ReShape Lifesciences® Receives Notice of Allowance for Key U.S. Patent Related to an Intragastric Balloon System
ReShape Lifesciences (Nasdaq: RSLS) has received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for patent application 18/241,151, titled 'Intragastric Device.' The patent covers an innovative intragastric balloon system featuring a swallowable capsule with self-sealing fill valve and degradable release valve.
The system is designed to deflate approximately three months after saline inflation and is configured for natural excretion. The patent will provide protection until at least January 2031, with potential for extension.
Since their initial filing in 2011, the company has secured over 50 patents related to their intragastric balloon system. ReShape currently maintains a portfolio of more than 160 patents issued and pending across various protected technologies.
ReShape Lifesciences (Nasdaq: RSLS) ha ricevuto una Notifica di Concessione dall'USPTO per la domanda di brevetto 18/241,151, intitolata 'Dispositivo Intragastrico'. Il brevetto riguarda un innovativo sistema di palloncino intragastrico che include una capsula ingeribile con valvola di riempimento auto-sigillante e valvola di rilascio degradabile.
Il sistema è progettato per sgonfiarsi circa tre mesi dopo il riempimento con soluzione salina ed è configurato per essere espulso naturalmente. Il brevetto offrirà protezione almeno fino a gennaio 2031, con possibilità di estensione.
Dalla prima domanda nel 2011, l'azienda ha ottenuto oltre 50 brevetti relativi al loro sistema di palloncino intragastrico. Attualmente, ReShape possiede un portafoglio di più di 160 brevetti concessi e in attesa, che coprono diverse tecnologie protette.
ReShape Lifesciences (Nasdaq: RSLS) ha recibido un Aviso de Concesión por parte de la USPTO para la solicitud de patente 18/241,151, titulada 'Dispositivo Intragástrico'. La patente cubre un innovador sistema de balón intragástrico que incluye una cápsula tragable con válvula de llenado auto-sellante y válvula de liberación degradable.
El sistema está diseñado para desinflarse aproximadamente tres meses después de la inflación con solución salina y está configurado para su excreción natural. La patente brindará protección al menos hasta enero de 2031, con posibilidad de extensión.
Desde su primera solicitud en 2011, la compañía ha asegurado más de 50 patentes relacionadas con su sistema de balón intragástrico. Actualmente, ReShape mantiene un portafolio de más de 160 patentes concedidas y pendientes en diversas tecnologías protegidas.
ReShape Lifesciences (나스닥: RSLS)는 '위내 장치'라는 제목의 특허 출원 18/241,151에 대해 USPTO로부터 허가 통지서를 받았습니다. 이 특허는 삼킬 수 있는 캡슐에 자체 밀봉 충전 밸브와 분해 가능한 방출 밸브가 포함된 혁신적인 위내 풍선 시스템을 다룹니다.
이 시스템은 생리식염수로 팽창한 후 약 3개월 후에 자연스럽게 배출되도록 설계되어 있습니다. 이 특허는 최소 2031년 1월까지 보호되며 연장 가능성도 있습니다.
2011년 최초 출원 이후, 회사는 위내 풍선 시스템과 관련된 50개 이상의 특허를 확보했습니다. 현재 ReShape는 다양한 보호 기술에 대해 160개 이상의 등록 및 출원 중인 특허 포트폴리오를 보유하고 있습니다.
ReShape Lifesciences (Nasdaq : RSLS) a reçu un avis d'acceptation de l'USPTO pour la demande de brevet 18/241,151, intitulée « Dispositif intragastrique ». Le brevet couvre un système de ballon intragastrique innovant comprenant une capsule avalable avec une valve de remplissage auto-étanche et une valve de libération dégradable.
Le système est conçu pour se dégonfler environ trois mois après l'inflation saline et est configuré pour une excrétion naturelle. Le brevet offrira une protection jusqu'au moins janvier 2031, avec possibilité de prolongation.
Depuis leur première demande en 2011, la société a obtenu plus de 50 brevets liés à leur système de ballon intragastrique. ReShape détient actuellement un portefeuille de plus de 160 brevets délivrés et en attente couvrant diverses technologies protégées.
ReShape Lifesciences (Nasdaq: RSLS) hat von der USPTO eine Zulassungsmitteilung für die Patentanmeldung 18/241,151 mit dem Titel 'Intragastrisches Gerät' erhalten. Das Patent umfasst ein innovatives intragastrisches Ballonsystem mit einer schluckbaren Kapsel, die ein selbstabdichtendes Füllventil und ein biologisch abbaubares Entlüftungsventil besitzt.
Das System ist so konzipiert, dass es etwa drei Monate nach der Füllung mit Kochsalzlösung entleert wird und für die natürliche Ausscheidung ausgelegt ist. Das Patent bietet Schutz bis mindestens Januar 2031 mit möglicher Verlängerung.
Seit der ersten Anmeldung im Jahr 2011 hat das Unternehmen über 50 Patente im Zusammenhang mit seinem intragastrischen Ballonsystem erhalten. ReShape verfügt derzeit über ein Portfolio von mehr als 160 erteilten und anhängigen Patenten in verschiedenen geschützten Technologien.
- Patent protection secured until January 2031 with potential extension
- Robust IP portfolio with over 160 patents issued and pending
- 50+ patents specifically for intragastric balloon system
- None.
Insights
ReShape secures crucial patent protection for swallowable intragastric balloon technology, strengthening competitive position in weight loss device market.
The Notice of Allowance from the USPTO represents a significant intellectual property milestone for ReShape Lifesciences in the weight loss and metabolic health solutions market. The patent application covers a novel intragastric balloon system featuring a swallowable capsule with a self-sealing fill valve and a degradable release valve designed to deflate after approximately three months, enabling natural excretion without invasive removal procedures.
This technology addresses key limitations of traditional intragastric balloons which typically require endoscopic placement and removal, potentially offering improved patient experience and reduced procedural complexity. The patent protection extending until at least January 2031 provides ReShape with a substantial exclusivity window, with potential for further extension through Patent Term Extension.
With over 50 patents specifically related to their intragastric balloon system within a broader portfolio of 160+ patents, ReShape has established a comprehensive protective moat around their technology. Such robust patent protection typically creates significant barriers to entry for potential competitors in the obesity treatment device market.
The company's strategic emphasis on patent protection reflects recognition of intellectual property as a core asset in the medical device industry. However, investors should note that while patent protection secures the technology, commercial success will ultimately depend on regulatory clearance, product development execution, and market adoption.
ReShape's patent allowance creates valuable IP asset with potential for non-dilutive funding through enforcement or licensing strategies.
The USPTO's Notice of Allowance for patent application 18/241,151 represents the culmination of a long-term patent strategy, with the company noting its initial filing on this technology dating back to 2011. The claims covering a swallowable capsule with self-sealing and degradable valves establish meaningful differentiation in the intragastric balloon market.
This patent allowance strengthens ReShape's intellectual property portfolio in several important ways. First, it secures protection until at least January 2031, providing approximately 6 years of remaining exclusivity not accounting for potential Patent Term Extension. Second, it adds to what the company describes as over 50 patents related specifically to their intragastric balloon system.
CEO Paul Hickey's reference to acting "decisively to protect our position through strategic, non-dilutive funding" suggests potential monetization strategies beyond direct product sales. In medical device markets, strong patent portfolios often enable licensing opportunities or enforcement actions that can generate additional revenue streams without equity dilution.
The company's broader portfolio exceeding 160 patents reflects a sophisticated "patent thicket" approach common in medical technology. This layered protection strategy typically provides more robust insulation against competitive challenges while creating optionality for corporate development. For investors, this patent allowance represents a tangible enhancement to ReShape's competitive positioning and potential long-term value creation.
Patent Expands and Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio Around a Swallowable and Degradable Intragastric Device
IRVINE, Calif., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ReShape Lifesciences® (Nasdaq: RSLS), the premier physician-led weight loss and metabolic health-solutions company, today announced that the company has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for patent application 18/241,151, entitled, “Intragastric Device.” When issued, the patent will cover claims for an intragastric balloon system, comprising a swallowable capsule with a self-sealing fill valve and a degradable release valve designed to deflate and open the valve around three months after inflation with saline liquid, and configured for natural excretion after deflation, among other claim features. Once issued, the patent will provide protection into at least January 2031, without accounting for a potential Patent Term Extension (PTE).
“This key patent allowance marks a major milestone, significantly strengthening our intellectual property portfolio and securing broad protection for our innovative intragastric balloon system,” stated Paul F. Hickey, President and Chief Executive Officer of ReShape Lifesciences. “Since filing our initial patent application in 2011, we have secured over 50 patents related to our intragastric balloon system. ReShape Lifesciences now boasts a robust portfolio of more than 160 patents issued and pending, encompassing a diverse array of innovative and protected technologies. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen the protective ‘moat’ around our product portfolio, innovation pipeline, and commercialization efforts. Additionally, when appropriate, we will act decisively to protect our position through strategic, non-dilutive funding.”
About ReShape Lifesciences®
ReShape Lifesciences® is America’s premier weight loss and metabolic health-solutions company, offering an integrated portfolio of proven products and services that manage and treat obesity and metabolic disease. The FDA-approved Lap-Band® and Lap-Band® 2.0 Flex Systems provide minimally invasive, long-term treatment of obesity and are an alternative to more invasive surgical stapling procedures such as the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The Obalon® balloon technology is a non-surgical, swallowable, gas-filled intra-gastric balloon that is designed to provide long-lasting weight loss. For more information, please visit www.reshapelifesciences.com.
As previously announced ReShape has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Biorad Medisys, Pvt. Ltd., pursuant to which ReShape has agreed to sell substantially all of its assets to Biorad (or an affiliate thereof), including ReShape’s Lap-Band® System, Obalon® Gastric Balloon System and the DBSN™ system (but excluding cash). Therefore, at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the asset purchase agreement, the Obalon® Gastric Balloon System will be owned by Biorad.
Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "may," "intend," "will," "continue," "future," other words of similar meaning and the use of future dates. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about the promise of the Obalon® Gastric Balloon System and the potential path to commercialization of the technology. These and additional risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors identified as "risk factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We are providing this information as of the date of this press release and do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
CONTACTS
ReShape Lifesciences Investor Contact:
Paul F. Hickey
President and Chief Executive Officer
949-276-7223
ir@ReShapeLifesci.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Rx Communications Group
Michael Miller
917-633-6086
mmiller@rxir.com
FAQ
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