Market Challenges And Opportunities

Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to return or flow back. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a set of conditions, where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is affected when the contents of the stomach flows back to the esophagus. In usual digestion process, the lower esophageal sphincter unfastens to let food to pass into stomach and shuts to prevent acidic stomach juices and food from going back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux takes place when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes inappropriately or is weak, thereby allowing the contents of the stomach to flow up into the esophagus. Many doctors believe that hiatal hernia may wane the lower esophageal sphincter and augment the risk for gastroesophageal reflux. Hiatal hernia takes place when the superior part of the stomach shifts up into the chest by a small opening in the diaphragmatic hiatus or the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Recent research shows that the aperture in the diaphragm helps in supporting the anterior end of the esophagus. A lot of people with a hiatal hernia might not have problems with reflux. However, in a hiatal hernia patient, the stomach contents may reflux straightforwardly into the esophagus.

Major institutes are focused on research and development of novel approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. For instance, in August 2019, researchers from Kiryu University, Japan, reported development of an organ-specific chronic inflammation–remodeling–carcinoma sequence for use in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, in the journal MDPI Gastrointestinal Disorders.

In February 2019, EndoGastric Solutions announced improved PH rates and clinical outcomes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in a clinical trial of a transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) 2.0 procedure using its EsophyX device.

In November 2018, researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported development of a computer-aided algorithm and to assess the characteristics of subsurface hyposcattering structures in Barrett’s esophagus, a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease using clinical volumetric laser endomicroscopy data.

Key players in the market are focused on raising funds. For instance, in May 2019, EndoGastric Solutions closed its Series I financing at a total of US$ 45 million. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate commercialization of Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure performed with the EsophyX device.