In recent years, the treatment of obesity has been transformed by the rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Originally developed for diabetes, these medications have become headline-grabbing tools for weight loss — curbing appetite and significantly reducing body weight. But they’re not a silver bullet. Side effects, muscle loss, cost, and the need for weekly injections have sparked debate, leaving room for alternative therapies — especially for people who prefer to avoid long-term medication.
That’s where Revividal comes in. Based in Driebergen, this Dutch start-up is developing a fully natural gastric balloon as a non-invasive treatment for people with overweight or obesity. The company is doing so in close collaboration with the Smart BioMaterials Consortium (SBMC), which provides advanced development labs and biomaterials expertise.
We spoke with Kristel de Ridder, CEO of Revividal, about the company’s mission — and how they aim to complement, not compete with, the pharmaceutical solutions dominating today’s obesity market.
“Our gastric device is 100% natural,” De Ridder explains. “It’s made of food-grade ingredients and comes in the form of a capsule. Once swallowed, it inflates in the stomach to about the size of a ping pong ball. It stays there for roughly a week, then disintegrates and exits the body naturally.”
The aim: to create a lasting feeling of fullness — without medication, surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia. Unlike traditional gastric balloons, which are large and require medical placement and removal, Revividal’s device is designed for repeat use and self-administration.
From feasibility to function: how SBMC supports Revividal
Revividal started its collaboration with SBMC through a co-financed feasibility study, focusing on the material performance and mechanical stability of its natural gastric device. This early-stage partnership generated critical data to support follow-up funding applications and investor outreach.
A growing market — and a growing need
According to the World Health Organization, over 650 million adults globally are living with obesity — a number that continues to climb. In the Netherlands, roughly 16% of the population is affected. In the U.S., it’s one in four. It’s a complex, multifaceted issue — and no single solution fits all.
“GLP-1 drugs have certainly shifted the market,” says De Ridder. “But not everyone wants to take medication. Some people experience side effects, others dislike injections. What we’re hearing from obesity clinics is that they want a broader portfolio of tools. Our medical device could be one of them.”
And Revividal isn’t working in isolation. Together with SBMC and researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology, the team is refining the device’s design and materials to optimize performance. One key challenge: improving the devices’s durability so it can stay safely in the stomach without breaking down prematurely.
“The collaboration with SBMC is essential,” De Ridder emphasizes. “They help us test new formulations and enhance the mechanical strength of the medical device. With their support, we’re moving steadily toward a clinically viable product.”
One step at a time — with broader potential
This gastric device is only the beginning. De Ridder sees future potential for other medical applications, such as targeted drug delivery.
“This is step one,” she notes. “Once we’ve proven the technology for obesity treatment, we can explore other areas. But first, we need to get the fundamentals right.”
Revividal aims to enter clinical trials within two years. With the backing of SBMC and a clear vision for accessible, patient-friendly obesity care, the company is positioning itself as a valuable addition to the evolving landscape of weight-loss solutions — offering a natural, low-barrier option for people seeking better health without needles or pills.
