Morphic Medical Taps Deloitte Veteran to Steer Diabetes Device to Market

BOSTON, MA – March 26, 2026 – In a significant move signaling a strategic push towards commercialization, Morphic® Medical has appointed 35-year healthcare industry veteran Dr. Terri Cooper to its Board of Directors. The Boston-based company, developer of an innovative incision-free therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity, is banking on Cooper’s extensive experience to navigate the final, crucial stages of clinical trials and regulatory approval for its flagship device, RESET®.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Morphic Medical as it advances its U.S. STEP-1 clinical trial, a critical step for a device that could offer a new paradigm for treating metabolic diseases. Cooper, a former Principal at Deloitte, brings a formidable track record in global life sciences strategy, regulatory navigation, and large-scale organizational transformation.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Terri Cooper to the Morphic Medical Board of Directors," said Mike Gutteridge, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement. "Her experience will be instrumental as we advance our U.S. STEP-1 clinical trial and continue building the clinical and commercial foundation for RESET®."

A Strategic Powerhouse for a Pivotal Moment

Dr. Terri Cooper is not just another board appointment; she is a strategic heavyweight whose career has been defined by navigating the complex intersection of science, business, and regulation. During her tenure at Deloitte, she was instrumental in building the firm's Life Sciences R&D business and led global restructures that drove significant performance improvements for her clients. Her expertise, which spans brand-building, M&A initiatives, and technology imperatives, is precisely what a clinical-stage company like Morphic Medical needs as it prepares to transition from research and development to a commercial entity.

Holding a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of London, Cooper possesses a deep scientific understanding that complements her business acumen. This dual expertise is crucial for guiding a company whose success hinges on demonstrating robust clinical efficacy and safety to regulators, physicians, and patients alike.

"I'm honored to join the Board of Morphic Medical at such a pivotal time in the evolution of metabolic health," Cooper stated. "The company's commitment to advancing less invasive, patient-centered solutions represents exactly the kind of innovation our healthcare system needs. I look forward to supporting the team as they expand access and improve outcomes for patients living with obesity and type 2 diabetes."

The Promise of RESET in a Crowded Field

Morphic Medical's RESET device aims to carve out a unique space in the burgeoning market for metabolic disease treatments. It is a minimally-invasive, endoscopically delivered therapy designed to offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals and more invasive bariatric surgeries. The device is a thin, flexible 60 cm sleeve that is temporarily implanted in the small intestine in a non-surgical, outpatient procedure. By creating a physical barrier between food and the intestinal wall, RESET is designed to mimic the hormonal effects of gastric bypass surgery, notably by boosting the natural production of the hormone GLP-1. This mechanism has been shown in early studies to improve insulin resistance, enhance glycemic control, and promote significant weight loss.

The company is currently enrolling patients in its U.S. STEP-1 clinical trial across six major medical centers. The trial targets patients aged 30-65 with a BMI between 30 and 50 and an HbA1c level between 8% and 10%, a population that often struggles to manage their condition with existing therapies.

However, Morphic Medical faces a dynamic and competitive landscape. The market is populated with other minimally invasive options, including FDA-approved intragastric balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) systems. Furthermore, the explosion in the use of powerful GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide has reshaped the entire obesity and diabetes treatment paradigm. Morphic Medical's strategy appears to be positioning RESET as an essential middle-ground therapy—more impactful and durable than pharmaceuticals alone, but far less invasive and risky than traditional surgery.

Navigating the Gauntlet of FDA Approval

The path from a promising clinical trial to a market-ready product is fraught with regulatory challenges, particularly for a novel device. Because RESET is a small-bowel endoscopic therapy—a category with fewer approved precedents than gastric devices—it will likely face the FDA's most rigorous review process, such as a Pre-market Approval (PMA) or De Novo classification. This pathway demands extensive and convincing data on both safety and effectiveness.

This is where Cooper’s expertise in regulatory navigation becomes invaluable. Guiding a novel device through the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) requires not only robust data but also a sophisticated strategic approach. The company is also pursuing a parallel path in Europe, having successfully completed a Medical Device Reporting (MDR) audit with an eye on CE certification in 2025. A successful European launch could provide valuable real-world data and commercial momentum ahead of a potential U.S. debut.

Boardroom Power Plays and Financial Backing

Cooper's decision to join Morphic Medical's board reflects a broader industry trend: top-tier executive talent is increasingly drawn to innovative MedTech startups with the potential to disrupt healthcare. For these smaller companies, attracting such leadership is a powerful validation of their technology and market potential. It provides not only strategic guidance but also crucial credibility with investors, partners, and the medical community.

Morphic Medical, founded in 2003, has been sustained by significant venture capital, most recently from the Crystal Amber Fund, which has provided millions in convertible loan notes to support the company through its clinical and regulatory phases. With an independent valuation approaching $100 million and the backing of committed investors, the company has the financial runway to pursue its ambitious goals.

The addition of Terri Cooper to its leadership team fortifies this foundation. With a groundbreaking device in clinical trials, a clear view of the regulatory path ahead, and now a seasoned strategist on its board, Morphic Medical is positioning itself to make a decisive move in the fight against two of the world's most pressing health crises.