Atmo Biosciences

About Atmo Biosciences

Atmo Biosciences is a digital health company, spun out of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, in 2018, that is commercializing a novel approach to diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The company was co-founded by CEO Malcolm Hebblewhite, a former ResMed executive with extensive experience in the medical device industry, alongside the technology's inventors from RMIT, Dr. Kyle Berean, Dr. James John, and Dr. Adam Chrimes. The foundation for Atmo was laid in 2010 when a gastroenterologist approached RMIT, leading to the invention of the core technology in 2011 under the leadership of Professor Kourosh Kalantar-zadeh. Atmo secured exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize the capsule technology in 2018.

The company's core business revolves around the Atmo Gas Capsule System, a vitamin-pill-sized ingestible capsule designed to provide real-time data on the human gut microbiome. This system is marketed to clinicians, specifically gastroenterologists, to aid in the diagnosis and management of common but often debilitating GI motility disorders such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and slow-transit constipation. The business model centers on the sale of this diagnostic device, which offers a less invasive and more convenient alternative to traditional procedures like gastric scintigraphy, without exposing patients to radiation. During the test, patients can continue with their normal daily activities.

The Atmo Gas Capsule functions by measuring clinically important gaseous biomarkers—such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen—directly at their source as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract. This data, along with temperature and other sensor readings, is transmitted wirelessly to a receiver and then uploaded to a cloud platform for analysis. This allows clinicians to accurately assess whole-gut and regional transit times, providing objective insights into gut health and microbiome function. A significant milestone was achieved in June 2025, when Atmo Biosciences received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance, paving the way for commercial sales in the United States, which began in July 2025. The company has secured funding through several rounds, including a Series B led by strategic shareholder Otsuka Pharmaceutical, to support clinical studies and commercialization efforts.