New Therapy Option for Obesity Implanted for the First Time

Mannheim, October 13, 2026. Trans-Duodenal Concepts GmbH has reached an important clinical milestone with the first implantations of its product, the Trans-Duodenal Barrier. The first implants were successfully placed at two hospitals.

The Trans-Duodenal Barrier is a tubular prosthesis placed in the duodenum via endoscopy, where it remains for 6 months. The implant prevents food intake and thus offers a novel treatment option that falls between conservative and surgical therapies.

“The first implantations represent a very special milestone for us,” says Prof. Dr. Georg Kähler, founder of Trans-Duodenal Concepts GmbH. “After many years of developing and testing our concept, it is very gratifying that we are now taking the next step and can use the Trans-Duodenal Barrier in patients for the first time as part of a clinical trial. The focus is now on systematic scientific evaluation and the collection of reliable clinical data.”

The treating physicians also regard the procedure as an interesting new approach. PD Dr. med. Konstantinos Kouladouros explains:
“The first implantation of the Trans-Duodenal Barrier marks an important step in the clinical testing of this novel procedure. Of particular interest is the combination of a metabolic therapy principle with an endoscopic and reversible approach. We are pleased to be able to contribute our clinical experience to the scientific evaluation of this innovative concept.”

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Belle, Mannheim University Hospital, adds:
“The Trans-Duodenal Barrier investigates an innovative approach at the intersection of endoscopy, diabetology, and metabolic medicine. With this first implantation at our hospital, we can assess the potential of this approach for the future treatment of obesity and diabetes.”

The clinical trial specifically examines the safety and efficacy of the Trans-Duodenal Barrier, as well as its potential metabolic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study is being conducted at 8 study centers across Germany.

About Trans-Duodenal Concepts

Trans-Duodenal Concepts GmbH (TDC), based in Mannheim, Germany, is a startup affiliated with Heidelberg University and was founded by Prof. Dr. med. Georg Kähler, an internationally recognized endoscopist and long-time head of the Interdisciplinary Endoscopy Department at Mannheim University Hospital. The company develops innovative endoscopic solutions for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Trans-Duodenal Concepts aims to develop new, reversible, and minimally invasive therapeutic options that bridge the gap between conservative treatment approaches and surgical procedures. The Trans-Duodenal Barrier product is now being evaluated in a multicenter study.

Contact:

Katja Bausewein
Trans-Duodenal Concepts GmbH
Tannhäuserring 93, 68199 Mannheim

Tel.: +49 7254 9585240
katja.bausewein@transduodenal.com