help control the symptoms of diabetes.
This latest win follows a regulatory nods from German regulators last month, including the establishment of two "Centers of Excellence" to implant the device.
In September the weight-loss device maker landed Austrian approval, including another pair of Centers of Excellence, just about a week before putting a bow on a $86 million Australian IPO.
The EndoBarrier device transitioned away from clinical trials, during which 100 patients were treated, and is now available for commercial use in the Netherlands, according to a press release.
The device won CE Mark approval in the European Union in Dec. 2009 and is also commercially available in Chile and the U.K., according to GID.
"We are delighted that the EndoBarrier is now being offered commercially through this Center of Excellence in the Netherlands,: president & CEO Stuart Randle said in prepared remarks. "In particular, the success this center has had implanting the EndoBarrier under conscious sedation is very exciting and could potentially translate into reduced costs and even more rapid recovery. These are important milestones for the company as we expand from clinical to commercial use in key European markets."
The next market launch for the weight-loss device maker may be in Australia, where the EndoBarrier has had clearance since July.