In a recent interview with InvestorNews host Tracy Hughes, Dr. Iqbal Sandhu, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board at AscentX Medical, outlined the scale and clinical burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition affecting tens of millions of patients and defined by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus due to a compromised lower esophageal sphincter.
Dr. Sandhu described GERD’s hallmark symptom—persistent heartburn—as more than a nuisance, noting its broader impact on quality of life, from disrupted sleep to dietary restriction and social anxiety. Patients often rely on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which suppress stomach acid but require long-term adherence and raise concerns about side effects. Surgical interventions exist but are invasive and frequently avoided by patients, leaving what he characterized as a significant treatment gap.
That gap is where AscentX Medical is positioning its regenerative injectable biomaterial platform, known as G125. The approach centers on delivering a biocompatible material into the gastroesophageal junction, where it acts as a scaffold for the body’s own tissue regeneration. Over time, the material integrates with surrounding structures, promoting collagen deposition and vascularization to form a functional barrier that supports the weakened sphincter.
“It’s not viewed as foreign by the body,” Dr. Sandhu explained, emphasizing that stability, non-migration, and the absence of inflammatory response are critical design features. The objective is not to reconstruct anatomy surgically, but to augment the natural barrier function in a minimally invasive, office-based procedure.
The company has completed the design and patenting of a specialized delivery needle intended to precisely place the biomaterial within the submucosal layer. Preclinical animal studies are the next step, with evaluations planned at 30-day and six-month intervals to assess positioning, durability, and tissue response. Positive outcomes would support progression into clinical trials and regulatory pathways.
For Dr. Sandhu, an interventional gastroenterologist, the appeal lies in scalability. Unlike more complex endoscopic or surgical procedures, the injection-based approach could be readily adopted across standard gastroenterology practices, potentially expanding access to a middle-ground therapy between medication and surgery.
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