$ETRM: NEWS~~Study Concludes Vagal Nerve Blocking
Post# of 103062
vBloc Therapy Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Published in the American Journal of Managed Care ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EnteroMedics Inc. (NASDAQ:ETRM), a developer of minimally invasive medical devices to treat obesity, metabolic diseases and other gastrointestinal disorders, today announced that a cost-effectiveness study analyzing vBloc Therapy for the treatment of obesity was published in the American Journal of Managed Care on August 25, 2017. The study concludes that vBloc Therapy for Class II and III obese patients with diabetes and Class III obese patients without diabetes is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to conventional weight loss therapy and that vagal nerve blocking represents good value for the money from the perspective of a U.S. payer. Details of the study include: -- Analysis was conducted on individuals who have not been successful with behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy and who are seeking a weight loss alternative that is cost-effective, minimally invasive, and demonstrates favorable comparative safety -- Model design incorporated both BMI class stratification and diabetes remission, as well as simulated cost and quality-adjusted life-year outcomes -- Incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER) demonstrated vagal nerve blocking therapy to be cost-effective relative to conventional therapy "Demonstrating health economics and financial benefits with vBloc therapy is imperative for prospective payers as they consider coverage decisions," said Dan Gladney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of EnteroMedics. "This publication brings us one step closer to increasing the accessibility to vBloc for the thousands of individuals who are seeking vBloc as a solution for obesity and associated comorbidities, but for whom the cost of the technology is prohibitive." The study was led by Boston Health Economics in Waltham, Massachusetts. The full online publication can be accessed by visiting: http://www.ajmc.com/journals/issue/2017/2017-...id-Obesity. About vBloc(R) Therapy vBloc Therapy works to control sensations of hunger using a pacemaker-like device that is implanted under the skin during a safe, minimally invasive procedure that does not alter or remove any patient anatomy. The vBloc System is designed to give the patient a sensation of fullness, empowering them to eat less, control their appetite, and lose weight. Studies have shown that vBloc Therapy produces meaningful weight loss while also reducing comorbidity factors related to obesity. vBloc Therapy is approved for use in people aged 18 years and older who are obese, with a BMI of 40 to 45 kg/m2, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 with a related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or obstructive sleep apnea who have had a poor response to trying to lose weight under supervision in the last 5 years. About EnteroMedics Inc.