ReShape Lifesciences announced that the Company was awarded a $300,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant for the development of ReShape?s Diabetes Bloc-Stim Neuromodulation device, which utilizes its proprietary vagus nerve block (vBloc) technology platform, combined with vagus nerve stimulation, for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. Specifically, the grant will fund development of the device for the treatment of hypoglycemia. The technology is currently protected by 48 issued and pending patents related to vBloc, glucose control, AI and Bluetooth applications.

The ReShape DBSN? utilizes hypoglycemia vagal nerve stimulation using an implantable pulse generator in a closed loop with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The HVNS System consists of an IPG, stimulation electrodes/leads attachable to the posterior vagal nerve, a CGM and a programmer to alter settings for therapeutic customization.

This dual vagus nerve neuromodulation selectively modulates vagal block and stimulation to the liver and pancreas to manage blood glucose in the treatment of diabetes and individualized glucose control. The technology has demonstrated safety and efficacy through experiments in diabetic swine utilizing a previous Phase I funding from a NIH SBIR grant. The Small Business Innovation Research program allow U.S.-owned and operated small businesses to engage in federal research and development that has a strong potential for commercialization.

NIH?s SBIR program invests into health and life science companies that are creating innovative technologies that align with NIH?s mission to improve health and save lives. A key objective is to translate promising technologies to the private sector and enable life-saving innovations to reach consumer markets.