vibrant raises $7.5m for a drug-free mechanical pill to treat constipation
Vibrant Secures $7.5 Million Series E Funding for Innovative Constipation Treatment
Vibrant, a medical technology firm specializing in novel therapeutic solutions, has announced the completion of its Series E funding round, raising $7.5 million. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, the company is guided by CEO Lior Ben-Tsur, an experienced leader in the startup ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2007, Vibrant has accumulated a total of $25 million in funding. This latest investment round was spearheaded by Unorthodox Ventures, with additional participation from Sequoia.
Approaching U.S. Market Launch
Currently in the final phase of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluation, Vibrant anticipates launching its product in the United States within the coming year. The Vibrant Capsule is designed to be approximately the same size as a standard multivitamin, according to Ben-Tsur.
“The experience for patients will be familiar, as they are accustomed to daily medication, however, this capsule operates without any pharmaceutical agents,” Ben-Tsur explained. He joined the company roughly a decade ago to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, though he was not among the original founders.
Prevalence of Constipation and Current Treatment Methods
Research published by the American Gastroenterological Association indicates that approximately 16% of American adults experience constipation. This figure rises significantly to 33.5% for individuals aged 60 to 101.
Furthermore, constipation is observed to be 1.5 times more prevalent in women compared to men.
Traditional treatments for constipation commonly involve over-the-counter or prescription medications that act upon the nerves within the colon, stimulating bowel movements. However, the Vibrant Capsule employs a different approach.
How the Vibrant Capsule Works
“Upon ingestion, the capsule initiates the natural contractile and relaxative impulses of the intestinal wall, promoting bowel activity without the use of chemical substances,” the company stated.
Beyond being medication-free, Vibrant asserts that its solution offers more regulated bowel movements compared to laxatives, which can sometimes lead to unpredictable diarrhea and potential long-term adverse effects.
Unlike laxatives intended for daily use, the disposable capsule is designed for intermittent use, ranging from 2 to 5 times per week. An accompanying application tracks capsule intake and bowel movement occurrences, generating monthly reports for physicians to monitor and refine treatment plans.
Clinical Trial Results
A 2019 human trial conducted by Vibrant involved 250 participants in a double-blind study (133 receiving the Vibrant Capsule, 117 receiving a placebo). The findings demonstrated a higher likelihood of bowel movement within three hours for those who ingested the Vibrant Capsule.
The comprehensive details and results of this trial were published in the journal Neurogastroenterology and Motility.
The Accidental Discovery Behind the Technology
Years prior, a research team comprising doctors and engineers inadvertently discovered the technology’s potential during an experiment on a pig’s colon. An accidental compression of the colon wall triggered an immediate bowel movement.
This observation occurred during research unrelated to constipation, representing a serendipitous finding. Subsequently, the team developed a vibrating belt that, when worn for approximately three hours, also induced bowel movements.
“The impracticality of prolonged vibration for relief was immediately apparent,” Ben-Tsur noted. This realization prompted the development of a discreet, internally administered solution that would replicate the effects without perceptible vibrations.
Existing mechanical capsules, such as the Smart Pill – a diagnostic tool for assessing digestive tract motility – demonstrated the safety of capsule ingestion and excretion, informing the team’s approach.
Addressing a Gap in Constipation Treatment
Ben-Tsur highlights a lack of significant advancements in constipation treatment over the past two decades, with current protocols largely reliant on medication. Recognizing the substantial market size, the absence of innovation, and the potential for impact, he expressed his conviction in leading Vibrant.
Future Plans and Accessibility
Vibrant intends to utilize the new funding to introduce the capsule to the U.S. market, its initial target region. The company is actively engaging with healthcare providers and insurance companies to secure coverage for the capsule upon launch.
The Smart Pill, used solely for diagnostic purposes, currently lacks insurance coverage and carries an average out-of-pocket cost of $1,400. Ben-Tsur and his team are committed to providing an affordable alternative. “Our goal from the outset has been to create a product that is no more expensive than existing pharmaceutical options,” he stated.
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