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We’re excited to share the Spring 2025 edition of the OPA Cancer Charity Magazine. This issue features powerful personal stories, key updates on awareness efforts, and practical advice for patients and supporters.
Highlights include:
A HUGE congratulations to Duncan for this amazing achievement, we are so grateful you chose to support the OPA in your wonderful fundraising efforts!
“This was my third London Marathon, and for the first time, I secured a spot through the ballot—without any obligation to run for charity. However, after losing my dad suddenly last year to Oesophageal cancer, I felt compelled to do something meaningful. I researched the OPA Cancer Charity and knew immediately that raising awareness and funds for this devastating disease would be the right cause.
The crowd support throughout the course was absolutely world-class—every detail was so well-organized, from the start to the finish line. And, as a bonus, the sun was shining! ☀️
I definitely had to dig deep around mile 20, but when I reached mile 24, seeing my daughter and partner waiting for me was a moment I’ll never forget. We shared a few memorable moments together before I crossed that finish line.
I know Dad/Grandad would have been incredibly proud, looking down on us.
Now, I’m looking forward to a few days of rest before diving back into my fitness training routine!☺️” – Duncan McLaren
Implantica AG (publ.), a medtech company at the forefront of introducing advanced technology into the body, including the unique device RefluxStop™ for the treatment of acid reflux, a treatment field with 1 billion sufferers, announces another Center of Excellence in Spain to offer RefluxStop™, H. Univ. Marqués de Valdecilla, in Cantabria region in Spain.
The leading surgeon, Dra. Sonia Castanedo, recently performed the first RefluxStop™ procedures at H. Univ. Marqués de Valdecilla in Santander, Cantabria, Spain. Dra. Castanedo was supported by Dra. Marisol Trugeda and Surgery Manager, Dr. Juan Carlos Rodríguez San Juan.
Dra. Castanedo says, “The RefluxStop™ procedure makes a durable surgical treatment for GERD available to a whole new group of patients who were previously not candidates for traditional anti-reflux surgery. The published results of the RefluxStop™ procedure are extraordinary, and I have experienced them firsthand now. Many of my patients have struggled with severe GERD, which has become a really punishing disease. It’s really great to finally have a surgical treatment I can offer to my patients in the Cantabria region.”
CEO and founder of Implantica, Dr. Peter Forsell, says, “It’s truly promising to see the quickly growing demand for RefluxStop™ from leading surgeons such as Dra. Castanedo and the team at H. Univ. Marqués de Valdecilla. As a surgeon myself, I support her drive to answer the urgent call for a surgical procedure that works for these patients, who have had too few treatment options for too many years.”
Dr. Forsell continues, “Approximately 15% of the adult population in Spain suffers from GERD1 and for about 40% of them, medication won’t stop the painful symptoms of the disease.2 This leaves a massive need for a well working surgical treatment, which until now was only available to a select few GERD patients. RefluxStop™ does not encircle the food passageway thus making it available to countless more GERD patients who need relief. I can’t wait to see how this makes a difference for patients in Cantabria and beyond.”
For further information, please contact:
Nicole Pehrsson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Telephone (CH): +41 (0)79 335 09 49
nicole.pehrsson@implantica.com
Implantica is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm.
The company’s Certified Adviser is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se
The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, on April 23, 2025, at 08:00 a.m. (CET).
About Implantica
Implantica is a medtech group dedicated to bringing advanced technology into the body. Implantica’s lead product, RefluxStop™, is a CE-marked implant for the prevention of gastroesophageal reflux that will potentially create a paradigm shift in anti-reflux treatment as supported by successful clinical trial results. Implantica also focuses on eHealth inside the body and has developed a broad, patent protected, product pipeline based partly on two platform technologies: an eHealth platform designed to monitor a broad range of health parameters, control treatment from inside the body and communicate to the caregiver on distance and a wireless energizing platform designed to power remote-controlled implants wirelessly through intact skin. Implantica is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ticker: IMP A SDB). Visit www.implantica.com for further information.
About RefluxStop™
RefluxStop™ is a new innovative treatment that has the potential to spur a paradigm shift in anti-reflux surgery. It’s unique mechanism of action differentiates it from standard of care and current surgical solutions. Longer established surgical options for GORD involve encircling the food passageway to support the lower oesophageal sphincter’s closing mechanism and are commonly associated with side effects such as swallowing difficulties, pain when swallowing and inability to belch and/or vomit.
In contrast, the RefluxStop™ device treats the cause of acid reflux without encircling and putting pressure on the food passageway. It restores and maintains the lower oesophageal sphincter in its original, natural position.
The RefluxStop™ mechanism of action is focused on reconstructing all three components of the anti-reflux barrier, that if compromised could possibly result in acid reflux. It restores and supports the natural anatomical physiology of the body allowing the body to itself solve the problem with acid reflux.
This article is from- Implantica opens a new RefluxStop™ center in a new region of Spain, addressing the fast-growing demand – Implantica
Message from Sozanne Li, Jack’s Wife
“In loving memory of my one of a kind Dad – Tsapman Li who bravely battled Oesophageal Cancer for just over 2 years. My Husband- Jack Feltham, Sister- Suki and Friend- Matt will be taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Trek (25 miles trek / a total climb of 1,585 metres) to raise money for OPA Cancer Charity.
Oesophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide, and the 7th most common cause of cancer death around the world. Despite being so common, it is not as well-known as many other cancer types – and advanced oesophageal cancer can be aggressive and difficult to treat.
OPA Cancer Charity offered my family and Dad support and advice during this difficult time and we would love to support them so that they are able to continue providing these essential services.
Anything that you can donate to this page will make a huge difference.
Love you Dad, Miss you so much”
Nicholas Penney, Consultant Oesophagogastric Surgeon and Robotics Specialist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH), will be a featured speaker at the upcoming AfPP Robotics Symposium being held at NNUH on Wednesday, June 11.
His session, titled “Development of an Oesophagogastric Robotic Service”, will explore the establishment of the robotic surgery programme at NNUH, the challenges faced, and the valuable insights gained along the way. Additionally, he will present a case study detailing the hospital’s first robotic-assisted oesophagectomy.
Leading the future of robotic surgery
Nicholas has recently been appointed as the Training Programme Director for Robotic Surgery for the East of England, where he will play a vital role in mentoring and training the next generation of robotic surgeons. His expertise in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery includes oesophagogastric cancer treatment, gallbladder disease, hiatus hernia repair, anti-reflux surgery, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Since joining NNUH as a Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon in 2023, Nicholas has been instrumental in expanding the hospital’s robotic surgical capabilities. After qualifying from Imperial College London, he undertook higher surgical training in Surrey and Sussex. He gained further expertise in oesophagogastric cancer resections at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne, one of Europe’s largest oesophagogastric cancer centres. During his time in Newcastle, he completed a Fellowship in Robotic Surgery under Professor Immanuel.
This article is from National Worl, click here to continue reading.
“My mum who is aged 84 was diagnosed last summer around August 2024 with oesophageal cancer and my sisters and I have been looking after her along with carers around day jobs and family life etc. We were shocked to find out last year that she had around 6 – 12 months to live. I hope that eventually there will be a cure for this awful disease because she now cannot eat without finding it challenging and her swallowing has been affected, but the protein drinks provided by NHS are helping. I’m really proud to be able to raise some money for this important cause of OPA Cancer Charity, and any sum submitted no matter how small will help.”- Emma Nicholson
Implantica AG (publ.), a MedTech company at the forefront of introducing
advanced technology into the body, including the unique device RefluxStop™
for the treatment of acid reflux, a treatment field with 1 billion sufferers,
announces a new article from Germany in the well-respected Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques showing excellent RefluxStop™ results in a real-world setting, akin to those achieved in the CE mark study.
The study, “Experience with an innovative surgical treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease: Results of 28 patients in a retrospective analysis,” was conducted by one of Germany’s leading anti-reflux surgeons, Dr. med. Moustafa Elshafei, Chief of General and Visceral Surgery at St. Elisabethen Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.
Dr. med. Elshafei says, “I have treated thousands of patients with reflux and actively participated in the evolution of new technologies over the years. This is the first time I have witnessed a radically different approach to treating reflux disease without compressing the food passageway and restoring the natural anatomy of not just the sphincter muscle but also the complete gastric anatomy and physiology. This is what really drives such excellent outcomes with the RefluxStop procedure.”
Dr. Elshafei continues, “All cases of preoperative heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia in our study were completely resolved with RefluxStop, yielding high patient satisfaction results. I am very excited to see RefluxStop filling a long-standing and crucial gap in the surgical approach, offering a comprehensive solution for patients with GERD.”
Founder and CEO of Implantica, Dr. Peter Forsell, says, “It’s an honor to see continued excellent results from yet another leading surgeon, Dr. med. Elshafei. Knowing Dr. Elshafei’s significant involvement with various technologies and getting his valuable perspective on RefluxStop™’s unique and superior mechanism of action is truly encouraging.”
Dr. Forsell goes on to say, “GERD is a serious problem in Germany. In addition to causing chronic pain for countless patients, the disease costs the country an estimated €688 million annually in lost gross domestic product due to decreased productivity from the impact of GERD on the German workforce¹. A new and reliable surgical treatment for GERD is urgently needed. This study shows RefluxStop™ is a very safe and reliable procedure. It’s clear RefluxStop™ is leading the way to a new paradigm in the surgical treatment of GERD in Germany.”
1. Willich SN, Nocon M, Kulig M, et al. Cost-of-disease analysis in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s mucosa. Aliment Pharmacol
Ther. 2006;23(3):371-6; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02763.x.
For further information, please contact:
Nicole Pehrsson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Telephone (CH): +41 (0)79 335 09 49
nicole.pehrsson@implantica.com
Implantica is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm.
The company’s Certified Adviser is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se
The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, on April 10, 2025, at 08:00 a.m. (CET).
About Implantica
Implantica is a medtech group dedicated to bringing advanced technology into the body. Implantica’s lead product, RefluxStop™, is a CE-marked implant for the prevention of gastroesophageal reflux that will potentially create a paradigm shift in anti-reflux treatment as supported by successful clinical trial results. Implantica also focuses on eHealth inside the body and has developed a broad, patent protected, product pipeline based partly on two platform technologies: an eHealth platform designed to monitor a broad range of health parameters, control treatment from inside the body and communicate to the caregiver on distance and a wireless energizing platform designed to power remote-controlled implants wirelessly through intact skin. Implantica is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ticker: IMP A SDB). Visit www.implantica.com for further information.
About RefluxStop™
RefluxStop™ is a new innovative treatment that has the potential to spur a paradigm shift in anti-reflux surgery. It’s unique mechanism of action differentiates it from standard of care and current surgical solutions. Longer established surgical options for GORD involve encircling the food passageway to support the lower oesophageal sphincter’s closing mechanism and are commonly associated with side effects such as swallowing difficulties, pain when swallowing and inability to belch and/or vomit.
In contrast, the RefluxStop™ device treats the cause of acid reflux without encircling and putting pressure on the food passageway. It restores and maintains the lower oesophageal sphincter in its original, natural position.
The RefluxStop™ mechanism of action is focused on reconstructing all three components of the anti-reflux barrier, that if compromised could possibly result in acid reflux. It restores and supports the natural anatomical physiology of the body allowing the body to itself solve the problem with acid reflux.
Newsroom
http://www.implantica.com/media/media-kit
Community
http://ch.linkedin.com/company/implantica
http://www.twitter.com/implantica
Media Contact:
Implantica AG
Juanita Eberhart, VP Marketing & Advocacy
M: +1 925-381-4581
juanita.eberhart@implantica.com
https://mb.cision.com/Main/19732/4133927/3380227.pdf3380227.pdf
“Running the Hackney Half in memory of my grandad who passed away from oesophageal cancer. He always showed up for me, whether it was sports competitions, parents evenings, picking me up from school – now it’s time to show up for him. We miss him every day.” – Laura
The run went so well, I had such a great time too! So many spectators cheering us all on, it was lovely to see. More importantly felt special to do for such a great cause, one close to my heart.
“My name’s Nancy Over, and I’ve set up this JustGiving fundraiser in memory of my Dad, Andrew Over. On September 3rd, 2024, at just 56 years old, my Dad passed away peacefully at home after his battle with oesophageal cancer, leaving behind my siblings, Toby and Darcy, and his partner, Al.
Oesophageal cancer is an incredibly aggressive disease and one that is usually caught too late. My Dad was diagnosed in December 2023 with what initially seemed like a positive prognosis, but in the following months, he was told it was terminal and was advised to make himself comfortable in hospice care. Despite everything that was thrown at him in his last nine months, his cheeky humour remained, and he didn’t complain once.
As you can imagine, this has left a huge hole in my siblings’ and my life, and we struggle to imagine a future without him. But we want to do everything we can to keep his name and memory alive.
On April 6th, I’ll be running the Brighton Marathon for the OPA Cancer Charity, which supports those affected by oesophageal and gastric cancer. Whilst it’s sadly too late for my Dad and our family, knowing that this money could help support other families going through such a gruelling experience means a lot to me. If you’re able to spare even just a couple of pounds, I’d be very grateful. Thank you x
My Dad would think I’m delusional for running a marathon – and he’s not wrong!!” – Nancy Over
The image above is of Matt.
“This year I am raising money for OPA, a charity supporting the lives of those affected by Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer.
In October 2023 Matt, my brother in law was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment immediately. Oesophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive forms and unfortunately Matt lost his battle with Cancer on the 1st August at 10:48pm surrounded by his wife (my sister) Louise, their daughter ( my niece) and my mum.
This type of cancer unfortunately is super at aggressive and a lot of the time only picked up in the later stages. Matts diagnosis was in October, at that time we were told it had already spread around his body into his lymph nodes and he was stage 4 with a 2 year life expectancy.
Matt got 9 months and passed away at 48yrs old.
When going through this kind of journey what becomes apparent is the devastating effects it has, it’s like a tornado, not just the physical aspects but the mental aspect too. On one side your giving it everything you have to beat the unbeatable diagnosis, trying to stay positive and fight, and on the other you’re being told to get everything in order and spend quality time with your family while you have it.
The truth is, we all know someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by some form of Cancer. This year I am aiming to complete 5+ half marathons and looking to finish the year with a 50k+ challenge.” – Jonny Blake
So far, Jonny is taking part in the Nashville Half Marathon, the Royal Parks Half Marathon and is on the waiting list of a few others!
If you would like to support Jonny’s fundraising, click here.
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