Gastrodyne is developing a swallowable, biodegradable smart capsule that autonomously navigates the GI tract and delivers therapy exactly at the site of disease. No needles. No infusion visits.
Current therapies force a difficult trade-off. Systemic drugs cause widespread side effects, while targeted procedures are invasive, expensive, and poorly tolerated over time. Our primary research with 10 gastroenterologists and 150 patients confirms this gap is real and unmet.
Oral biologics and steroids affect the entire body to treat a localized lesion. Patients endure immunosuppression, infections, and long-term organ damage for treatment that may not even reach the target site.
Endoscopic injections require sedation, specialist scheduling, and recovery time. For patients needing ongoing therapy, the burden of repeated invasive procedures leads to poor adherence and worse outcomes.
Imaging capsules can see but cannot treat. Enemas cannot reach small-bowel Crohn's disease. A persistent gap exists for millions of patients across North America who have no targeted, non-invasive option.
Primary market research conducted with 10 GI clinicians and ~150 patients across Canada, 2024.
Gastrodyne combines chemical sensing, on-board imaging, and biodegradable drug delivery in a single swallowable device the size of a vitamin capsule.
The capsule uses chemical signals in the gut, including pH levels and natural enzymes, to identify exactly where it is. No external remote control or operator input is needed.
A miniature camera inside the capsule captures real-time images of the gut lining. An AI model trained on clinical data identifies diseased tissue with 98% accuracy.
Once the capsule reaches the right location, it releases medication directly into the affected tissue. Initial therapies target IBD using established anti-inflammatory drugs.
The capsule dissolves safely after delivering its payload, eliminating the risk of the device becoming lodged in the digestive tract.
A walkthrough of Gastrodyne's capsule platform, from swallowing to targeted drug delivery at the site of disease.
The GI drug delivery market is growing steadily, driven by rising IBD prevalence and growing demand for targeted, patient-friendly therapies. Gastrodyne is positioned at the center of this shift.
Forecast to 2030 at 6.4% annual growth
Source: Grand View Research
2M+ patients across North America
Source: CDC, Crohn's & Colitis Canada
From 2 pilot centres in Year 1 to 50 by Year 5
Target: 10,000 patients annually
A cross-disciplinary team spanning biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical science, AI, and clinical gastroenterology.
Leads product development and system integration from prototype to clinical translation. Oversees regulatory strategy and IP filings.
Develops the AI models that power the capsule's ability to identify diseased tissue. Designed the imaging system validated in the working prototype.
Guides drug formulation strategy and preclinical documentation. Provides scientific oversight across regulatory submissions and clinical trial design.
Provides clinical guidance on device design and validation. Supports our clinical translation strategy and connections to early feasibility study sites.
We are actively seeking early feasibility study partners, grant collaborators, and seed-stage investors who share our vision for precision GI medicine.