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Targeted pacing for gastric dysfunction therapy

Year:
2025
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$1,200,000.00
Researchers:
Professor Leo Cheng
,
Dr Nipuni Nagahawatte
,
Associate Professor Peng Du
,
Dr Recep Avci
,
Ms Misty Edmonds
,
Dr Abigail Stocker
,
Professor Dr Thomas Abell
Host:
The University of Auckland
Health issue:
Gastrointestinal
Proposal type:
Project
Lay summary
Up to 10% of the population suffer from disorders that affect how the stomach digests and empties food. These conditions can have severe symptoms such as vomiting and pain, leading to poor quality of life, social isolation, and high healthcare costs. There are also limited options for treating these conditions. Abnormal electrical signals in the stomach, equivalent to irregular heart rhythms, are associated with many of these disorders. In this project, we will develop a new pacemaker for the stomach to correct these abnormal signals and improve stomach function. By restoring normal stomach activity, this therapy has the potential to improve patients’ daily lives and reduce the burden on society and the healthcare system. Most importantly, it offers new potential therapy for people living with these disabling conditions.