Neptune Medical today announced positive findings from its 50-patient, first-in-human CARE 1 study of its Triton robotic endoscopy system.
Triton, a gastrointestinal (GI) robotic endoscopy system, aims to provide easy and comfortable navigation, precision and control throughout the colon. It combines robotic precision and AI-assisted detection to colonoscopy to deliver thorough screenings. Neptune has Trition under development to elevate any endoscopits’ capabilities in screening, surveillance and diagnostic colonoscopies, endoscopic mucosal resections (EMRs) and endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs) in the lower GI tract.
Neptune Medical recently boosted Triton with $97 million in funding in 2024 and a 2025 collaboration with Nvidia to incorporate AI.
CARE 1 (Colonoscopy with A Robotic Endoscope) saw Triton meet both of its primary endpoints. The system delivered zero adverse events and 100% cecal intubation, enabling predictably complete procedures throughout the colon. Additionally, Triton demonstrated a high adenoma detection rate (ADR) and a favorable ergonomic environment for endoscopists.
Dr. Jason B. Samarasena, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of California, Irvine, and an investigator in CARE 1, presented findings at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026.
CARE 1 followed 50 adults for 14 days post-procedure. Patients underwent screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy with Triton at H-T Centrum Medyczne in Tychy, Poland.
Investigators saw 0% adverse events and 100% cecal intubation and procedure complication. They reported 0% patient repositioning, abdominal pressure or conversion to manual colonoscopy. Triton also delivered 54.2% ADR, 67.5% polyp detection rate (PDR) and 100% polypectomy success. Investigators reported 67% lower average burden compared to manual colonoscopy.
Commentary from Neptune officials and investigators
Alex Tilson, Neptune Medical founder and CEO, said:
“Colon cancer is growing in prevalence, and concerningly, it is increasing the fastest in younger people. Yet, the colonoscope hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years. GIs and their patients need better tools for navigation, inspection, detection and treatment. That is why we are driven by the singular mission of leading a robotic revolution in endoscopy to empower GIs and elevate the colonoscopy procedure.”
Dr. Marcin Romanczyk, gastroenterologist at H‑T Centrum Medyczne and CARE 1 principal investigator, said:
“In this first‑in‑human study, we used the Triton robotic system to safely complete colonoscopies in 50 adult patients. The Triton system demonstrated excellent safety and feasibility with 100% cecal intubation and no adverse events after 14-day follow-up. Using Triton as a first-time operator was a very comfortable experience for me, with minimal physical and mental burden throughout the trial. A robotic endoscopy system that enables screening and treatment anywhere in the colon with maximum control would elevate our skills and support our diagnostic and therapeutic goals.”
Dr. Samarasena added:
“Triton’s exceptional control and stability allowed for a thorough mucosal inspection enabling precise polyp and adenoma detection, and ultimately, successful removal of all lesions, regardless of tortuosity or location. These early promising results suggest that Triton may enable us to perform a large number of high-quality colonoscopies in a day with minimal fatigue, empowering us to respond to increasing colonoscopy demands in the United States.”
