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How to resolve AdBlock issue? Tiny RMIT medtech gut health invention Atmo hits US market big time
AN INGESTIBLE gas-sensing capsule invented at RMIT, to provide real-time insights into human gut health, has been cleared for use in the United States.
The Atmo Gas Capsule – which helps diagnose gut disorders from gases it measures while travelling through the digestive system – has just received regulatory clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Originally invented through ground-breaking research at RMIT, the ingestible gas-sensing capsule was licensed by Atmo Biosciences in 2018.
Since then, the company has advanced the technology from concept to clinical reality. 
Atmo has developed, manufactured and trialled the device to create a market-ready solution for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis – delayed emptying from the stomach – and slow transit constipation, which affect millions of individuals worldwide.
In April this year, RMIT transferred all patents and associated intellectual property related to the Atmo Gas Capsule to Atmo in exchange for an equity stake in the company.
Atmo Biosciences CEO and president, Mal Hebblewhite, said the FDA clearance enables Atmo to address a large unmet clinical need in diagnosing these conditions, which can remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
“We are thrilled to have achieved FDA clearance for this important initial indication in motility,” Mr Hebblewhite said.
“The Atmo Gas Capsule is a much-needed test that gives clinicians comprehensive, clinically valuable information so they can diagnose and manage patients quickly, conveniently, and accurately.”
The FDA 510(k) clearance was based on last year’s successful completion of a pivotal clinical study demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the device on more than 200 subjects from 12 trial sites in the US and Australia. 
RMIT deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, and university vice president, Professor Calum Drummond AO, said the success of this invention exemplified RMIT’s mission to translate academic research for social benefit.
“We are particularly proud that several of our students and early career researchers played instrumental roles in developing this technology at RMIT and have continued to contribute as co-founders at Atmo Biosciences,” Prof. Drummond said.
The Atmo Gas Capsule System is available commercially in the US from this month (July).
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