# High-definition Endoscopic Ultrasound Navigation for Targeted Dual Neuromodulation Therapy

> **NIH NIH R43** · RESHAPE LIFESCIENCES, INC. · 2023 · $331,451

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
31 million Americans suffer from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with numbers growing in the elderly and
children. An additional 84.1 million prediabetic Americans risk becoming diabetic. Current pharmaceutical
therapies have poor patient compliance and, along with bariatric surgical approaches, are expensive and have
negative side-effects. We have developed Targeted Dual Neuromodulation Therapy (TDN Therapy),
an innovative approach to blood glucose reduction. The closed loop TDN system (implantable pulse
generator (IPG), continuous blood glucose monitor (CGM) and bipolar nerve leads) senses elevated blood
glucose levels and reduces those levels by blocking conduction of the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve with
High Frequency Alternating Current (HFAC) while concurrently stimulating the celiac branch with Low
Frequency Alternating Current (LFAC). We hypothesize that esophageal and, or gastric High-definition
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) will allow precise vagus branch identification and laparoscopic TDN nerve
lead placement with reduced off target physiological effects. In Preliminary studies, EUS imaging of nerves
within the celiac plexus and ganglion was successfully confirmed with a spyglass fiberoptic probe. These nerves
were then manipulated with biopsy forceps under EUS guidance and stimulated to modify gastric physiological
effects. This NIH-SBIR Phase I study will successfully demonstrate feasibility in swine as follows: Specific
Aim 1: Identify celiac and hepatic branches of the vagus nerve using endoscopic ultrasound and
or transillumination on endoscopy with feasibility confirmed by successful EUS guided imaging of the
vagus celiac and hepatic branches with further confirmation by fiberoptic probe. Aim 2: Use laparoscopy
with endoluminal EUS and endoscopy to place electrodes on the hepatic and celiac branching
points of the vagus nerve in a consistent manner with feasibility demonstrated by confirmation of
electrode placement by tracing the branches to the pancreas and liver during laparoscopy and necropsy. Aim
3: Minimize off target effects during stimulation of the hepatic and celiac branches with feasibility
demonstrated by determination of the lowest current amplitudes to minimize off target effects while staying in
a therapeutic current amplitude range. Evaluated off target effects will include non-GI effects of heart rate,
blood pressure, & the GI related off target effects of pyloric contraction & relaxation, lower esophageal
sphincter pressure, gastric & small intestinal contraction in the stomach. Liver effects will be assessed by
hepatic hormones, & portal & hepatic venous pressures. Pancreas effects will be evaluated by assaying insulin,
glucagon & GLP-1, amylase & lipase. Future Phase II efforts will incorporate EUS in TDN Therapy animal
implants for future FDA submissions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10817376
- **Project number:** 1R43DK136366-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** RESHAPE LIFESCIENCES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** JON James WAATAJA
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $331,451
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-09-15 → 2025-09-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10817376

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10817376, High-definition Endoscopic Ultrasound Navigation for Targeted Dual Neuromodulation Therapy (1R43DK136366-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10817376. Licensed CC0.

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