Revolutionary Type 2 Diabetes Platform

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What happens when a dedicated, small team of MedTech innovators sets its sights on solving one of the most economically burdensome healthcare challenges globally? 

They win a TAG Award!

Join us as we celebrate Aqua Medical, winner of the TAG Award for Endoscopic Therapeutic Innovation. Join us as we chat with Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Raj Nihalani, on TAG’D: Beyond the Award to discuss their revolutionary work!

Redefining Metabolic Care

Aqua Medical is tackling Type 2 Diabetes head-on, focusing on an underlying dysfunction associated with the mucosal lining of the small bowel, a critical player in metabolic signaling, glucose, and fat absorption. 

Their solution, the Radiofrequency Vapor Ablation Platform, delivers controlled steam therapy through a therapeutic endoscope to ablate the necessary mucosal areas. This procedure, known as proximal intestinal mucosal ablation, is designed to be less invasive and more scalable than previous approaches.

The Secret to Adoption: Keeping it Simple

According to Dr. Nihalani, the philosophy guiding their innovation is simple yet profound: "If you can scope it, you can treat it". 

The team prioritized a through-the-scope design, moving away from cumbersome alongside-the-scope devices that require X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance. This streamlined approach makes it easier for general GI doctors to adopt and use in ambulatory centers, effectively lowering healthcare costs and friction points in the clinical workflow.

From Skepticism to Milestones

The journey wasn't without hurdles. 

Raj shared how the team faced critiques that questioned the concept of therapeutic steam versus thermal injury. Instead of backing down, they used the feedback to refine their process, resulting in a highly differentiated, algorithm-driven system that delivered strong clinical milestones, including a significant HbA1c drop and, in some cases, the elimination of insulin use for 12 months in patients!

The Road Ahead

The TAG Award win came at a perfect time, providing visibility and validation right before DDW, where they received significant attention from key opinion leaders. While the technology is still investigational (not yet FDA-approved or commercially available), the excitement is palpable. 

Aqua Medical is currently focused on raising capital for pivotal trials and exploring the use of its technology in other areas, with technology already FDA-cleared for Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition.

Join us to hear the full story of this MedTech success, a true testament to technology, achievement, and growth!