SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New technology has been developed that addresses two of the biggest healthcare problems -- obesity and diabetes -- without surgery or drugs. Initial findings from interim analysis were presented at the American Diabetes Association 68th Annual Scientific Sessions, held this week in San Francisco, by Dr. Christopher Sorli, an endocrinologist at the Billings Clinic in Billings, MT.

Early results indicate that non-surgical implant of an impermeable liner into a portion of the small intestine results in rapid weight loss and remission of Type 2 Diabetes. The potential to control diabetes through the use of this non-invasive device means that doctors may be able to reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes drugs, and they may be able to delay or slow the progression of Type 2 Diabetes.

Massachusetts-based GI Dynamics has developed the liner, called the EndoBarrier(tm), which currently is being tested in clinical trials around the world as a treatment for obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

The EndoBarrier creates a physical barrier between ingested food and the intestinal wall. This mechanical bypass of the small intestine mimics the effects of gastric bypass surgery on a patient's metabolism which results in weight loss and remission of Type 2 Diabetes. The EndoBarrier can be easily implanted and removed endoscopically, without the need for surgical intervention.

"The ADA's annual Scientific Sessions focus on the most important research in the field," Dr. Sorli said. "That the ADA selected us to present our data confirms the significant progress this new technology has made in addressing the twin epidemics of Type 2 Diabetes and obesity."

Scientific Findings

The study presented at the ADA is examining the EndoBarrier's potential to resolve Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence that Type 2 Diabetes can be resolved independent of weight loss has been observed for decades in gastric bypass surgery patients. Scientists are investigating how surgical bypass, and now EndoBarrier, are creating changes in hormones that alter the metabolism and result in weight loss and improved glucose control.

In the most recent randomized, prospective trial, twelve subjects with Type 2 Diabetes were given the EndoBarrier and six underwent a similar endoscopic procedure but did not actually receive the device. The primary endpoint was reduction of HbA1c (average blood glucose level over three months) at 12, 24, and 52 weeks.

At one week follow-up, most device patients experienced an immediate reduction of fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels, a key indicator of diabetic status. Some device patients were able to stop taking their diabetes medication as blood sugar levels normalized. As is seen after gastric bypass, this effect occurs in advance of meaningful weight loss. In contrast, patients who did not receive the device experienced no improvement in diabetes status.

"These interim results are very encouraging," said Stuart A. Randle, GI Dynamics' president and chief executive officer. "They highlight the EndoBarrier's ability to rapidly restore glycemic control, suggesting that the device mimics the metabolic effects of gastric bypass surgery, without its associated complications and at about one third of the cost."

An abstract of the presentation at the ADA Scientific Sessions (Abstract no. 103-OR) is available at http://scientificsessions.diabetes.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Locator.PreviewAbstract&popup=yes&NoLayout=Yes&AbstractID=3609

A video interview with Dr. Sorli is available at http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ADAMeeting/tb/9759

About GI Dynamics

GI Dynamics, founded in 2003, is leading the development of new, noninvasive approaches to treat obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and related diseases. The patented EndoBarrier(tm) technology is designed to line a portion of the small intestine, resulting in weight loss and improved glycemic control. The company has raised $46 million in three rounds of financing from top-tier investors including Advanced Technology Ventures, Cutlass Capital, Domain Associates, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, and Polaris Venture Partners. Based in Lexington, Massachusetts, GI Dynamics is led by an experienced management team and has assembled a scientific advisory board that includes internationally recognized leaders in bariatric surgery, gastroenterology, obesity medicine and endocrinology. GI Dynamics is on the Web at www.gidynamics.com.

CONTACT: Hubbell Group
         Constance Hubbell
         781-878-8882
         hubbell@hubbellgroup.com
         
         GI Dynamics
         Jonathan Hartmann
         781-357-3300
         jhartmann@gidynamics.com