Minimally invasive artery-blocking treatment to reduce obesity
Image-guided Bariatric Arterial Embolization (BAE) for the Treatment of Obesity
A minimally invasive, image-guided procedure places tiny particles in stomach arteries to lower hunger hormones and help people with obesity lose weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure where tiny particles are placed in arteries that supply the stomach to reduce hunger hormones like ghrelin. Researchers tested the approach in pigs and in early human patients and found smaller particles tended to reduce weight more but also raised the risk of serious stomach injury. They are now producing new radiopaque embolic beads using a microfluidic device and using an anti-reflux catheter to try to control where the particles travel. The goal is to find the right particle size and delivery method that lowers appetite and body weight without causing dangerous complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity who are seeking less-invasive weight-loss options and are medically eligible for an endovascular procedure may qualify.
Not a fit: People who need the large, durable weight loss typically achieved by gastric bypass or who have prior stomach surgery or conditions that increase the risk of gastric injury may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a less-invasive alternative to bariatric surgery that reduces appetite and body weight with fewer surgical risks.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and an early Phase I human trial showed weight loss and hormone changes, but safety issues such as gastric perforation mean the approach still needs refinement.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kraitchman, Dara L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kraitchman, Dara L
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.