22 May 2023 • A swallowable gastric balloon (Allurion Balloon, formerly known as Elipse) combined with daily subcutaneous injections of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist liraglutide, leads to a significant average total body weight loss of 19% (18 kg or 40 lb) after around 4 months in people with obesity. The Allurion is the world's first and only swallowable gastric balloon placed without surgery, endoscopy, or anesthesia, and is excreted naturally after around 16 weeks.

"The combination therapy [balloon and liraglutide] resulted in an additional weight loss compared to the two single treatments," said Roberta Ienca, MD, who presented the findings at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO). For the current study, data from three international multidisciplinary obesity centers (in Italy, Spain, and Egypt) were retrospectively analyzed. All 181 patients received the combination of the Allurion balloon with liraglutide, with the latter added 4 to 16 weeks after swallowing the balloon.

During a 20-minute outpatient visit, participants swallowed the balloon, which was filled with liquid after reaching the stomach, and placement was confirmed by X-ray. The balloon remained inserted for around 15-17 weeks (mean 16 weeks) before natural excretion. After excreting the balloon, patients started the Mediterranean diet for weight maintenance and were followed for at least 6 months. "The addition of the GLP-1 agonist therapy (liraglutide) to patients treated with the Allurion program [gastric balloon] is feasible, safe, and effective in those who need additional weight loss," Dr. Roberta emphasized.

Source: Medscape | Read full story