THE BLOG

Biotyks sets up in Nice to develop its solution for managing irritable bowel syndrome

David Macheto, founder and CEO of Biotyks, reveals the story and ambitions of his innovative startup, specialized in defining a personalized diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through microbiota sequencing. A syndrome that affects 10% of the population.

During this interview, David Macheto presents the particularities of his company, but also the significant impact of his solutions, the synergies with the dynamic ecosystem of the Nice Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis, and the development perspectives of Biotyks.

What is the story of Biotyks?

Biotyks was founded on the basis of in-depth professional expertise in the field of DNA sequencing and the desire to respond to a health issue that is little or insufficiently addressed.

My career began with a solid experience of more than ten years in the field of DNA sequencing, including a specialization in oncogenomics in Canada, where I spent seven years working in both research and cancer diagnosis.

After that, I oriented my career towards business development in Europe, still in connection with the analysis of genomic data.

The idea of creating Biotyks was born from my own experience with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a difficult situation to diagnose (only 50% of people are diagnosed), and often poorly addressed by current medical practices due to a lack of conclusive studies or information.

Faced with the ineffectiveness of available treatments and prolonged medical wandering without real relief, I was motivated by the desire to find a more effective and personalized solution for people suffering from this syndrome.

The mission of Biotyks is therefore to enable the development of a personalized approach based on microbiota sequencing, thus offering a new path for the management of IBS. Our unique approach aims to personalize nutrition based on the precise and detailed analysis of the microbiota of each patient, paving the way for a more precise and individualized management of needs.

What are the particularities and the impact of your startup?

Biotyks is developing an advanced microbiota sequencing technology to create personalized diets that are precisely tailored to the unique biological needs of each patient.

This method not only significantly improves the quality of life of patients but also proposes an innovative approach that could radically transform the way digestive disorders are understood and managed worldwide.

Our technology is based on the collection of detailed biological data, allowing for a deep understanding of the intestinal microbiota. This includes the identification of specific imbalances that may contribute to IBS symptoms. By adjusting the diet based on this data, Biotyks provides optimized nutritional recommendations through software that leverages artificial intelligence and a global knowledge base.

This data can help mitigate or even eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with this syndrome, offering an alternative to symptomatic medical treatments that do not address the underlying causes of the disease.

The impact of Biotyks lies in its ability to provide a concrete and science-based solution to a health problem that affects millions of people around the world. By specifying the characteristics of IBS and enabling the personalization of the diet, we not only treat the symptoms but also help patients to lead a more comfortable and less restricted life by their condition. Moreover, our approach has the potential to reduce dependence on medication and to lower health costs associated with ineffective treatments.

How has Team Nice Côte d’Azur supported you?

In January 2024, I decided to set up Biotyks in Nice, within the Provence Côte d’Azur incubator located at the Innovation Hub of the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis, in order to integrate a dynamic ecosystem in terms of biotechnology and innovation.

Moreover, the call for projects in AI & Health launched by the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis is a key element for project leaders or young companies thanks to a device that contributes to their development.

The support of Team Nice Côte d’Azur and the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis is a strategic and operational support that facilitates our integration into the local ecosystem of innovation and health. This support helps us to establish valuable connections with other actors in the sector, to participate in targeted events and to meet other startups and investors, which is essential for our growth and our visibility.

What are the advantages of the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis?

The Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis offers many assets.

First of all, the local innovation ecosystem is extremely rich, benefiting from a concentration of skills in technology and health, privileged access to a highly qualified workforce, and innovative research collaborations.

We are supported by the Provence Côte d’Azur incubator, which helps us in the development of our project to enable the emergence of an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and the realization of our first sales.

Moreover, the quality of life on the Côte d’Azur is a non-negligible asset for attracting and retaining talent.

Nice is also strategically located with its international airport, offering excellent connections for business trips and facilitating international exchanges and collaborations.

The metropolis is also proactive in its support for innovative companies, with policies that are favorable to entrepreneurship.

In summary, the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis combines a dynamic and internationally oriented business environment with an exceptional living environment.

What are your development projects?

First of all, we are continuing the development of our technological solutions, both on the tests and on the recommendation algorithm, to consolidate our offer of solutions for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

We are also integrating new scientific knowledge, advances in artificial intelligence, and genomics to optimize the accuracy of our diagnoses and the personalization of nutritional recommendations.

We are also working to strengthen our collaborations with the medical sector, notably by establishing partnerships with hospitals and health professionals to integrate our solutions into care pathways. This includes efforts to obtain additional clinical validations and certifications.

In the long term, we are preparing for the development of our market beyond the French borders. Internationalization is a crucial step that will allow us to access new markets and diversify our customer base. This will require regulatory and cultural adaptations, as well as strategic partnerships with local actors in the targeted countries.