Device firm Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. has awarded a $13.5 million grant to the University of Cincinnati and others for collaborative obesity research.
The three-year grant will be used to investigate how and why gastric bypass surgery works, according to a statement from Ethicon Endo-Surgery. Gastric bypass surgery often helps patients lose weight and can also cure type 2 diabetes. The procedure involves stapling a patient’s stomach to create a small pouch, as well as a passage for food to bypass part of the small intestine. The surgery reshapes the stomach into a tube, which restricts the amount of calories the body absorbs.
Randy Seeley will lead the research team in attempting to replicate the process what happens to the body as a result of gastric bypass surgery to find a lower-cost, less-invasive procedure that produces the same results. Gastric bypass surgery typically costs between $15,000 and $17,000.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
In addition to Ethicon and the University of Cincinnati, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital will participate in the project. Including the $13.5 million grant, more than $33 million has gone to the project in recent years.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery is a division of Johnson & Johnson that develops surgical devices such as shears and staplers.
