Medical Capsule for managing GERD via a Mechanical Gel Barrier with Healing and Angiogenic Properties
Description: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 10%-20% of the global population and significantly impacts quality of life. Left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers, anemia, benign strictures, and even esophageal adenocarcinoma. Current standard treatments rely on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, which, despite their effectiveness, pose serious side effects, especially with long-term use. These include osteoporosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO), Clostridium difficile infection, and impaired nutrient absorption (magnesium, iron, calcium). The presented invention introduces an innovative oral capsule that combines two known and safe pharmaceutical agents: Sodium Alginate and Sucralfate.
• Sodium Alginate forms a gel that acts as a mechanical barrier, preventing acid and bile reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, particularly after meals and during nighttime. • Sucralfate adheres to mucosal injuries, forming a protective coating, neutralizing digestive acids (acid, bile, pepsin), and promoting angiogenesis and mucosal regeneration. This combination, never previously disclosed in patent databases (Patentscope, Espacenet, Google Patents, etc.), merges the strengths of both components while mitigating the systemic side effects common in existing GERD medications. Advantages of the Invention: • No systemic absorption, making it suitable for long-term use and even in pregnancy. • Avoids the complications of acid suppression therapy, including osteoporosis and microbial imbalance. • Dual action: mechanical prevention of reflux + mucosal healing. • Improves patient outcomes, especially in elderly populations prone to complications from conventional therapies. • Cost-saving for healthcare systems by reducing complications and associated treatments. • OTC Potential: Safe enough for over-the-counter distribution. • Industrial Application: High global demand ensures commercial viability and export potential. • Economic Impact: Potential for significant job creation and foreign exchange savings via domestic production. Conclusion: This drug provides an effective, safe, and innovative solution for GERD management by addressing both mechanical and biological aspects of the disease. It reduces dependency on high-risk acid-suppressive drugs, represents a new market opportunity, and aligns with global health priorities.
Organisation: University of Twente (UT)
Innovator(s): Mohammad-Hosein Shahbazi, Shaahin Shahbazi
Category: Pharma
Country: Netherlands
