Implantica Completes FDA PMA Submission for RefluxStop Device, Prepares US Manufacturing for GERD Treatment
Key Insights
Implantica has submitted the final Module 3 of its FDA pre-market approval application for RefluxStop (search), a novel GERD (search) treatment device that avoids encircling the food passageway.
The company has completed new multi-cavity production tools to support manufacturing ramp-up in both Europe and the US, with FDA feedback on Module 3 expected in autumn 2025.
RefluxStop (search) addresses a significant unmet need, with GERD (search) affecting approximately 22-27% of US adults and over 1 billion sufferers worldwide.
Implantica AG (search) has reached a critical regulatory milestone by submitting the final module of its FDA pre-market approval (PMA) application for RefluxStop (search), an innovative implantable device designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (search) (GERD (search)) without the complications associated with traditional surgical approaches. The Liechtenstein-based medtech company announced the completion of Module 3 submission in June 2025, alongside responses to Module 2 review findings.
Novel Approach to GERD Treatment
RefluxStop (search) represents a paradigm shift in anti-reflux surgery through its unique mechanism of action that differentiates it from current surgical solutions. Unlike established surgical options that involve encircling the food passageway to support the lower esophageal sphincter (search)'s closing mechanism, RefluxStop treats the cause of acid reflux (search) without putting pressure on the food passageway. The device restores and maintains the lower esophageal sphincter in its original, natural position.
"The RefluxStop (search) mechanism of action is focused on reconstructing all three components of the anti-reflux barrier, that if compromised could possibly result in acid reflux (search)," according to the company's technical documentation. "It restores and supports the natural anatomical physiology of the body allowing the body to itself solve the problem with acid reflux."
Traditional surgical approaches are commonly associated with side effects including swallowing difficulties, pain when swallowing, and inability to belch and/or vomit. RefluxStop (search)'s design aims to eliminate these complications by avoiding compression of the food passageway.
Addressing Significant Unmet Medical Need
GERD (search) represents a substantial healthcare burden, impacting approximately 22-27% of adults in the US population and affecting over 1 billion sufferers worldwide. Dr. Peter Forsell, founder and CEO of Implantica, emphasized the gravity of this medical challenge: "Undoubtedly, GERD is a grave and growing issue in the U.S. today, impacting approximately 22-27% of adults in the U.S. population."
The clinical evidence supporting RefluxStop (search) includes treatment of over 1,300 patients across nearly 50 centers in Europe, with excellent long-term 5-year data results from pivotal studies. Dr. Forsell expressed confidence in the device's potential: "I believe RefluxStop is poised to help these hugely underserved patients in the U.S. and worldwide in the years to come."
FDA Review Process and Timeline
The PMA submission process has progressed through three modules, with Module 2 addressing clinical data and Module 3 focusing on product testing including bench testing and biocompatibility testing. According to Implantica, Module 2 primarily addressed what the company believed were minor findings, and the latest data submitted is "quite robust and conclusive."
FDA feedback on Module 3 is expected sometime in autumn 2025. Dr. Forsell acknowledged the thoroughness of the regulatory process: "I want to extend my gratitude to U.S. FDA for this thorough evaluation process of every facet of a new technology, such as RefluxStop (search). Now more than ever, I believe we are on the cusp of a new generation of much needed surgical solutions for GERD (search) with the potential to transform the standard of care for GERD patients in the U.S."
Manufacturing Preparations
In anticipation of FDA approval, Implantica has completed development and initial validation of new multi-cavity production tools designed to support increased manufacturing capacity. The company has developed two new production tools: one to support manufacturing ramp-up in Europe and another to establish a new manufacturing site in the United States.
After 1.5 years of production tool finalization for the US market, final testing of the new tool is set to begin in the near term. Dr. Forsell highlighted the strategic importance of domestic manufacturing: "Planning to manufacture the device domestically is a critical strategic step for Implantica. It will save shipping costs and eventual custom fees and streamline processes to allow for faster access to the therapy as demand quickly grows."
The manufacturing preparations represent Implantica's commitment to serving the US market, one of the world's largest healthcare markets, and supporting rapid adoption and scaling of the business following potential FDA approval.