How Alvum Detects IBD Flare-Ups Before Symptoms Start

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) means living with unpredictability. Flare-ups can arrive without warning, disrupting routines, causing pain, and forcing individuals to retreat from work, travel, or social life. Until now, most IBD management has relied on reacting to symptoms once they appear. Alvum changes this approach.

Alvum is a discreet, wearable patch that monitors biomarkers in the body and provides advanced alerts of upcoming IBD flare-ups. Designed with both technology and comfort in mind, it empowers users to take control before symptoms begin—transforming daily life with a smarter, preventive solution.

The Science of Sweat and Biomarkers

Alvum’s innovation lies in its ability to analyze a subtle but revealing indicator: eccrine sweat. This type of sweat is produced continuously by the body and carries valuable biological markers that reflect inflammatory activity.

Each Alvum cartridge contains a chemical sensor strip equipped with antibodies specifically designed to detect two biomarkers: interleukin-1α (IL-1α), associated with Crohn’s disease, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), linked to ulcerative colitis. When these biomarkers are present in higher concentrations, they bind to the antibodies in the strip, changing the strip’s conductivity.

This shift is detected by a precision ammeter inside the device. If a threshold is crossed, the patch’s processor activates an alert, giving the user time to respond before physical discomfort begins. By constantly analyzing sweat, Alvum offers real-time insight into inflammatory activity that no traditional monitoring method can match.

Everyday Comfort and Wearability

A powerful device means little if it disrupts daily life. That’s why Alvum is designed to be worn comfortably and invisibly. The patch is lightweight and small, applied to the upper arm with a soft silicone adhesive pad. It can be worn under clothing without interfering with movement or causing irritation.

Its alarm system is discreet but effective. When a flare-up is detected, the device notifies the user through mild vibration, a blinking LED, and a quiet sound—ensuring the message is received without drawing public attention. The battery lasts more than a month, and the only regular task is replacing the cartridge, which is quick and straightforward.

Different cartridges are available for patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, reflecting the device’s focus on personalized care. Alvum blends seamlessly into everyday routines while protecting from the unknown.

How Early Detection Changes IBD Management

Early warning systems have an immediate impact. With advance notice of a flare-up, users can make informed decisions: whether to take medication, rest, avoid certain foods, or postpone travel. It enables action at the right time—before a full relapse occurs.

This early detection helps reduce emergency interventions, unplanned doctor visits, and the use of strong, fast-acting treatments. Over time, it can support more stable disease management and improve long-term outcomes.

For people who often feel their condition controls their schedule, Alvum shifts the balance. Instead of reacting to symptoms, they’re guided by reliable, scientific data. This shift brings peace of mind and allows users to engage more freely with work, education, relationships, and leisure.

Living Ahead of the Symptoms

IBD no longer dictates your daily life. Alvum offers a practical, wearable solution that brings disease management into the present. Through continuous monitoring of interleukin biomarkers in sweat, Alvum delivers timely warnings—often before any symptom is felt.

Its combination of medical accuracy, discreet alerts, and long-lasting comfort makes it a powerful ally in the daily life of anyone living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. With Alvum, you can plan, protect your health, and live with confidence.