Digest Pharma LLC was formed in 2023. Its mission is to develop and commercialize novel herbal products for functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders which originate in the stomach. Functional GI disorders cannot be attributed to an organic abnormality, and they occur when the GI does not function properly.

The stomach has been recently identified to be the site of origination of some of the most common and bothersome GI symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain/discomfort and constipation. These symptoms occur in clusters in functional disorders such as IBS (abdominal pain/discomfort, gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements etc.), Dyspepsia (heartburn/reflux, gastric pain, bloating, difficulty finishing a meal etc.) and Constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week, straining during defecation, hard or lumpy stools, abdominal pain etc.).

Essential Oils (peppermint oil, caraway oil, etc.) are the purified active ingredients in herbal plants and have demonstrated their effectiveness in IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and FD (Functional Dyspepsia) in several different RCTs (Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trials).

However, delivery of the essential oils to the stomach has not been viable, because these oils are lighter than the stomach fluid. This makes them float on top of the stomach contents. The oils floating on top of the stomach fluid can contact and open (with their smooth muscle relaxing activity) the esophageal valve located near the top of the stomach and result in undesirable symptoms.

Digest Pharma has developed a unique technology (patent pending) which uses cellulosic fibers to convert the essential oils into dry essential oil containing pellets which sink rather than float in the stomach fluid. The size of the pellets is controlled so that they can flow reliably through the valve between the stomach and the intestines, even when the valve is closed. The pellets slowly release/dissolve the oils as the pellets flow in the stomach and the intestines.

Digest Pharma’s DEOP (Densified Essential Oil Pellets) technology allows safe and effective delivery of essential oils to the stomach and intestines. All 3 products being commercialized by Digest Pharma’s use DEOP technology (patent pending).

 GutCalm® is Digest Pharma’s first commercial product, for IBS relief.

Digest Pharma plans to launch its second product Digest Calm™ in 4Q, 2025.

Digest Calm™ is for relief of FD (heartburn, indigestion etc.)

The third product, LaxaCalm™ is being developed by Digest Pharma for constipation (planned launch 2Q, 2026).

Digest Pharma is a family-owned company based in Florida since 2023.

Syed M Shah, PhD is the founder and CEO of Digest Pharma. He invented and developed IBgard® in 2012, when he co-founded Zx Pharma LLC in 2010. He is the co-inventor on 80 US patents related to pharmaceuticals, medical foods, dietary supplements and foods.

Previously, Syed worked for 20+ years in pharmaceuticals research and development for Pfizer, Wyeth and Lederle. He was awarded the 2020
Uber Elite award for his development of 4 blockbuster (more than $1.0 billion yearly sales) pharmaceuticals.