Interim results from the phase 3 ESSENCE trial reveal that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is effective in treating metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. At 72 weeks, semaglutide achieved superior outcomes compared to placebo for two primary endpoints: resolving steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis and improving fibrosis without worsening steatohepatitis. Additionally, significant benefits in weight loss (10.5%), liver enzyme improvements, and cardiometabolic risk factors were observed, with a similar safety profile between treatment and placebo groups.The study highlights the potential of semaglutide to address both liver and cardiometabolic issues, offering hope for expanded therapeutic…
Author: Abhay Panchal
NTT Corporation and Olympus Corporation have successfully demonstrated a groundbreaking cloud endoscopy system using NTT’s IOWN APN technology, achieving real-time processing of 4K/60fps endoscopic videos over a 150km distance with minimal latency (1.1 milliseconds). This marks a significant step toward the adoption of cloud-based endoscopy systems, enabling enhanced performance and functionality for medical imaging.By combining Olympus’ advanced endoscope technology with NTT’s high-speed, low-latency network, the experiment validated the feasibility of remote video processing without delay, ensuring smooth operator experiences. This innovation could facilitate remote diagnostics, shared imaging between hospitals, and broader access to advanced medical care, addressing technical hurdles like…
The global gastroenterology market, valued at USD 35.12 billion in 2024, is projected to surpass USD 53.10 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.1%. This growth is driven by the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders such as GERD, IBD, and colorectal cancer, alongside the growing demand for minimally invasive procedures like advanced endoscopy.Key trends include the integration of AI in diagnostics, such as AI-powered endoscopy tools, and the increasing adoption of biologics and biosimilars for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. North America is expected to dominate the market due to high healthcare expenditure and disease prevalence.…
Medtronic has secured a three-year IDIQ contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to install nearly 100 additional GI Genius™ AI-powered endoscopy units across VA medical centers nationwide. This expansion builds on an existing partnership that includes over 360 units in more than 140 VA facilities, significantly enhancing colorectal cancer screening for veterans. The VA conducts approximately 250,000 colonoscopies annually, diagnosing around 4,000 new colorectal cancer cases.
Guardant Health has achieved a historic legal victory, securing $292.5 million, including $175.5 million in punitive damages, after a U.S. District Court jury found Natera guilty of false advertising and unfair competition. The case centered on claims that Natera misled oncologists about Guardant Reveal™, Guardant’s innovative MRD test for early-stage colorectal cancer, in favor of its competing product, Signatera™. The jury unanimously sided with Guardant and rejected all counterclaims by Natera.
Dr. Aja McCutchen, a gastroenterologist with Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates in Georgia, shares her journey into private practice gastroenterology and offers advice for a successful career. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between entrepreneurship and medical practice, highlighting the need for effective negotiation skills and strategic planning. Dr. McCutchen also serves as vice chair of the AGA Research Foundation.
Lowering the positivity threshold of a commercial fecal immunochemical test (FIT) can enhance its sensitivity to levels comparable to next-generation multitarget stool DNA tests (NG-MSDT) while maintaining comparable specificity. This makes FIT a cost-effective and accessible noninvasive screening option for colorectal cancer (CRC), especially for patients who cannot undergo colonoscopies or are at lower CRC risk.A study analyzing data from the BLITZ and BLUE-C cohorts found that adjusting FIT thresholds improved sensitivity for CRC detection without significantly compromising specificity, suggesting it as a viable alternative to NG-MSDT for early CRC diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
At DDW 2024, Dr. Rajesh N. Keswani, director of endoscopy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, addressed common misconceptions and nonadherence to surveillance colonoscopy intervals after polypectomy. Highlighting recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, Dr. Keswani emphasized the need for high-quality colonoscopies and adherence to updated guidelines to improve patient outcomes. His seven tips mainly focus on appropriate surveillance intervals based on polyp type and size, underscoring the importance of rectifying discordance in clinical practice to enhance the effectiveness of colorectal cancer prevention.
Medtronic has received CE Mark approval for its Endoflip 300 impedance planimetry system, designed to measure pressure and dimensions in the esophagus and pylorus, aiding in the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. The system addresses the challenge of delayed or missed diagnoses, which occur in up to 50% of endoscopies. The device offers real-time diameter and pressure measurements via a balloon catheter, enabling more precise diagnostics during a standard endoscopy, which can be completed in approximately five minutes. The system will soon be available across Europe and is already cleared for use in the U.S.
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to nominate Dr. Mehmet Oz as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency overseeing health coverage for over 160 million Americans. Dr. Oz, a former TV host and celebrity physician, gained fame on The Oprah Winfrey Show and his own program, though he has faced criticism for promoting controversial medical treatments lacking robust scientific support. This appointment follows Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).