Technology

Alimetry revolutionises gut health diagnosis by integrating AI into its wearable device, raises US $18m to fuel next phase of growth

Published

2 months ago

October 28, 2024

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Alimetry has raised an oversubscribed US $18m A2 financing round to commercialise its wearable gut health monitoring device, capitalizing on increased adoption by a growing cohort of US hospitals. This adoption is driven by Alimetry receiving its fourth FDA clearance, the establishment of a CPT III reimbursement code, and the completion of over 30 clinical studies. Alimetry’s flagship AI powered product delivers accurate analysis and diagnosis of gut disorders that have been proven difficult to solve using conventional diagnostics and testing. The oversubscribed round was led by GD1 (Global from Day One), with participation from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) GI Opportunity Fund, Olympus Innovation Ventures, IceHouse Ventures, and follow on from existing investors.

Nearly one in 10 people suffer from chronic gut symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to chronic indigestion, nausea and vomiting. The current diagnostic journey is slow and poor for patients, causing them to suffer through this period with a reduced quality of life. Alimetry is reducing the cost, time, and complexity of gut health diagnostics by providing rapid, upfront clarity and diagnosis that allows more effective and definitive treatment.

“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,” explains Alimetry chief executive Dr. Greg O’Grady, who is also a Professor of Surgery at the University of Auckland.

“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,” comments Vignesh Kumar, GD1 Co-Managing Partner.

How it works

Like the heart, the gut produces electrical current but these are 100 times weaker than the heart. Alimetry’s highly sensitive wearable device detects these electrical currents from the skin’s surface (called Body Surface Gastric Mapping), similar to an ultra-high resolution electrocardiogram (ECG). Recordings of these signals are taken while patients eat and digest a meal. At the same time, patients log their symptoms into an app.

The device sends the patient’s gastric electrophysiology to the cloud where advanced, AI-powered analysis is performed using smart algorithms based on thousands of diverse and representative test cases used to train and improve benchmarking. The resulting auto-generated Gastric Alimetry Report provides clinicians with objective, data-driven insights to inform their interpretation and aid the diagnosis and personalised treatment of gastric disorders.

“The AGA GI Opportunity Fund is excited to support Alimetry and its breakthrough platform that will improve the patient experience by reducing both the time and cost of diagnosing GI symptoms,” said Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, MASGE, Wilmott Family Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Endoscopic Innovation, Research and Training, Gastroenterology Division, University of Pennsylvania Health System; Fund Manager and Advisor, AGA GI Opportunity Fund.

Making sense of the gut-brain connection

“Gastric ailments have a myriad of causes – arising from diets, diseases, and the vagus nerve (physiological causes) to things like stress and the gut-brain axis. Having a multimodal platform that assesses all of these things at the same time is a game-changer for clinicians. The Alimetry digital health and wearable platform includes physiology tracking and symptom tracking through gut-brain health questionnaires built into the accompanying app, allowing clinicians to turn a previously confusing picture into a specific diagnosis that paves the way for personalised medicine,” explains Chris Andrews, Chief Medical Officer and Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Calgary.

Early uptake following FDA approval

The device and platform have been approved for clinical use by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be rolled out to the US market and since controlled market release in 2022. Over 40 hospitals and clinics worldwide have signed on to use the device.

The American Medical Association has established a Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) that allows data collection for widespread usage and approval for reimbursement which means the product can be used in hospitals as well as private clinics.

Alimetry also complies with stringent privacy regulations, including HIPAA and GDPR.

“Alimetry is transforming how we approach patients with various gastric disorders. It’s difficult not to get over-excited about this”, states physician Bu’ Hayee, Professor of Gastroenterology at King’s College London.

Journey to commercialisation

Founded by Dr O’Grady and Dr Armen Gharibans in 2019, Alimetry’s research began at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. The company’s R&D team is headquartered in New Zealand; while its consumables are manufactured in the US where a newly expanded commercial function has been set up to focus on commercialisation, powered by its raise.

“In addition to commercialising 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 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 paediatrics. 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,” concludes Dr O’Grady.

(ENDS)

About Alimetry

Alimetry was founded in 2019 with the goal of making gut health accessible to everyone. The company was founded on a background of world-leading science in gastrointestinal diseases. With offices in the United States and New Zealand, Alimetry is dedicated to improving the lives of patients by delivering innovative medical solutions to advance GI diagnostics and enable targeted therapies.

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SOURCE Alimetry

Technology

UBHOME Collaborates with Qualcomm to Release the Smart Lawn Mower, Co-Creating a New Era of Smart Life

Published

54 minutes ago

December 28, 2024

The 2025 CES in the United States is about to unveil a brand-new chapter in the future intelligent home gardening

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — UBHOME, a sub-brand of UBTECH Robotics, announced an intelligent service robot in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The Robotic Mower M10 is a revolutionary smart lawn mower announced at the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States. This product is powered by the Qualcomm® RB1 Robotics Platform, showcases UBHOME’s rich experience in robot research and development, and focuses on solving the pain points of traditional lawn-mowing equipment, providing users with a worry-free and labor-saving smart gardening experience, and creates a new model of gardening intelligence.

User-Oriented: The All-New Convenience Brought by the Smart Lawn Mower to Life

The Robotic Mower M10 is not only a high performance tool but also an upgrade of the smart lifestyle. In response to the pain points of users when using traditional lawn-mowing equipment, this product offers a series of practical functions, bringing brand-new convenience to home gardening:

Wireless and Borderless Mowing: There is no need for cumbersome boundary wire installation anymore. The device relies on accurate environmental perception and navigation technology to independently plan the work area, allowing users to use it right out of the box, saving installation time and energy.

Automatic Mowing, Saving Time and Effort: The device can automatically complete the lawn mowing work according to the preset schedule or real-time instructions, enabling users to manage the lawn care through delegation to the mower.

Wide Coverage and Stable Signal: It supports a large-scale signal connection of up to 130,000 square meters. Even for extremely large courtyards, stable operation can be ensured, and there is no need to worry about signal loss.

Real-time Online, in-control Anytime: Through APP remote control and real-time monitoring, users can adjust the mowing plan or check the device status at any time, managing the courtyard work as they like.

The combination of these functions not only greatly simplifies the complexity of mowing work but also liberates users from repetitive physical labor, allowing them to focus on enjoying the wonderful moments of life.

UBHOME: In-depth Layout in Smart Home

UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics that focuses on providing smart solutions for families. As a world-leading robot enterprise, UBTECH, with its strong R&D strength and technological accumulation, has successfully launched Walker, China’s first commercial bipedal human-sized humanoid robot. The launch of the Robotic Mower M10 by UBHOME this time is an important step in its layout in the smart home field.

Relying on UBTECH’s technological accumulation in robots and its in-depth understanding of user needs, the Robotic Mower M10 achieves the best mowing effect through environmental recognition and dynamic adjustment. Whether it is complex terrain, steep slopes, or high requirements for fine mowing, it can perform perfectly, demonstrating its excellent technical capabilities and brand commitment.

As a global leader in wireless technology and edge intelligence, Qualcomm Technologies provides cutting-edge technical support for the Robotic Mower M10, including intelligent edge computing platforms, dynamic path planning, and environmental perception technologies. These technologies ensure that the device can operate efficiently in various environments, providing users with a precise and efficient smart experience. The Robotic Mower M10 utilizes the Qualcomm RB1 Robotics Platform to ensure the superior operation of the Robotic Mower M10 in large-scale courtyards, laying a solid foundation for realizing smart life.

Industry Significance and Trend: Promoting the Development of Gardening Intelligence

With the continuous increase in the demand for home intelligence, the market for smart gardening equipment is in a period of rapid development. As a typical representative of this trend, the smart lawn mower not only meets consumers’ pursuit of a convenient lifestyle but also provides a direction for the transformation of the gardening industry from tool manufacturing to smart services.

The product released by UBHOME not only fills the gap in the high-performance lawn-mowing equipment market but also sets a new industry benchmark. Through the multiple advantages of wireless, real-time connection, and fully automated operation, it endows home gardening with new value, making users no longer regard mowing as a burden but feel the convenience and fun brought by technology.

Innovation Hand in Hand, Co-creating Smart Life

The collaboration between UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies showcases a strong collaboration of technology and innovation. Both parties are committed to bringing more convenient and efficient life experiences to consumers through technological innovation.

At the 2025 CES, UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies will showcase the innovative functions and application scenarios of this Robotic Mower M10.

About UBHOME

UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics, focusing on providing smart solutions for families. UBTECH is a world-leading robot enterprise dedicated to the research and development and application of artificial intelligence and robot technology and has successfully served more than 900 enterprise-level customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

Media Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
UBHOME Brand Team: mbu-sales@ubtrobot.com

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. 

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SOURCE UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD

Technology

Global Launch of JETOUR T2 i-DM: Reshaping the Hybrid SUV Market

Published

54 minutes ago

December 28, 2024

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 25, 2024, the First JETOUR Fan’s Festival and the Launch of T2 i-DM was held in Qatar, themed “Think Future”. During the event, JETOUR launched its user brand “Traveler” in the Middle East and its first hybrid model, JETOUR T2 i-DM. The launch event highlights JETOUR’s commitment to exploring sustainable travel modes and ambition to become the “The World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles” under the “Travel+” strategy.

JETOUR T2 i-DM not only inherits the strengths of T2 series, but also achieves high energy efficiency, high performance, high safety, and high intelligence with its advanced hybrid technology, i-DM. With a maximum combined power of 280kW and torque of 610N•m, T2 i-DM boasts a NEDC pure electric range of 139km and an overall range exceeding 1,000km at just 0.8L/100km, addressing range anxiety and promoting green travel.

Mr. Dai Lihong, executive vice president of JETOUR Auto, emphasized technology’s role in producing world-class products. The launch also introduced “Traveler”, enriching user experience through diverse products and superior performance. This year, JETOUR has ranked third in sales across the Qatari auto market. The Fan’s Festival invited user representatives from across the Middle East to witness the unveiling of “Traveler”, experiencing “Travel+” culture through city tours and co-creation workshops.

JETOUR prioritizes users, listening to their needs and co-creating products, brand, and lifestyle. Through “Traveler,” JETOUR aims to provide richer travel experiences and benefits globally, leveraging the platform to spread the “Travel+” culture worldwide. Mr. Alex Tan, Vice President of JETOUR International, said, “Serving ‘JETOUR users’ and being ‘a user-oriented JETOUR’ are JETOUR’s development philosophy. JETOUR will continue to build a travel community centered around users, cars, and lifestyles, sharing the joy of traveling together with users.”

JETOUR also partnered with Diamond League to promote athletics in Qatar and the Middle East, embodying JETOUR Speed and the brand’s image of breakthroughs and innovations. With T2 selling over 150,000 units globally, T2 i-DM will continue its success to meet customers’ needs and reshape the hybrid SUV market.

The launch of T2 i-DM marks JETOUR’s new journey towards “the World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles.” JETOUR plans to introduce more hybrid and off-road models, providing customers with eco-friendly and diversified travel choices. With its innovative spirit and user-oriented philosophy, JETOUR will lead the global automotive industry towards a more sustainable and smarter future.

SOURCE JETOUR AUTO

Technology

My Date with Rural China—-VOC.com.cn Unveils Season Two of I Am in Rural China

Published

3 hours ago

December 28, 2024

CHANGSHA, China, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Modern China’s rural revitalization strategy is crafting a remarkable narrative of transformation across the countryside, while progressive opening-up policies encourage foreign visitors to delve deeper into the nation’s heartland. On December 26th, VOC.com.cn premiered the second season of its acclaimed series, I Am in Rural China. The show follows Teona Kvartskhava, an international guest, as she explores the villages of Hunan Province, offering viewers a firsthand look at the dynamic implementation of comprehensive rural revitalization. This captivating series invites a global audience to witness the dawn of a new era in China’s rural landscapes, showcasing the country’s evolving countryside to viewers worldwide.

Rice field came as the first surprise. Hunan is the largest rice grower and producer in China. Hunan provides the high-quality and tasty rice. Teona Kvartskhava, a foreigner hardly feeding on rice, was tempted to have plenty of it. In Qunle Village, Lixian County, Changde, she also experienced “Double Rush”, which is a time-honored agricultural event in China. An event that used to call for the joint efforts of all family members, has now become much easier thanks to technology.

Departing from Lixian County for the moment, Teona Kvartskhava embarked on an exciting trip of tastes in Rucheng, Chenzhou, Southern Hunan. Hunan people are keen and expert on peppery food and spicy taste dominates the Hunan cuisine. Hunan is also rich in varieties of peppers. Jingpo town, a well-known town where spicy food prevails. It is a producer of red cluster pepper, officially one of the hottest peppers in China. From the crowded market, to the red and yellow pepper planting base, and then to the modern processing pepper workshop, the small cluster pepper strung up all corners of the town, so that the original ordinary mountain town has become extraordinarily lively and affluent.

Of course, the “star” of the countryside here is not only agriculture, but also culture, which has also blossomed in this ancient land. As the birthplace of papermaking, China has preserved a unique handmade papermaking technique, which is used to make some “special” papers. In Shanghong Village, Liuyang, Teona Kvartskhava was lucky to meet two Chinese masters, who showed her hands-on experiences of “Gushan Tribute Paper” and “Floral Paper”. As the process progresses, the paper took shape in her hands, as if history and culture were meeting in front of her eyes, and became the “first paper” in Teona Kvartskhava’s life.

So，What’s rural China like? It’s about hospitable peasants, about various agricultural produce, about profound history and culture, about colorful intangible cultural heritage. It’s like a book telling numerous absorbing stories. Hopefully Teona Kvartskhava’ll be luckier to visit more villages for their unique interest and charm.

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SOURCE voc.com.cn