Sotelix Endoscopy, a Baltimore-based startup founded in March 2024 by Dr. Mouen Khashab of Johns Hopkins University, has raised $1.7 million to fund research, development, and in vivo testing of its therapeutic endoscopy devices. Focused on minimally invasive procedures for gastrointestinal tissue closure, the company attracted investors with clinical, technical, and business expertise. Dr. Khashab, a leader in therapeutic endoscopy with over 575 publications and 10+ patents, aims to transform GI treatments with innovative, incision-free technologies.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Three organizations—Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates, Radiologic Medical Services, and the law firm Ott Cone & Redpath—reported cyberattacks compromising sensitive data.
A new study published in Nature introduces NK2R agonists as a promising alternative to GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes, showing significant weight loss, improved glucose control, and no muscle loss in animal trials—potentially addressing key side effects and high costs associated with GLP-1 therapies like Ozempic and Wegovy, with human trials expected to begin next year.
The FDA has approved a generic version of liraglutide (Victoza) for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients aged 10 and older, enhancing access to affordable GLP-1 medications amid shortages. Manufactured by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, this once-daily injectable complements diet and exercise and aligns with the FDA’s efforts to promote competition and accessibility for complex drug products.
A panel of experts, including Dr. Austin Lee Chiang, Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic Endoscopy; Dr. Jonathan Ng, Founder and CEO of Iterative Health; and Dr. J. Casey Chapman, Chief Medical Officer at GI Alliance, examined the expanding role of artificial intelligence in GI care, with a focus on its use in colonoscopies and its influence on the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to a combination therapy led by encorafenib (Braftovi) for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, based on findings from the BREAKWATER trial. Patients treated with encorafenib, cetuximab, and chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6) demonstrated a higher response rate (61% vs. 40%) and longer median response duration (13.9 vs. 11.1 months) compared to the control group. Common side effects included neuropathy, nausea, and fatigue, with grade 3/4 lab abnormalities like elevated lipase and low neutrophils. Ongoing studies will further evaluate progression-free and overall survival.
The global gastroenterology market is projected to achieve USD 66.4 billion in revenue by 2033, according to a recent report by Dimension Market Research. This growth is expected to occur at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% over the forecast period. Factors fueling this expansion include the rising prevalence of digestive disorders, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and increased patient awareness of available treatments. Enhanced research and innovation in therapeutic and minimally invasive procedures, alongside a growing emphasis on early disease detection, are also anticipated to drive sustained market growth in the coming years.
Here are five of the many physicians on the cutting edge of gastroenterology: If you would like to nominate a physician, please email pnewitt@beckershealthcare.com. Jordan Axelrad, MD. NYU Langone (New York City) Gastroenterologist Dr. Axelrad is a clinical researcher who explores the intersections of IBD with gut microbiome health, mucosal immunology, infections and cancer risk. He recently earned the 2024 Sherman Emergencing Leader Prize for his work, according to the release.Dr. Axelrod was also recently appointed as a co-director for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at NYU Langone. Steven Brant, MD. Rutgers University (New Brunswick, N.J.) Dr. Brant, a leader…
Private equity and corporate ownership of U.S. health care—highlighted by the collapse of Steward Health Care—has sparked new scrutiny over the industry’s growing pursuit of profits at the expense of patient care. Steward’s collapse, after being flipped from a struggling non-profit system to a private equity-backed for-profit entity and then saddled with high rents by a real estate investment trust, left patients underserved and staff displaced. This case is not isolated, as more health systems and physician practices are acquired by private equity and other corporate interests focused on quick returns. Research shows that these takeovers often lead to cost-cutting…
Enhance your patient care skills with this season covering select AGA Clinical Practice Updates. Originally released as a bonus episode in January 2023, this episode shares key insights from the AGA Clinical Practice Update on Lifestyle Modification Using Diet and Exercise to Achieve Weight Loss in the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (published in the February 2021 issue of Gastroenterology). This episode is hosted by Dr. Jana Al Hashash, member of the AGA Clinical Practice Update Committee. She is joined by: -Dr. Heather Patton, NAFLD expert and past member of the AGA Clinical Practice Update Committee -Dr. Joseph K.…