An exome sequencing study of more than 600,000 individuals of European and mixed American ancestry has identified more than a dozen genes, including five brain-expressed G protein-coupled receptors, that were associated with body mass index.

Stimulating the liver with focused ultrasound decreased obesity, chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in preclinical studies, reported GE Research and the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the research arm of Northwell Health. In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers demonstrated that nerve modulation with ultrasound in mice helped regulate neurons involved in food intake, glucose regulation and metabolism without negative side effects.

An Australian study led by University of Melbourne scientists has identified a previously unknown role for the hepatokine, sparc-related modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1), in suppressing hepatic glucose production. The investigators reported their results in the Sept. 2, 2020, edition of Science Translational Medicine.

GI Dynamics Inc.’s U.S. IDE trial of Endobarrier, which is designed for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and obesity, is now underway with the first patient enrollment at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Mich. The FDA approved the pivotal STEP-1 clinical trial in August 2019 to evaluate the Endobarrier as a barrier between the small intestine and food to reduce calorie intake.

The obesity problem is one that is affecting a growing number of people globally. With both device and drug companies looking to take on the challenge of combating the problem, Allurion Technologies Inc. has set its sights on advancing a new approach in the U.S. Now, the Natick, Mass.-based company has scored $34 million in new funding through a securities financing and a growth capital term loan. The round was led by Novalis Lifesciences and Romulus Capital, with participation from Ido Investments and ex-Covidien CEO Jose Almeida.

Most weight loss interventions target obese or super-obese patients who have adjacent comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. But Boston-based Gelesis aims to change that with its hydrogel pill Plenity.