Galway-based start-up EnteraSense strikes deal with US medtech group

Galway-based start-up EnteraSense has struck a deal with US medtech group Cook Medical that will see Cook distribute a novel blood-sensing technology it has developed to patients in the United States.

Cook Medical is to become the “exclusive distributor” of EnteraSense’s PillSense in the US. Cook, which also has a manufacturing site in Limerick, will begin assuming sales management and marketing responsibilities for the product in the final quarter of this year.

PillSense comes in a capsule which is swallowed by the patient. It can accurately detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding, Cook Medical said. “The unique system offers significant value to customers as it allows for fast diagnosis and appropriate triaging of patients with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding.”

The US Food and Drug Administration approved the product in February last year.

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“Gastrointestinal bleeds can be life-threatening,” said Meurisse Leahy, director of product management for Cook’s endoscopy speciality. “The sooner physicians can diagnose a bleed the better chance a patient has of survival. Physicians can combine PillSense with our Hemospray and Instinct Plus products to both diagnose and treat gastrointestinal bleeds faster. Through this distribution partnership we’re excited to expedite delivery of this unique product to healthcare providers.”

EnteraSense chief executive Donal Devery said the strategic partnership would accelerate availability of the product across the US market. “The innovative PillSense system can transform how upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients are diagnosed and deliver significant benefits to patients, clinicians and hospitals.”

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