Boston Scientific launches intragastric appetite suppression balloon 'BIB System' with coverage

Boston Scientific said Monday that it has released the BIB System, a balloon for suppressing appetite in the stomach that can help obese patients lose weight, with insurance coverage in Korea. 

The BIB System is an intragastric appetite suppression balloon for weight loss treatment in patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 kg/㎡ and 40 kg/㎡ designed to be temporarily inserted into the stomach through an endoscope to induce satiety and support weight loss.

The procedure to insert the BIB system, intragastric balloon placement, is minimally invasive and can be performed through a sleep endoscope. The balloon is placed and removed for up to six months to support long-term weight loss and dietary management under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The BIB system has been proven safe and effective in multiple clinical studies and has been used in more than 400,000 patients in more than 80 countries since receiving the U.S. FDA clearance in 2015. In a study of 323 patients, the BIB System resulted in a mean weight loss of 15.2±10.5 kg, a body mass index (BMI) reduction of 5.3±3.4 kg/㎡, and an excess weight loss (EWL) of 48.3±28.1 percent after six months (P< 0.000).

In addition, patients who underwent the BIB System procedure lost 3.1 times more weight after six months than those who used diet and exercise alone and maintained their weight loss longer after 24 months.

In Korea, the BIB system has been covered by health insurance since Feb. 1, reducing the cost burden on patients. It is listed as a selective benefit, and the patient co-payment rate is 80 percent. The benefit applies to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/㎡, or more but less than 40 kg/㎡, or 30 kg/㎡ or more but less than 40 kg/㎡, with complications, who are 18 years of age or older, have confirmed bone growth termination, and are obese patients who cannot benefit from internal medicine treatments such as lifestyle modification.

"The BIB system has proved effective in various clinical studies. Unlike bariatric metabolic surgery or gastric banding, it can be inserted and removed without an incision, making it an alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate general anesthesia or those who are uncomfortable with scarring," said Professor Kim Do-hoon of Gastroenterology at Asan Medical Center. "Health insurance coverage is good news for patients who have not benefited from existing treatments or are hesitant to seek treatment for obesity due to cost."

In April 2023, Boston Scientific acquired Apollo Endosurgery, a global medical device company specializing in endoscopic procedures. In November 2023, Boston Scientific was transferred the domestic authorization of the BIB System.