Duke-NUS alumnus develops FDA-approved device for hemorrhoid treatment
A drug-free device for hemorrhoid relief, developed by a Duke-NUS Medical School alumnus, has received FDA clearance, offering a new home treatment option.
Duke-NUS Medical School has announced that one of its alumni has developed a device that has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Privi Medical Pte Ltd, co-founded by Duke-NUS alumnus Dr. Rena Dharmawan, has obtained FDA clearance for its Instalief™ hemorrhoid treatment device.
The Instalief™ device is described as a disposable, drug-free product that provides instant cold relief for users at home. It is intended to alleviate symptoms such as pain and bleeding associated with Grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids, aiming for a clean and comfortable patient experience.
Hemorrhoids are a common condition, with estimates suggesting up to 75% of adults experience symptoms at some point in their lives. The resulting discomfort and bleeding can significantly impact quality of life. Current treatment options, including ointments and suppositories, may offer limited effectiveness and carry risks of side effects from ingredients like corticosteroids.
Dr. Dharmawan stated that Instalief™ was developed to address an unmet clinical need, as many patients prefer non-invasive, drug-free solutions and are hesitant to seek frequent medical consultations. "We noticed that many of them are extremely troubled by the symptoms, but yet not keen to keep seeking treatment from their physicians every time their symptoms occur," she said.
Duke-NUS Medical School highlighted Dr. Dharmawan's work as an example of its mission to train physicians who improve medical practice through research and innovation. Her participation in the Singapore-Stanford Biodesign Fellowship program, which fosters medical device innovation, was instrumental in the founding of Privi Medical.