A new ingestible device to help treat obesity
Ingestible gastric-resident electronic metamaterials architecture (iGEM) for the treatment of obesity
This study is testing a new device you can swallow that stays in your stomach to help manage obesity, offering a safer and more personalized option than surgery or temporary balloons.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109617 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative ingestible device called iGEM that resides in the stomach to help manage obesity. Unlike traditional methods, this device can be controlled and monitored digitally, allowing for personalized treatment strategies. It aims to provide a safer and more effective alternative to invasive bariatric surgery and temporary intragastric balloons. By dynamically adjusting its gastric restrictive effect, the iGEM device can cater to individual patient needs and improve their quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with obesity and seeking effective weight management solutions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or obese, or those who have contraindications for ingestible devices, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive, customizable treatment option for obesity that enhances patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on ingestible devices for weight management has shown promise, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in obesity treatment.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Yong Lin — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Kong, Yong Lin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.