Arnasi, the MIT spinout renowned for its LiquiGlide no-stick technology, is making significant strides in the medical sector with its latest innovation, Revel. Initially celebrated for its ability to ensure that products like ketchup and cosmetics slide out of containers effortlessly, Arnasi has shifted its focus to healthcare applications. The company, which rebranded from LiquiGlide to Arnasi, is now leveraging its expertise to develop biomedical solutions that could improve the lives of millions of people.
Revel, Arnasi’s first foray into medical products, is a specialized deodorizing lubricant designed for use with ostomy pouches. These pouches are essential for individuals who have undergone digestive system surgeries and need to manage bodily waste. With an estimated 1 million ostomy pouch users in the United States alone, the demand for effective and user-friendly solutions is substantial. Ostomy pouches need to be emptied multiple times a day, and issues such as sticking or clogging can lead to discomfort and inconvenience.
The Revel lubricant addresses these issues by preventing clogging and facilitating easier cleaning of the ostomy pouch. Unlike traditional lubricants that may require frequent reapplication, Revel is designed to provide all-day effectiveness from a single application. The product’s convenient, pocket-sized unit dose makes it easy for users to manage their pouch with minimal hassle. Arnasi’s CEO, Dan Salain, emphasizes the importance of this innovation in restoring dignity and quality of life for ostomy pouch users.
The initial reception of Revel has been promising. Feedback from medical professionals and patients highlights its effectiveness in simplifying pouch management. Margaret, a nurse and ostomy pouch user, praised the product’s ability to significantly ease the draining process and its long-lasting performance, which reduces the need for constant reapplication. This positive response underscores the potential impact of Revel in improving daily life for those relying on ostomy pouches.
Building on the success of Revel, Arnasi plans to expand its product line to address other medical needs. The company is working on solutions to prevent biofilm formation and bacterial infections related to medical implants and catheters. Additionally, Arnasi aims to develop products to assist individuals with cystic fibrosis. By applying their liquid-impregnated surface technology, which was initially funded by the MIT Energy Initiative and the MIT Deshpande Center, Arnasi hopes to create products that enhance safety and comfort in various medical contexts.
Arnasi’s journey from a consumer-focused company to a leader in biomedical innovation illustrates the versatility of its technology. Co-founders Kripa Varanasi and David Smith developed the liquid-impregnated surface technology during Varanasi’s time at MIT. Their breakthrough in overcoming fundamental friction constraints has paved the way for applications beyond consumer products, including significant advancements in medical care.
The company’s shift into the biomedical field reflects a broader vision of utilizing their technology to address complex challenges. By preventing issues such as blood clotting and biofilm formation, Arnasi’s products have the potential to make a substantial impact on patient care. Their ongoing research and development efforts aim to tackle a range of problems associated with medical devices and implants, further demonstrating the broad applicability of their innovative technology.
As Arnasi continues to explore new applications for its technology, the company's commitment to improving human health remains at the forefront. By integrating their advanced liquid-impregnated surfaces into medical products, Arnasi is setting a new standard for how such technologies can be adapted to solve critical issues in healthcare.
