Jake Adler’s Bold Testing of Innovative Medical Product

Jake Adler, a 21-year-old founder of the medical startup Pilgrim, is eager to demonstrate his commitment to his product to potential investors.

In a recent video, Adler, who has even tested his own device, confirmed that it was intended for serious clinical trials but opted to conduct some self-testing first. He seems quite confident, saying, “I’m allowed to do anything to my body.”

Before using a punch biopsy tool on himself, Adler numbed his legs with lidocaine, creating two precisely controlled wounds. He then applied a hemostatic dressing called Kingsfoil to one of them, while the other served as a control. Kingsfoil transforms into a gel upon contact with skin, aiming to close wounds and promote healing.

According to reports, the product effectively halted the bleeding of the wound where it was applied. Adler recounted his experience to a media outlet, emphasizing that he acted cautiously and felt legally cleared to conduct such personal testing.

In light of his unconventional methods, he urged viewers not to replicate his actions at home. Despite this, Adler’s audacity underscores his dedication to bringing his product to market, especially after securing substantial investments.

Adler began his journey in 2023 and completed a prestigious fellowship just a year after his high school graduation. Supported by billionaire Peter Thiel, the Thiel Fellowship is focused on helping young innovators develop new ideas outside conventional educational systems.

By March 2025, Pilgrim managed to secure $3.25 million in initial funding, which has since increased to about $4.3 million. Adler’s fellowship has been instrumental in reducing some of the startup costs typically faced by new companies, helping them navigate through the approval processes more swiftly, particularly thanks to a partnership with the Department of Defense.

Interestingly, Adler associates Kingsfoil with “Healing herbs” from “The Lord of the Rings,” hinting at a playful nod to literature while maintaining a focus on serious health-related applications. Many tech startups, including his, refer to popular culture, which sets certain expectations for their credibility.

Adler has shared that his ambitions extend beyond Kingsfoil. He is looking into enhancing soldiers’ preparedness for chemical threats and developing systems that can detect harmful agents in the air. He envisions a setup known as Argus, which works with something he describes as a fog used to neutralize airborne chemicals before they enter the bloodstream.

However, Pilgrim remains a small operation made up of just five members, and their innovations are still in the early stages of development. Notably, Kingsfoil’s only known side effect at the moment is mild skin irritation.