Competition
The Barrett’s esophagus market is dominated currently by one competitive ablation technology from Medtronic, with no other significant players. Aqua Medical’s platform is intended to be simpler, faster, safer, and easier to use than the current competitive product.

For the pancreatic cyst market, Aqua will offer the first effective endoscopic therapy to treat pancreatic cysts without open surgery and to prevent potential progression to pancreatic cancer.

Several technologies are pursuing treatment of metabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, through duodenal mucosal ablation. With its through-the-scope technology, Aqua’s platform is designed to deliver better speed, ease-of-use, and uniform coverage.

Milestones
The system was awarded 510(k) clearance from the FDA and completed a successful first-in-man study for Barrett`s esophagus. Upcoming milestones include proprietary catheters targeted for pancreatic cysts and duodenal ablation, along with human dosimetry studies for both.

Aqua Medical recently completed its $15.5-million Series A equity funding round. Read the press release, here.

Aqua Medical’s clinical results from the first-in-human experience of its RFVA therapy for Barrett`s esophagus were published in Endoscopy. Read the press release here.

Defensibility
The Aqua IP portfolio is very strong with filings initiated since 2008. In the U.S., we have 4 patents issued and 7 pending. Internationally, we have 1 issued in Europe, 1 issued and 1 allowed in China, and 7 foreign applications pending.

Esophagus