First-in-man feasibility study of a novel ingestible magnetically inflated balloon capsule for treatment of obesity

• Main Authors: Kaan, Hung Leng, Phan, Phuoc Thien, Tiong, Anthony Meng Huat, Miyasaka, Muneaki, Phee, Soo Jay, Ho, Khek Yu
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering; Intragastric Balloons; Obesity
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/145348
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are an established treatment option for obesity. Major barriers to dissemination of IGBs include lack of long-term efficacy outcomes, safety concerns, cost, and tolerability. We developed a novel ingestible magnetically inflated balloon capsule (IMI-BC) in hopes of overcoming these challenges. The IMI-BC is significantly cheaper than IGBs currently available on the market. We performed proof-of-concept animal studies and a first-in-human feasibility study to demonstrate the feasibility of inflating the IMI-BC using an external magnet. Further studies are currently being conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and long-term efficacy of the IMI-BC. When fully developed, we anticipate that this device will benefit obese patients.