InTailor Bariatrics, LLC

InTailor Bariatrics, LLC
One-Liner

InTailor Bariatrics has developed a non-surgical, non-pharmacological weight-loss technology that reduces stomach volume using an easy-to-operate endoscopic device.

The automated endoscopic gastroplasty delivers consistent, reproducible results in a 15-minute procedure, enabling durable weight loss through caloric restriction without anatomic disruption.

 

Institution
Stage
Company Formed
Company Info

InTailor Bariatrics is advancing endoscopic automatic gastroplasty—an innovative technology that automates tissue acquisition, configuration, and fixation for consistent, reproducible outcomes and widespread physician adoption.

The 15-minute, push-button procedure creates a precisely sized gastric pouch and outlet, limiting food intake and delivering ~20% total body weight loss. Unlike traditional surgery, it requires no incisions and creates a permanent stomach augmentation without anatomic disruption.

Current Landscape & Opportunity

  • Manual Endoscopic Gastroplasty
    Performed freehand by a limited number of specialists using devices like Apollo Endosurgery’s OverStitch™. Effective but challenging—long learning curve, extended procedure times, prone to failure, and low adoption.
  • Pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 Agonists)
    Lower-risk option (e.g., Semaglutide) requiring weekly injections, high costs, and weight regain upon cessation. Known side effects and potential long-term risks. As noted by Dr. Edward Lin (Chief of GI Surgery, Emory), these drugs complement rather than replace procedural interventions.

InTailor’s automated solution addresses these gaps, offering a cost-effective, durable, and scalable alternative in the $173 billion U.S. obesity market serving 134 million patients.

Team Members

Leadership

  • David Bjerken – CEO
    Over 25 years in medical devices. Held leadership roles at Given Imaging (helped establish capsule endoscopy as industry standard), CryoLife, MDdatacor, and REACH Health. Multiple patents in endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.
  • Edward Lin, DO, FACS – CMO
    Chief, Division of General and GI Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine; Director, Emory Endosurgery Unit and Gastroesophageal Treatment Center; Surgical Director, Emory Bariatrics. Internationally recognized for teaching laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques and pioneering single-incision approaches. Leads research on gut hormones, appetite control, and diabetes.

This experienced team combines deep medtech commercialization expertise with world-class clinical and academic leadership.

Go-To-Market Strategy

InTailor targets the $173 billion U.S. obesity market with planned launch post-FDA clearance (Q3 2027).

Phased Strategy

  • Phase 1: Validation (2026–2027)
    Secure FDA de novo approval via pivotal trials at 10 leading centers (e.g., Emory, Mayo Clinic). Build 80% gastroenterologist awareness through CME webinars and KOL engagement led by Dr. Edward Lin.
  • Phase 2: Market Penetration (2027–2028)
    Target 50 high-volume endoscopy centers in major MSAs with $12,000/procedure pricing. Drive adoption via bundled payments, digital marketing, and insurer coverage (90% target). Goal: 5,000 procedures and $50M revenue by Year 3.
  • Phase 3: Global Expansion (2028+)
    Enter EU and Asia through licensing partnerships, targeting 20% YoY growth and NPS >80.

Strategic Partnerships Sought

  • Clinical Trials
    Emory, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic
  • Distribution
    Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Ethicon Endosurgery, Olympus
  • Reimbursement
    CMS, UnitedHealth
  • Tech Synergy
    Siemens Healthineers (AI-imaging)
  • Research
    NIH, Obesity Society
Revenue Generation

Post-FDA clearance, InTailor will generate revenue through device sales targeting 10,000 procedures and $50M revenue by Year 3, with a $5.35 billion opportunity at 1% penetration.

Revenue Model

Stream % of Revenue Description
Direct Sales 70% Devices sold at $5,000/unit (bundled ~$12,000/procedure) to high-volume centers, targeting 5,000 GI surgeons and 9,000 gastroenterologists. Supported by 90% insurer reimbursement.
Licensing 20% Royalties (5–10%) from technology licensing to strategic partners for international markets.
Service Contracts 10% Maintenance, training, and device-as-a-service packages for hospitals and ambulatory centers.

Supported by existing patent, grants, Emory collaboration, and Dr. Lin’s influence, the model drives scalable adoption and positions InTailor for potential $50M–$200M acquisition.

Benefits From Showcase

Investment Opportunity

InTailor Bariatrics is seeking $5 million in Seed funding at a $15 million pre-money valuation (~25% equity).

The funds will advance development of the automated endoscopic gastroplasty device, leveraging existing IP, grants, Emory partnership, and Dr. Lin’s expertise to capture share of the $173 billion obesity market.

Use of Proceeds

Allocation Amount Purpose
R&D $1.75M (35%) Optimize suture-stapling device and bioabsorbable rings.
Pre-clinical Trials $1.5M (30%) 8 porcine studies at Emory for FDA submission.
Regulatory $750K (15%) FDA IDE preparation targeting Q3 2027 clearance.
IP Licensing $500K (10%) Secure and expand Emory patent portfolio.
Team & Outreach $500K (10%) Hire key talent and engage GI surgeon community.

This investment de-risks the path to market, enabling 10x–20x returns through scalable adoption or strategic acquisition.

Technology Assesment

Core Innovation

The device features a collapsible suture-stapling system (~15mm diameter) that expands to 80–95mm in the stomach, using vacuum invagination and bioabsorbable GORE® BIO-A® rings for reinforced circular plication. Ten sutures ensure durable serosal-to-serosal fixation, eliminating reliance on expert suturing skills.

Unlike operator-dependent manual methods, InTailor’s automation delivers consistent results, reduced procedure time (1.5 hours → 15 minutes), and lower complications.

Validation & Trajectory

  • In Vitro Testing (2023)
    Georgia Research Alliance—validated prototype feasibility and precise tissue fixation.
  • Upcoming Porcine Trials (2026)
    At Emory University to confirm safety, efficacy, and volume reduction.
  • FDA Pathway
    De novo classification with IDE submission planned.

With 1% market penetration = $5.35 billion opportunity, the technology positions InTailor as a durable, cost-effective solution complementary to surgery and pharmacotherapy.

Money Received

InTailor Bariatrics has received $400,000 in non-dilutive grant funding:

  • Georgia Research Alliance Phase 1A & 1B: $62,000
  • National Institute of Health STTR: $325,000
  • Additional grant: $13,000 (implied to reach total)
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