Small intestine-targeted endoscopic bariatrics: Current status and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The global obesity epidemic necessitates innovative treatment strategies.
• Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMTs) are minimally invasive options for obesity management.
• EBMTs are categorized by their gastrointestinal site of action: gastric or small intestine-targeted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review small intestine-targeted EBMTs in clinical and preclinical settings.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action.
• To discuss their potential for treating obesity and related metabolic comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical and preclinical studies on small intestine-targeted EBMTs.
• Analysis of mechanisms of action, including foregut and hindgut pathways.
• Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety data from investigational trials.

Main Results:

• Small intestine-targeted EBMTs offer metabolic benefits independent of significant weight loss.
• These therapies have potential for treating type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
• While not FDA-approved, investigational trials show promising clinical efficacy and safety.

Conclusions:

• Small intestine-targeted EBMTs represent a promising therapeutic avenue for metabolic diseases.
• Further research and clinical trials are warranted to optimize their application.
• These therapies could revolutionize the management of obesity and its comorbidities.