Boston— Biotech startup Satio, Inc. has announced a major milestone in at-home medical care with the successful development and testing of a revolutionary drug delivery system. The innovation, funded through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), represents the first fully executed small business contract under the agency.
The new system, dubbed SatioRx, is a remotely controllable, reusable device that delivers medications intradermally through a hollow microneedle array. Designed with chronic disease patients in mind—particularly those living in rural or underserved areas—the device aims to simplify and decentralize the process of receiving recurring injections.
Unlike traditional autoinjectors, which are typically single-use and limited in volume and viscosity range, SatioRx incorporates a reusable motor-driven applicator paired with a low-cost disposable patch. The disposable includes a standard drug cartridge, adhesive patch, microneedles, pressure sensor, and an NFC antenna, accommodating medication volumes from 1mL to 5mL.
The device’s motor and sensor system enables precise administration of a wide range of drug types, including high-viscosity medications up to 100cP, via both intradermal and subcutaneous routes. In addition, healthcare providers can administer doses remotely while monitoring patients’ vital signs in real-time through an integrated telehealth platform.
The 18-month project included rigorous testing, live animal trials, small-batch manufacturing, and progress toward FDA premarket submissions. It also garnered multiple letters of intent from potential partners in the healthcare industry.
“This program allowed our team to deliver two first-in-the-world innovations: remote-controlled drug delivery and automated intradermal administration,” said Namal Nawana, Executive Chairman and Founder of Satio. “These advances are a major step toward decentralizing healthcare and improving quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.”
SatioRx is positioned to address the growing need for more flexible at-home drug delivery solutions, particularly for complex biologics used in cardiometabolic diseases, oncology, immunotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. By combining a smart patch with telehealth connectivity, Satio aims to transform the patient experience—making injections less painful, more precise, and ultimately more accessible.
As the medical community increasingly embraces at-home care, Satio’s innovation could represent a pivotal shift in how and where chronic therapies are administered.
