Predicting IBD Flare-Ups Through Sweat Biomarker Detection with Alvum Smart Patch

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, means living with uncertainty. Flare-ups can occur unexpectedly, disrupting work, travel, and daily life. Alvum is a wearable medical device that helps eliminate this unpredictability. Designed as a discreet patch worn on the arm, it continuously analyzes biomarkers in sweat to detect early signs of inflammation. By identifying rising levels of specific interleukins before symptoms appear, Alvum provides users with reliable early warnings, allowing for preventive actions that reduce the severity or even prevent a full relapse.

Smart Technology That Detects Inflammation Before It Starts

The science behind Alvum is based on the detection of IL-1α and IL-1β—two biomarkers that signal the body’s inflammatory response to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, respectively. The Alvum patch sensor cartridge contains antibodies that bind to these biomarkers. When bound, the patch's chemical strip conductivity changes. This change is detected by high-precision sensors, which trigger the device’s alert system.

What makes Alvum unique is its ability to use eccrine sweat—a form of sweat passively produced by the body throughout the day—as the source of its measurement. The cartridge collects this sweat naturally, without stimulation, blood tests, or user interaction. The entire process is automatic, continuous, and non-invasive.

Once a critical threshold is reached, the patch emits three types of alert simultaneously: soft vibration, a blinking LED, and a subtle sound. This triple-warning method ensures users are notified discreetly. Warnings are typically issued before any physical symptoms occur, giving users enough time to begin treatment or adjust their behavior in advance.

Comfortable, Concealable, and Long-Lasting Design

Although highly technical, Alvum is designed for everyday use. The device is small, lightweight, and can be worn discreetly under clothing. Its soft lining and secure silicone adhesive ensure its comfort throughout daily activities without discomfort. The battery lasts over a month, and cartridge replacement is simple, involving just a quick swap of the internal sensor component.

Alvum cartridges are available in two variants—one for Crohn’s disease and one for ulcerative colitis—each calibrated to the relevant interleukin. Both cartridges are sterile, disposable, and designed to provide continuous monitoring after weeks of use. A subscription or cartridge pack option allows users to always have replacements on hand.

The patch does not interfere with normal activities. Users can go to work, exercise, or rest while the patch quietly performs its task. Its alert system is subtle enough for public environments but effective enough to ensure the warning is not missed.

With no calibration required and no smartphone dependency for operation, Alvum offers freedom, control, and convenience—all built into a single patch.

Precision Monitoring for Proactive IBD Management

IBD flare-ups are not just uncomfortable—they can be dangerous. Missing work days, hospital visits, and medication adjustments often follow unexpected symptom onset. Alvum gives patients and healthcare providers an advanced tool for tracking hidden signs of inflammation before visible symptoms develop.

This technology bridges the gap between passive condition management and proactive intervention. With weekly or daily insights based on interleukin activity, patients gain deeper understanding of their body's patterns. Healthcare providers can also adjust treatment plans based on data on flare-up timing, severity, and frequency.

By tracking IBD activity at the biomolecular level, Alvum helps patients shift from reaction to prevention. No longer limited to subjective reporting, individuals gain a data-driven method of managing their condition, reducing flare-up risks and supporting long-term remission.

Alvum’s development is based on established immunological science. It incorporates precise measurements, smart algorithms, and a user-first design to offer something rare in IBD care: peace of mind.

A New Level of Control for IBD Patients

Alvum is not just a patch—it is a companion that helps restore confidence for people living with IBD. With early alerts, continuous monitoring, and non-invasive usage, it transforms how users approach their health. Instead of waiting for symptoms, they can act early, reduce inflammation, and maintain a more stable routine. This smart device supports a life with fewer disruptions, more comfort, and greater personal control over a difficult condition.