VADUZ – November 05, 2026 -- Implantica AG has completed the first commercial U.S. procedures with its RefluxStop implant at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, opening a market where gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 78 million Americans, according to the company.
Keck School surgeon performs first RefluxStop implants in the U.S.
Dr. John Lipham, Chief of the Division of Upper GI and General Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and co-founder of the American Foregut Society, performed the procedures. He reported that the patients are doing well and that he plans to offer the treatment to many more.
RefluxStop is FDA-approved and CE-marked. It aims to restore the body's natural anti-reflux barrier rather than encircle the esophagus, as conventional anti-reflux surgery does.
Surgeon targets the 40% of GERD patients who respond poorly to medication
Lipham cited a 2020 study in Gastroenterology showing that about 40% of GERD patients respond inadequately to medication. He also said more than one-third of sufferers have swallowing difficulties and no well-working treatment today.
Traditional interventions reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter and often cause swallowing difficulties, which Lipham said has contributed to a decline in surgical treatment overall. In his words, "Reflux is a mechanical problem."
Implantica plans center-by-center U.S. rollout backed by 39 publications
Founder and CEO Dr. Peter Forsell observed the procedures. He said Implantica sees strong interest in RefluxStop among U.S. surgeons, gastroenterologists and patients.
The company will build the U.S. launch deliberately, center by center, with surgeon training and patient outcomes as priorities. Forsell pointed to 39 published articles on RefluxStop as evidence of an effective surgical alternative with limited side effects. Five-year clinical outcomes have appeared in peer-reviewed journals.
Implantica is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm under the ticker IMP A SDB.