Gastric mucosal ablation with MOVIVA: Setting new standards in endoscopic bariatric treatment

Just a few months after the world’s first gastric mucosal ablation (GMA) case using MOVIVA (Erbe Elektromedizin) at the Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli in Rome, clinical experience is rapidly expanding across Europe. With around 80 procedures performed within a short timeframe in eight countries, MOVIVA is helping to establish a new era of endoscopic bariatric treatment – offering a less invasive option as obesity rates continue to rise worldwide.

Gastric mucosal ablation using MOVIVA (Erbe Elektromedizin)

GMA is an incisionless, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. It targets the gastric fundus, the main site of ghrelin production – the so-called hunger hormone. By reducing ghrelin levels, patients experience less hunger. At the same time, the ablated tissue shrinks the fundus, which reduces stomach capacity. Together, these effects can support controlled weight reduction.

MOVIVA is a dedicated hybrid probe developed specifically for GMA. It combines high-pressure, needle-free injection to create a protective submucosal fluid cushion with superficial thermal ablation via argon plasma coagulation (APC). MOVIVA’s dedicated moveAPD mode ensures broad and consistent argon plasma coagulation. Another strength of MOVIVA lies in its enhanced injection capabilities, particularly in tangential positions, which are often challenging in endoscopic settings.

“Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques that target appetite regulation through precise ablation of the gastric fundus offer patients an effective pathway to weight loss without the risks associated with surgery,” explained Professor Ivo Boskoski, who led the first case in Rome. “MOVIVA’s innovative injection and ablation capabilities simplify the GMA procedure and could set a new standard in endoscopic bariatric care."

GMA can be performed as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). In combination with ESG, the approach achieves weight loss outcomes comparable to vertical sleeve gastrectomy, while being less invasive.

“MOVIVA® sets new standards by addressing ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and has been shown to effectively manage hunger and cravings, supporting weight loss in people living with obesity. We are really looking forward to the commercial launch of MOVIVA in 2026,” added Marcus Felstead, Chief Commercial Officer at Erbe Elektromedizin.

MOVIVA is currently available in CE and CE-related markets.

Join Professor Ivo Boskoski, Dr Christopher McGowan and Dr Abdullah AlMousa, on 11 December for a live online session on the latest developments in bariatric endoscopy and GMA with MOVIVA. Click here to register for the free webinar, ‘Advancing bariatric endoscopy’.