Phagenesis

Phagenesis is a medical technology company that develops treatments for neurogenic dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing due to neurological damage. The company was spun out of the University of Manchester in 2007 by Dr. Conor Mulrooney and Professor Shaheen Hamdy. Professor Hamdy, a neurogastroenterologist, is noted as one of the most cited academics in the dysphagia field, and his research into neuroplasticity and the brain's control of swallowing formed the scientific basis for the company's core product.

Phagenesis's main product is the Phagenyx® Neurostimulation System. This system utilizes pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) to treat the root cause of dysphagia by restoring neurological control of the swallow reflex. The therapy involves delivering personalized electrical pulses to the patient's throat (pharynx) for 10 minutes daily over 3-6 days. This is administered via a specialized, nasally-inserted catheter that can also function as a feeding tube, minimizing patient discomfort. The stimulation is designed to promote functional reorganization of the brain's swallow motor cortex, effectively retraining the brain to coordinate the swallowing process.

The company targets patients in hospital and clinical settings, particularly those in critical care who have experienced a stroke, brain injury, or have been on prolonged mechanical ventilation. Its business model revolves around the sale of the Phagenyx system, comprised of a reusable base station and single-use catheters, to healthcare providers. The treatment has been shown to reduce hospital stays and associated healthcare costs. Phagenesis has received significant venture capital funding, including a $42 million Series D round in March 2024 to fuel its commercial expansion. The technology is CE-marked in Europe and received De Novo approval from the U.S. FDA in 2022, opening the market for a targeted launch in the United States.

Keywords: neurogenic dysphagia, swallowing disorders, pharyngeal electrical stimulation, PES, Phagenyx, neurostimulation, medical device, stroke rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, decannulation, critical care, medical technology, neuroplasticity, dysphagia treatment, airway protection, University of Manchester spin-out, FDA approved, CE marked, hospital-acquired dysphagia, venture capital