Promise of eCAP to improve GERD detection in Ukraine

The ultimate goal of eCAP project is making the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) more accessible and affordable, especially in low-resource settings. This involves reducing setup costs and minimizing the need for expensive equipment, as well as simplifying the clinical interpretation of test results. By addressing these barriers, the project aims to expand access to timely GERD diagnosis in regions where capsule-based tests for GERD detection are not yet widely used.

One of the target markets for our innovative diagnostic test is Ukraine. Capsule-enabled pH-testing is currently not employed in Ukraine for diagnosing GERD. Instead, catheter-based methods are predominant, requiring the insertion of a probe through the patient’s mouth or nose into the esophagus. These methods cause significant discomfort, leading many patients to refuse the procedure. As a result, the number of diagnostic tests prescribed by doctors has steadily declined. The eCAP capsule and its accompanying e-health platform present a promising solution to overcome these challenges. This innovative approach enables accurate and patient-friendly detection of GERD, facilitating timely, evidence-based treatment. Additionally, the eCAP solution reduces the number of required doctor’s visits, thereby saving time and resources for healthcare staff.

To introduce the eCAP project in Ukraine and share best practices in diagnosing and treating GERD and other digestive diseases, our consortium partner Olymed – a private gastroenterology and endoscopy clinic in Kyiv – has been actively participating in conferences and training events across the country. In 2024 alone, Dr. David Janelidze from Olymed has reached over 500 doctors through conferences and online events held in cities including Cherkasy, Kropyvnytskyi, Chernihiv, Lviv, Uzhgorod, Kremenchuk, Kriviy Rih, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odessa, Khmelnitsky, Vinnitsa, and Kyiv.

Dr. Janelidze’s recent presentations have focused on key topics such as:

  • modern methods for diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with upper gastrointestinal pathologies
  • management of patients with functional disorders – an increasingly prevalent concern in Ukraine, fuelled by the high environmental stressors impacting patients
  • techniques for distinguishing acid-dependent diseases from functional pathologies to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment.
  • The latest guidelines by ESGE, BSG, AGA and ESGE committees

The clinical community in Ukraine has shown great interest in eCAP solution. We eagerly anticipate beginning the final preparations for clinical trials in Ukraine in the second half of 2025. This marks a significant step toward improving GERD diagnosis and treatment in the region.

Back to News