Rather than accessing the gut through an abdomen incision, EndoGastric Solutions has a “natural orifice” approach to treating chronic acid reflux, or GERD. The late stage startup feeds a tube through a patient’s esophagus with the help of a flexible video endoscope, allowing surgeons to conduct intricate stomach surgeries without leaving scars.
The Seattle-area company just announced a new financing round of up to $50 million – with plans to use the funds to commercialize this technology, and invest in R&D for next-gen versions of their product.
Standard care for severe GERD involves a procedure called fundoplication – which involves laparoscopically sewing the upper portion of the stomach to the esophagus so as to strengthen the valve that sends acid back up toward the mouth. EndoGastric Solutions has a similar approach called transoral incisionless fundoplication, or a TIF procedure.
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“Now that significant clinical data and reimbursement hurdles have been addressed, it is time to focus incremental resources into expanding access to millions of chronic GERD sufferers who could benefit from our TIF procedure,” Skip Baldino, president and CEO of EndoGastric Solutions, said in a statement.
The round was led by CRG, with additional investors including Advanced Technology Ventures, Canaan Partners, Chicago Growth Partners, Foundation Medical Partners and Radius Ventures. The company has raised well over $160 million at this point; back in May, it was in the midst of a $25 million round.