Alimetry, an Auckland-based medtech startup, has raised $18 million in funding to expand its wearable diagnostic device, Gastric Alimetry, within the U.S. and further markets. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders—such as nausea, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia—affect an estimated 10% of the global population. These disorders often require costly, invasive diagnostic procedures, contributing to a global healthcare burden worth billions. Traditional diagnostics are often slow and inconclusive, resulting in prolonged treatment cycles and significant patient discomfort.
Alimetry’s recent funding round, led by Kiwi VC GD1, with participation from the American Gastroenterological Association GI Opportunity Fund, Olympus Innovation Ventures and IceHouse Ventures, as well as existing backers, highlights a notable confidence in the company’s technology and its impact potential. The $18 million investment will be directed toward supporting the U.S. market expansion, advancing ongoing R&D, and exploring new applications of its device. Established in 2019, Alimetry was initially a research-driven project from the University of Auckland, founded by Dr. Gregory O’Grady and Dr. Armen Gharibans. Since then, the company has established itself in New Zealand and the United Kingdom and received FDA clearance for U.S. use, a significant step in broadening its clinical reach and accessibility.
“Alimetry was designed to introduce clarity into a field that has involved lengthy, uncertain diagnostic journeys. It gives clinicians the tools they need to quickly and correctly diagnose patients so that we can move on from trial and error – and guesswork – into clarity of care and personalised medicine.” Gregory O’Grady
How the Gastric Alimetry Device Works
The Gastric Alimetry device offers a non-invasive alternative to current diagnostic methods. It employs a wearable sensor that captures the stomach’s electrical signals from the skin’s surface, much like an ECG for heart diagnostics. These signals, which are about 100 times weaker than cardiac signals, are recorded during the patient’s meal and digestion. Patients log their symptoms via an app, providing clinicians with synchronized data on digestive patterns and symptom onset.
Due to its integration with AI algorithms, which analyze the gathered data to provide detailed clinical reports on gastric function, this technology stands out. The device’s ability to deliver insights without requiring invasive endoscopies or radiation supports a faster, less disruptive diagnostic process. With the cloud-enabled analytics, clinicians receive diagnostic reports directly, expediting decision-making and treatment planning.
Gastric Alimetry’s device is built with advanced, stretchable electronics designed to capture a high-resolution map of gut activity. Key features include:
Wearable Design: The device comfortably adheres to the skin, offering real-time monitoring without invasive procedures.
AI-Enhanced Analytics: Data processing through AI allows for precise diagnostics by identifying abnormal digestive patterns associated with various gastrointestinal disorders.
Patient-Reported Symptoms: Through a connected mobile app, patients log symptoms, providing context to the electrical data and supporting comprehensive diagnostic results.
Cloud-Based Reporting: Clinicians can access reports remotely, improving access and flexibility for patient care.
“In addition to commercializing our debut product, our team is also focusing on ‘what’s next’ in terms of using our proprietary tech to keep on pushing the limits of what’s possible in the industry. We’ll be introducing new features and new elements of our platform as well as expanding into using Alimetry beyond the gut – such as pediatrics. The technology is also suited for use in other organs such as the colon, ultimately, helping us reach even patients with accurate diagnostics with the potential to radically transform their health." Dr O’Grady
Expansion into the U.S. and Future Development
Following its FDA approval in 2022, Alimetry established a U.S. subsidiary in Minneapolis to oversee device distribution and support clinicians adopting this new technology. As Alimetry gains traction in the U.S., this capital will also support broader distribution efforts and potential partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem. By focusing on user-friendly, cost-effective diagnostics, Alimetry aligns with trends in digital health and wearable medical devices that emphasize patient comfort and care accessibility.
Looking ahead, Alimetry plans to expand its technology’s applications to address a wider range of gastrointestinal disorders. This ongoing research pipeline could yield improvements in device sensitivity, diagnostic capabilities, and integration with broader digital health systems. The startup’s commitment to R&D suggests a focus on refining its wearable device to meet evolving clinical needs, potentially broadening its relevance in digestive health diagnostics.
While Alimetry’s device addresses key gaps in gastrointestinal diagnostics, the company will need to navigate regulatory requirements and competitive pressures in the global MedTech market. Competitors are also developing wearable devices that measure gut activity, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, where demand for non-invasive diagnostic tools is growing. However, Alimetry’s recent funding and regulatory approvals give it a solid foundation for tackling these challenges and expanding its market share.
“Alimery turns months or even years of testing into improved clarity and safer, more accessible, less invasive care. They’ve demonstrated the power of technology to usher in a new era of tech-enabled diagnostics – in this case the undeniable connection of gut health to patient health.” Vignesh Kumar, GD1 Co-Managing partner
Alimetry’s innovative approach to gut health diagnostics offers a timely solution to common challenges in gastrointestinal care. The Gastric Alimetry device provides clinicians with a practical tool for diagnosing and managing chronic gut disorders through wearable technology, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based reporting. With new funding and a strategic focus on U.S. expansion, Alimetry is positioned to make substantial contributions to the field of non-invasive diagnostics, bringing a new standard of accessibility and efficiency to patients and healthcare providers alike
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