Boston-area-based Allurion Technologies has developed a non-invasive weight-loss procedure in the form of a swallow-able capsule that expands into a gastric balloon and is filled with 550ml of water once placed in the stomach. The balloon remains in the body for about 4 months and then deflates and ‘passes naturally’. The balloon can be placed by a gastrologist or internist in a few minutes. This procedure substitutes gastric bypass or band surgery, invasive endoscopy and anaesthesia. Patients who used Ellipse lose an average of 15-20% of their total body weight over a five-month timeframe. Creating nutrition and healthy lifestyle plans alongside professional nutritionists are also a key element of the process and are essential to patients having a long-term benefit from the Ellipse program.
Oman Impact
Obesity presents a serious challenge to the Omani society and is a pre-cursor to many serious illnesses. Research and investment into minimally-invasive techniques to address diseases that are creating problems for the Omani people is at the heart of IDO’s strategy. In Oman, Allurion is offered in multiple private hospitals and hundreds of patients have been treated to date.
IDO Value Add
IDO Investments is a proud partner of the company as it seeks to expand its market presence in the GCC and beyond and help improve the health of people all over the world. With support from IDO, Allurion was introduced to the GCC market.