From a spark of inspiration on a hiking trail to a potential breakthrough in chemotherapy patient care, IGH Naturals is redefining hydration solutions in healthcare. Led by Dr. Sourabh Kharait—a kidney specialist (nephrologist) with deep expertise in electrolytes—the company recently won the StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch Mock Investor Salon, impressing local investors with its innovative product, HuMOLYTE. In the interview below, Dr. Kharait shares the story behind IGH Naturals, how pitch coaching helped sharpen their strategy, and what’s next for this purpose-driven startup.
The Inspiration Behind IGH Naturals
What inspired the creation of IGH Naturals, and how does the expertise of a Nephrologist shape the company’s mission and product development?
IGH Naturals was founded by Dr. Sourabh Kharait, a board-certified nephrologist with a deep understanding of electrolytes. The inspiration for the company began during a hike when Dr. Kharait experienced severe muscle cramps. This led to the development of MAGNAK, a patented sports drink designed to provide superior hydration and prevent muscle cramps.
The journey took an unexpected turn when a chemotherapy patient tried MAGNAK for hydration. Chemotherapy patients often face significant hydration challenges, with 80% requiring IV support due to side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. While MAGNAK excelled in hydration, it didn’t address these specific side effects. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Kharait set out to create a solution tailored to the unique needs of chemotherapy patients, leading to the development of HuMOLYTE.
Tackling Significant Healthcare Challenges
What have been the most significant challenges in developing HuMOLYTE?
Dr. Sourabh: The primary challenge was addressing the severe side effects of chemotherapy, such as diarrhea and vomiting, which often hinder effective hydration. Solving these issues was critical to creating a product that truly meets the needs of chemotherapy patients.
The Science of HuMOLYTE
Can you discuss the science behind HuMOLYTE and its unique approach to supporting chemotherapy patients?
Dr. Sourabh: To address the challenges of diarrhea and vomiting, I explored the potential of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), complex sugars found in breast milk that are known to protect the digestive system. HuMOLYTE combines HMOs with MAGNAK, leveraging the strengths of both ingredients.
When taken before chemotherapy, HuMOLYTE has been shown to prevent diarrhea, vomiting, and mucositis while enabling hydration without the need for IV support. Successful in vitro and animal studies have laid the foundation for promising results in human trials, which are now underway.
Refining Business Strategies Through Pitch Programs
How did the StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch program help you refine your pitch and business strategy?
Dr. Sourabh: The program provided invaluable feedback from real investors, helping me identify and focus on the most compelling aspects of our pitch while eliminating less relevant details. This sharpened our presentation and strategy significantly.
What key feedback did you receive from the investor panel at the Mock Investor Salon, and how do you plan to implement it?
Dr. Sourabh: The investors emphasized the importance of prioritizing key topics that resonate with them. This feedback allowed me to streamline our pitch to focus on what matters most to potential investors.
Future Directions and Advice for Healthcare Entrepreneurs
What are the next steps for IGH Naturals following your success in the Warm-Up Pitch program?
Dr. Sourabh: We are planning a 32-person proof-of-concept study in India this April. The study’s outcomes are already garnering interest from several medical food companies, which could open doors to strategic partnerships or acquisitions.
Where do you see IGH Naturals in the next five years, especially given the ongoing clinical trials and patent protections?
Dr. Sourabh: If our clinical trials are successful, I anticipate that IGH Naturals could become an attractive acquisition target, enabling our innovations to reach a wider audience and make a meaningful impact in patient care.
What advice would you give to other healthcare entrepreneurs considering participating in pitch competitions?
Dr. Sourabh: Understand the FDA approval process and be clear about where your product stands in that journey. This knowledge is crucial for crafting a pitch that resonates with investors and demonstrates your readiness to navigate regulatory challenges.
Wrap-Up
The journey of IGH Naturals from a simple idea on a hiking trail to a potential game-changer in chemotherapy patient care is a testament to the power of targeted innovation in healthcare. As IGH Naturals continues to navigate the challenges of healthcare entrepreneurship, its story offers valuable insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs aiming to make a significant impact in the medical field.
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