This Pune-based startup is taking the pain out of healthcare with its needle-free injection systems

For millions across the globe, the sight of a needle is enough to induce anxiety, especially in children. Yet, needle-based injections remain the dominant method of drug delivery—even as safer, more comfortable alternatives have begun to emerge. 

But one Pune-based med-tech startup is working to take the dread out of necessary injections.

Founded in 2020 by Sarvesh Mutha, Ankur Naik, Scott McFarland, and Mark Timm, IntegriMedical is on a mission to reimagine how medications are delivered. 

Their answer: a needle-free, spring-driven device that administers drugs through the skin using a high-pressure jet, minimizing trauma and eliminating the risks associated with traditional injections.

Born from firsthand experience

The idea for IntegriMedical was rooted in founder Sarvesh Mutha’s experience in the healthcare and medical device industries. 

“Needle phobia is more than just fear—it can cause patients to skip life-saving treatments,” says Mutha, now the company’s Managing Director. The issue also extends to healthcare workers, who are routinely exposed to needle-stick injuries and the risks of cross-contamination.

Determined to develop a safer alternative, Mutha joined forces with co-founders Ankur Naik—an expert in device design and regulatory compliance; Scott McFarland—a healthcare veteran with deep experience in finance and delivery; and Mark Timm—a seasoned entrepreneur in global supply chain operations. 

“Together, we envisioned a future where drug delivery would be painless, sustainable, and more accessible,” says Mutha in an interaction with YourStory.

Painless injection process

The Needle-Free Injection System (N-FIS) is built around a stainless-steel piston mechanism that delivers medications intramuscularly or subcutaneously in under a tenth of a second. 

“Instead of a needle, the device uses a disposable cartridge with an orifice finer than a strand of human hair to create a precise jet stream. The result is a nearly painless experience that also reduces the risk of cross-contamination, tissue damage, and hazardous medical waste,” explains Mutha.

The Pune-based startup received CDSCO approval for N-FIS in December 2022 and launched it commercially in April 2024 after pilot testing. The device is backed by regulatory approvals including CE, ISO 13485, and MDSAP, and is protected by a US patent.

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Business model and early traction

IntegriMedical operates on a B2B model, generating revenue through the sale of its N-FIS devices and their disposable components, such as cartridges and adapters.

The company’s go-to-market strategy is focused on healthcare providers. By targeting doctors, clinics, hospitals, and vaccination centers directly, IntegriMedical ensures that end users are introduced to the technology in a clinical setting, where trust and compliance are paramount.

“While we are still in the early stages, our revenue has been growing steadily month on month. We are witnessing a 2-3x increase in adoption rates month over month, reflecting strong market interest and growing confidence in our technology by the doctors & hospitals. Beyond India, our footprint is expanding rapidly, with active interest and strategic partnerships taking shape across Europe and South America,” claims Mutha.

The growing interest in needle-free injections  is expected to accelerate in the coming years, with the global needle-free injection market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2022, projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% through 2030.

IntegriMedical’s reach is steadily growing, with close to 1,000 doctors actively using the technology. 

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many practitioners highlighting its ease of use, safety benefits, and the enhanced comfort it offers patients,” he adds.

So far, the N-FIS has been adopted in over 30 cities across India and used in the treatment of more than 40,000 patients—many of them children, says Mutha. 

Hospitals such as Cloudnine, KEM, Apollo Cradle, and Hiranandani have already onboarded the technology. On the global front, in Hungary, one of the country’s largest pediatric hospitals has also adopted IntegriMedical’s N-FIS technology, underlining its global appeal.

Its primary competitors include traditional needle-based injections and some needle-free devices like Pharmajet, Bioject, Portal Instruments, Neugen etc.

The way ahead

From a bootstrapped beginning—funded by founders, friends, and family with an investment of around $4–5 million—IntegriMedical is now backed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. 

In May 2024, Serum Institute of India acquired a 20% stake in the company, marking a step toward broader collaboration in advancing alternative drug delivery systems.

“This partnership with SII is not just financial—it’s strategic,” says Mutha. “It gives us the platform and resources to scale faster, particularly in India where the need for painless, safe injection systems is immense.”

The company plans to expand into Tier II and Tier III Indian cities, secure more international approvals, and co-package with pharmaceutical firms to bring the technology to new therapeutic areas.

“In a world that’s rapidly digitizing healthcare, physical pain and fear shouldn’t be a barrier to treatment,” Mutha says. “With N-FIS, we’re not just delivering medication—we’re delivering a better healthcare experience.”

(The copy was updated.)