GLP-1 Agonists Reduce Bowel Frequency and Esophageal Spasms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for short bowel syndrome and spastic or hyperactive esophageal motor disorders are not completely effective, leading to ongoing symptoms and complications, with a need for alternative or improved methods to manage these conditions.

Innovation Solution

Administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as exendin or exenatide, to treat short bowel syndrome and spastic or hyperactive esophageal motor disorders, including esophageal spasms, nutcracker esophagus, and achalasia, by reducing bowel movements and esophageal contraction amplitudes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current treatments for short bowel syndrome are used, then some symptom relief is achieved, but treatment effectiveness is incomplete and complications persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidsymptoms and complications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a new pharmacological parameter (GLP-1 receptor agonist administration) to fundamentally alter the treatment approach. This changes the biochemical environment in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating intestinal growth and improving absorptive function, thereby resolving the incomplete effectiveness of current treatments while reducing persistent symptoms and complications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If surgical intervention is performed to lengthen intestine, then absorptive surface area increases, but treatment complexity and risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorptive surface areaVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention with a pharmacological approach using GLP-1 receptor agonists. Instead of physically lengthening the intestine through complex surgical procedures, the treatment uses biochemical signaling to stimulate natural intestinal growth and adaptation, thereby achieving increased absorptive surface area while avoiding surgical complexity and associated risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If parenteral nutrition is used to deliver nutrients, then nutritional delivery is ensured, but treatment dependency increases and quality of life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenutrient deliveryVSAvoidtreatment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using GLP-1 receptor agonists to prepare and enhance the intestinal tract's natural absorptive capacity before and during the transition from parenteral to enteral nutrition. This preliminary biochemical optimization enables the intestine to gradually assume nutritional absorption duties, reducing dependency on parenteral nutrition and improving quality of life while maintaining adequate nutrient delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8236760B2Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of short bowel syndrome
Publication Date: 2012.08.07 CEDARS SINAI MEDICAL CENT

AI summary

The present invention describes the methods of using incretin mimetics such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly exenatide, to treat short bowel syndrome and spastic or hyperactive esophageal motor disorders.