Gastrointestinal diseases, particularly gastroesophageal reflux, remain a significant global health concern, responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually in Europe and ranking among the most common reasons for medical consultations and hospital admissions. Despite their prevalence, these conditions are often underdiagnosed due to vague symptoms and the limitations of current diagnostic tools, which tend to be invasive, outdated, and difficult to access. The eCAP project was initiated to address these challenges by developing a smart, ingestible capsule that monitors digestive activity from within the body and pairs this data with patient-reported outcomes via a user-friendly smartphone application. This integrated approach aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce invasiveness, and expand access to care, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
To ensure the solution is both effective and equitable, the project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of engineers, clinicians, and social scientists who have collaborated closely with patients and healthcare professionals in France, Ukraine, and Kenya. Their combined expertise has led to the development of a capsule capable of detecting key physiological signals and transmitting them securely to a digital platform for clinical interpretation. With successful preclinical validation completed and clinical trials in preparation, eCAP is well-positioned to deliver meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery and set a new benchmark for patient-centred innovation in global diagnostics.
