ReShape Lifesciences® Receives Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Related to Its Proprietary Diabetes Neuromodulation Technology
ReShape Lifesciences (RSLS) has received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for patent application 17/046,677, focused on their Diabetes Neuromodulation technology. The patent, valid until April 2039, covers 'Simultaneous Multi-Site Vagus Nerve Modulation for Improved Glycemic Control System and Methods.'
The technology combines vagus nerve block (vBloc™) with vagus nerve stimulation to treat Type 2 diabetes. It aims to reduce medication dependence through personalized glucose control. The system is backed by a robust IP portfolio of 62 issued or pending patents covering vagal neuromodulation, glucose control, AI, and Bluetooth applications.
Pre-clinical development has shown promising results in both Zucker rat and alloxan-treated swine models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The technology works by selectively modulating vagal block and stimulation to the liver and pancreas, potentially offering treatment for both Type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia.
ReShape Lifesciences (RSLS) ha ricevuto un Avviso di Concessione dall'USPTO per la domanda di brevetto 17/046,677, incentrata sulla loro tecnologia di Neuromodulazione per il Diabete. Il brevetto, valido fino ad aprile 2039, copre 'Modulazione del Nervo Vago Multi-Sito Simultanea per un Sistema e Metodi di Controllo Glicemico Migliorato.'
La tecnologia combina il blocco del nervo vago (vBloc™) con la stimolazione del nervo vago per trattare il diabete di tipo 2. Mira a ridurre la dipendenza dai farmaci attraverso un controllo personalizzato della glicemia. Il sistema è supportato da un robusto portafoglio di proprietà intellettuale con 62 brevetti concessi o in attesa che coprono la neuromodulazione vagale, il controllo della glicemia, l'IA e le applicazioni Bluetooth.
Lo sviluppo preclinico ha mostrato risultati promettenti sia nei modelli di ratto Zucker che in quelli di suini trattati con allossano per il Diabete Mellito di Tipo 2 (T2DM). La tecnologia funziona modulando selettivamente il blocco e la stimolazione vagale al fegato e al pancreas, offrendo potenzialmente un trattamento sia per il diabete di tipo 2 che per l'ipoglicemia.
ReShape Lifesciences (RSLS) ha recibido un Aviso de Concesión de la USPTO para la solicitud de patente 17/046,677, centrada en su tecnología de Neuromodulación para la Diabetes. La patente, válida hasta abril de 2039, cubre 'Modulación Simultánea de Vago Multi-Sitio para un Sistema y Métodos de Control Glicémico Mejorado.'
La tecnología combina el bloqueo del nervio vago (vBloc™) con la estimulación del nervio vago para tratar la diabetes tipo 2. Su objetivo es reducir la dependencia de medicamentos a través de un control personalizado de la glucosa. El sistema cuenta con un sólido portafolio de propiedad intelectual de 62 patentes emitidas o pendientes que cubren neuromodulación vagal, control de glucosa, IA y aplicaciones Bluetooth.
El desarrollo preclínico ha mostrado resultados prometedores en modelos de ratas Zucker y cerdos tratados con aloxano de Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (T2DM). La tecnología funciona modulando selectivamente el bloqueo y la estimulación vagal al hígado y al páncreas, ofreciendo potencialmente tratamiento tanto para la diabetes tipo 2 como para la hipoglucemia.
ReShape Lifesciences (RSLS)는 당뇨병 신경 조절 기술에 관한 특허 출원 17/046,677에 대해 USPTO로부터 허가 통지를 받았습니다. 이 특허는 2039년 4월까지 유효하며, '개선된 혈당 조절 시스템 및 방법을 위한 다중 위치에서의 미주 신경 동시 조절'을 포함합니다.
이 기술은 미주 신경 차단(vBloc™)과 미주 신경 자극을 결합하여 제2형 당뇨병을 치료하는 데 사용됩니다. 개인화된 혈당 조절을 통해 약물 의존도를 줄이는 것을 목표로 합니다. 이 시스템은 미주 신경 조절, 혈당 조절, AI 및 Bluetooth 응용 프로그램을 포함하여 62개의 발급 또는 대기 중인 특허로 구성된 강력한 지적 재산 포트폴리오를 지원받고 있습니다.
전임상 개발에서는 제2형 당뇨병 모델인 Zucker 쥐와 알록산 처리된 돼지 모델에서 유망한 결과를 보여주었습니다. 이 기술은 간과 췌장에 대한 미주 신경 차단 및 자극을 선택적으로 조절하여 제2형 당뇨병과 저혈당증 모두에 대한 치료를 제공할 가능성이 있습니다.
ReShape Lifesciences (RSLS) a reçu un Avis d'Acceptation de l'USPTO pour la demande de brevet 17/046,677, axée sur leur technologie de Neuromodulation du Diabète. Le brevet, valide jusqu'en avril 2039, couvre 'Modulation du Nerf Vague Multi-Site Simultanée pour un Système et Méthodes d'Amélioration du Contrôle Glycémique.'
Cette technologie combine le blocage du nerf vague (vBloc™) avec la stimulation du nerf vague pour traiter le diabète de type 2. Elle vise à réduire la dépendance aux médicaments grâce à un contrôle personnalisé de la glycémie. Le système est soutenu par un solide portefeuille de propriété intellectuelle comprenant 62 brevets délivrés ou en attente couvrant la neuromodulation vagale, le contrôle de la glycémie, l'IA et les applications Bluetooth.
Le développement préclinique a montré des résultats prometteurs tant dans des modèles de rats Zucker que dans des modèles de porcs traités à l'alloxane pour le Diabète Sucré de Type 2 (T2DM). La technologie fonctionne en modulant sélectivement le blocage et la stimulation vagale au niveau du foie et du pancréas, offrant potentiellement un traitement pour le diabète de type 2 et l'hypoglycémie.
ReShape Lifesciences (RSLS) hat eine Zulassungsmitteilung vom USPTO für die Patentanmeldung 17/046,677 erhalten, die sich auf ihre Technologie zur Neuromodulation bei Diabetes konzentriert. Das Patent, das bis April 2039 gültig ist, umfasst 'Gleichzeitige Multi-Site Vagusnervmodulation zur Verbesserung des glykemischen Kontrollsystems und der Methoden.'
Die Technologie kombiniert Vagusnervblock (vBloc™) mit Vagusnervstimulation zur Behandlung von Typ-2-Diabetes. Ziel ist es, die Medikamentenabhängigkeit durch personalisierte Blutzuckerkontrolle zu reduzieren. Das System wird von einem robusten IP-Portfolio mit 62 erteilten oder anhängigen Patenten unterstützt, die vagale Neuromodulation, Blutzuckerkontrolle, KI und Bluetooth-Anwendungen abdecken.
Die präklinische Entwicklung hat vielversprechende Ergebnisse sowohl in Zucker-Ratten- als auch in alloxan-behandelten Schweinemodellen von Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) gezeigt. Die Technologie funktioniert, indem sie den Vagusnervblock und die Stimulation selektiv auf die Leber und die Bauchspeicheldrüse moduliert, was potenziell eine Behandlung sowohl für Typ-2-Diabetes als auch für Hypoglykämie bieten kann.
- Secured patent protection until 2039 for diabetes neuromodulation technology
- Strong IP portfolio with 62 issued/pending patents
- Successful completion of pre-clinical development
- Demonstrated positive results in animal studies
- Technology still in pre-clinical phase, far from commercialization
- No human trial data available yet
- Faces competition from established diabetes treatment methods
Insights
ReShape Lifesciences' patent allowance for its diabetes neuromodulation technology represents a strategic intellectual property victory in the metabolic health space. The technology, which combines vagus nerve blocking and stimulation to regulate blood glucose levels, now has protection until April 2039 - providing nearly 14 years of market exclusivity potential.
This development strengthens ReShape's competitive positioning in the diabetes treatment landscape through several key mechanisms:
- The technology targets the autonomic nervous system pathways between the brain and important metabolic organs (liver and pancreas), potentially offering a device-based alternative to pharmaceutical interventions
- Pre-clinical studies in both Zucker rat and alloxan-treated swine models demonstrated improved glycemic control, establishing proof-of-concept
- The approach aligns with growing interest in bioelectronic medicine as an alternative to traditional drug therapies
The allowance adds to ReShape's robust IP portfolio of 62 issued or pending patents spanning vagal neuromodulation, glucose control, AI and Bluetooth applications. This creates a significant barrier to potential competitors and positions the company more favorably for potential partnerships or licensing opportunities.
From an investment perspective, this represents a long-term value driver rather than a near-term catalyst. The technology remains pre-clinical, meaning human trials have not yet begun. A typical development timeline would include:
- IND (Investigational New Device) application
- Phase I safety studies
- Phase II efficacy studies
- Pivotal trials for regulatory approval
This process typically spans 5-7 years before potential commercialization. While the patent strengthens ReShape's long-term prospects in the massive diabetes market, investors should view this as building foundation value rather than expecting immediate revenue impact.
ReShape Lifesciences' patent allowance for their diabetes neuromodulation technology represents a strategic expansion beyond their core obesity treatment focus into the substantially larger Type 2 diabetes market. With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes and global prevalence exceeding 530 million, this technology targets one of healthcare's most significant chronic disease markets.
The technology leverages ReShape's expertise in vagal nerve modulation but applies it innovatively to glucose regulation through a dual-mechanism approach:
- Selective blocking of vagal signals to the liver to reduce glucose production
- Simultaneous stimulation of vagal pathways to the pancreas to enhance insulin production
- Personalized, bioelectronic approach that could reduce medication dependence
Pre-clinical results in both rodent and porcine models demonstrate the technology's ability to improve glycemic control, completing a important de-risking step. However, investors should understand the development timeline ahead:
- Human feasibility trials likely 1-2 years away
- Pivotal trials would follow, requiring 2-3 additional years
- Regulatory review and commercialization preparation add another 1-2 years
For ReShape, with its
The patent allowance creates tangible value through:
- Extended exclusivity period to 2039
- Strengthening potential partnership negotiations
- Diversifying beyond current product offerings
- Building upon established expertise in neuromodulation
While this development strengthens ReShape's long-term strategic position in a massive market, investors should recognize that material revenue impact remains years away, with significant development and regulatory hurdles still ahead.
Vagal Neuromodulation Provides Route to Treat Type 2 Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
IRVINE, Calif., March 10, 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 17/046,677, entitled, “Simultaneous Multi-Site Vagus Nerve Modulation for Improved Glycemic Control System and Methods.” When issued, the patent will provide protection until April 12, 2039. The Diabetes Neuromodulation system leverages its proprietary vagus nerve block (vBloc™) technology platform, along with vagus nerve stimulation, to treat Type 2 diabetes, a prominent disorder linked with obesity.
“Allowance for this newest patent, on the heels of the recently announced Israeli patent, serves as strong evidence of the promise of this groundbreaking technology, which has shown the potential to reduce dependence on medications for diabetics through a personalized approach. By optimizing glucose control, the technology aims to lower treatment costs and minimize complications related to poorly managed blood sugar and medication non-compliance,” stated Paul F. Hickey, President and Chief Executive Officer of ReShape Lifesciences®. “Like other patent families within ReShape, the Diabetes Neuromodulation technology is supported by a robust intellectual property portfolio, comprising 62 issued or pending patents. These cover vagal neuromodulation, glucose control, AI, and Bluetooth applications, ensuring a clear path to commercialization while providing strong protection against competitive threats.”
“Type 2 diabetes is a worldwide issue and continues to be difficult to treat effectively, despite the availability of medication, surgery, and dietary interventions,” stated Jonathan Waataja, Ph.D. Director of Research at ReShape Lifesciences. “ReShape’s Diabetes Neuromodulation technology regulates blood glucose by selectively modulating vagal block and stimulation to the liver and pancreas. Studies have shown improved glycemic control in both a Zucker rat model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and an alloxan-treated swine model of T2DM. To date, our team has successfully completed the pre-clinical development of the device, employing bioelectronics to optimize insulin production and manage blood glucose levels in a personalized manner, with the potential to treat Type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia.”
About The ReShape Diabetes Neuromodulation Device
The ReShape Diabetes Neuromodulation system (formerly, Diabetes Bloc-Stim Neuromodulation™ (DBSN™) is a novel minimally invasive therapeutic implant concept that delivers bio-electronic neuromodulation of vagus nerve branches that are innervating organs which regulate plasma glucose. The system stimulates vagus celiac fibers of the pancreas to release insulin during stimulation, while blocking the hepatic vagal branch, innervating the liver, to decrease glucose release and decrease insulin resistance following ligation. The system utilizes a proprietary, reversable and adjustable electrical blockade that may represent the future of personalized medicine. Reshape Lifesciences believes its system is superior to both standalone stimulation of the vagus nerve, and vagus nerve ligation which has undesirable side effects and causes irreversible damage to the nerve.
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 DBSN™ 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 Diabetes Neuromodulation technology 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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