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Stretta claims most widely used endoluminal GERD treatment
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The Stretta procedure for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease has been performed 18,000 times, and new regulatory approvals have expanded the procedure to international markets, the manufacturer announced.
The recent regulatory approvals for Stretta (Mederi Therapeutics) occurred in Mexico, India, South Africa, Australia, Argentine and South Korea, and product launches are currently underway, according to a press release.
“It’s rewarding to witness worldwide appreciation of how Stretta offers relief to patients with chronic GERD,” Mark Noar, MD, director of the Heartburn and Reflux Study Center in Towson, Md., said in the release. “More than 37 studies from five continents have clearly documented that Stretta is effective and safe, with the lowest reported complication rate of any non-drug option for GERD. These benefits offer value not just to patients, but also to health care providers and the entire health care system.”
Procedures were performed by David Aguirre, MD, director of Medical Arts Institute at Doctors Hospital and Hospital Angeles Valle Oriente, during the launch in Mexico, the release said. Additionally, training programs were held at Hospital General Gea and The National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition in Mexico City.
“Offering Stretta means we have a complete continuum of care for patients with chronic GERD,” Aguirre said in the release. “Patients now have an effective and safe option that doesn’t involve surgery and provides significant relief from symptoms. Besides the clinical benefit, Stretta delivers a significant cost savings for our health system due to the lower cost and complication rates coupled with elimination or significant reduction of lifelong medication use. Stretta is a game changer for us.”
Stretta has already cleared the first phase of Chinese regulatory requirements, and Mederi expects final clearance to follow shortly, the release said. The manufacturer also expects Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Russia, Egypt, Taiwan and the GCC to approve Stretta in 2015.
“Physician and patient interest for Stretta is extremely high in these countries,” Will Rutan, CEO of Mederi, said in the release. “We are confident that the coming year will see continued growth of Stretta worldwide.”
Disclosure: Rutan is an employee of Mederi Therapeutics. Noar reports a role as training consultant for Mederi Therapeutics. Aguirre reports no relevant financial disclosures.