1131-P: Endoscopic Duodenal Submucosal Laser Ablation for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Results of First-in-Human Pilot Study

The duodenum has recently emerged as a key regulator in glucose metabolism via modulation of a complex network of neural and hormonal signals in response to ingested food. DiaGone™ is an endoscopic device which utilizes precisely controlled laser technology to target the duodenal submucosal neural plexi with the aim of improving glucose control by modulating the gastrointestinal neurohumoral axis. Nine subjects (5 males) with obesity (BMI 34.0 ± 4.6 kg/m²) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) insufficiently controlled on metformin were included in this first-in-human trial in order to assess the efficacy and safety of DiaGone™. Subjects were instructed to continue with regular diet 24h after the procedure and metformin dose was not changed during the study period. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the procedure and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and a standard liquid meal test were performed at baseline and 3 months after the procedure. DiaGone™ significantly decreased HbA_1C from 78.3 ± 13.3 mmol/mol at baseline to 64.9 ± 6.4 mmol/mol and 64.8 ± 7.1 mmol/mol at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p<0.01). Similarly, a decrease in fasting glucose levels was noted (12.4 ± 3.5 vs. 9.5 ± 2.0 vs. 9.7 ± 2.7 mmol/l, p<0.01) with no significant changes in fasting insulin levels. Glucose AUC during the 150 min meal test 3 months after the procedure showed a reduction of 20% from baseline (43,435 vs. 34,096, p<0.01). No significant changes were observed in AUC for insulin. No adverse events related to the procedure or significant changes in weight were reported throughout the 6-month period.

In conclusion, these pilot results suggest that endoscopic duodenal submucosal laser ablation using the DiaGone™ device is associated with improvements in both baseline and postprandial glycemia as well as HbA_1C with no significant changes in insulin levels or body weight while having a favorable safety and tolerability profile.