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Averto Medical Awarded $2.1 Million NIH Grant for Diverticulitis Therapy

Averto Medical, a pioneering entity in the realm of gastrointestinal health solutions, has recently made headlines by securing a substantial $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding is aimed at advancing their flagship product, the ColoSeal™ Intraluminal Colonic Diversion System, for treating diverticulitis—an inflammatory condition that poses significant health challenges to millions globally.

Background on Averto Medical

Founded with the vision of improving gastrointestinal disease management, Averto Medical has positioned itself as a clinical-stage company focused on developing minimally invasive therapeutic techniques. The receipt of NIH funding signifies not only a validation of the scientific merit surrounding their work but also highlights the urgent need for new treatment alternatives in the field of diverticulitis.

Dr. Kenton Fong, CEO of Averto Medical, expressed his enthusiasm for this grant, emphasizing its potential to transform the treatment landscape for patients with limited options. “With this NIH support, we are in a prime position to broaden the impact of our platform and assist patients currently facing tough choices regarding their treatment,” he shared, outlining the company’s commitment to alleviating the burdens associated with GI diseases.

The Clinical Significance of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a severe condition that affects a significant portion of the population, often necessitating surgical interventions and leading to prolonged recovery times. For many patients, this translates into the potential for either temporary or permanent ostomy, which can profoundly alter a person's lifestyle and wellbeing.

The NIH grant provides Averto Medical the resources needed to expedite clinical research investigating whether the ColoSeal™ can maintain the colon’s integrity intraluminally. This approach aims to significantly mitigate the necessity for ostomy procedures, reduce surgical risks, and improve overall patient outcomes.

Expert Insights on the Innovation

Dr. Ankit Sarin, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at UC Davis Healthcare, emphasized the gravity of the issue while praising the capabilities of Averto’s new therapy. “Every year, thousands endure emergency surgeries due to complicated diverticulitis, often resulting in severe complications and lifelong changes,” he noted. “Averto's alternative could significantly alter this reality, preserving anatomical structure and minimizing patients' suffering.”

Future Prospects for ColoSeal™

Averto Medical does not intend to stop here. The NIH grant is seen as a pivotal step in their journey, allowing them to further push for breakthroughs that could redefine the current surgical interventions for diverticulitis. Their innovative ColoSeal™ product already received the FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in February 2025, an acknowledgment of its potential to improve health outcomes markedly.

As they continue to pursue various clinical trials, Averto Medical is laying the foundation to not just advance their technology but to also place themselves at the forefront of gastrointestinal disease treatment. With the ongoing research and potential regulatory approvals, the medical community anticipates witnessing a transformation in how diverticulitis and other GI-related conditions are managed.

Conclusion

In summary, the $2.1 million NIH grant awarded to Averto Medical heralds a significant advancement in the treatment of diverticulitis, showcasing the intersection of innovative medical technology and dedicated research. As Dr. Fong aptly puts it, their journey aims to deliver better treatment options, reducing the surgical burden on families and fostering hope for patients facing profound health challenges.