July Neurotech News Summary

Neurotechnology, the use of medical electronics on the human nervous system, is offering new options for people living with various conditions, enhancing diagnoses and aiding in human performance. These developments could have or will have an impact on us. Let’s take a look at what made headlines over the month of July 2020. These headlines address technical advancements, changes in access and expanding applications of current technologies.

Technology and Access Developments

• Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation offered by electroCore, Inc. received FDA Emergency Use Authorization to treat asthma exacerbations in people who have known or suspected COVID19.
• Symptoms of COVID19 can linger. Lungpacer Medical, Inc. implanted their first patient who recovered from COVID19 but still has difficulty breathing independently.
• SetPoint Medical announced results from a 12-week trial: 50% of those who were treated with vagus nerve stimulation had reduced symptoms or signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The results are published in Lancet.
• 90% more accuracy in critical care. Ceribell, Inc announced research results for their Rapid Response EEG to detect seizures.
• Soterix Medical received FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to begin clinical trials for the tDCS-LTE platform for major depression disorder. The technology is designed for at home use.
• Looking for some relaxation? NeoRhythm, a wellness device using pulsed electromagnetic field technology, has expanded availability of their neurostimulation headband.
• Using exoskeletons for the aging community to prevent falls, Army Distaff Foundation has teamed up with Ekso Bionics to do just that.
• Keep it beating with breakthrough technology. CVRx announced study results of their neuromodulation device for heart failure in the Journal of The American College of Cardiology.
• It’s now a little easier to access a neuromuscular electrical stimualtion (NMES) device to combat muscle atrophy. RS Medical is offering their RS-4i device direct to consumer.
• More options for people living with chronic pain. Nalu Medical, Inc. released enhanced software for their invasive (SCS) and minimally invasive (PNS) platforms.
• It looks like Neurovalens will be expanding the indications for their “brain conditioning” device to insomnia, anxiety and diabetes, of course with proper testing.
• ExoAtlet is expanding that definition of rehab across continents. See how they are using exoskeletons for both adult and pediatric rehabilitation and building a new rehab ecosystem.
• The Allen Institute for Brain Science received $40.5M of NIH funding to build a collaborative research center specifically for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• NeuroMetrix, Inc. expanded distribution in China for their nerve conduction test for diabetes.
• FDA Emergency User Authorization is being sought by Nemechek Technologies, LLC for their transcutaneous auricular VNS system for treatment of symptoms of COVID19.
• The 2-year study results demonstrate that people implanted with the Axonics r-SNM System continue to receive clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in urinary urgency incontinence symptoms and quality of life
• What do Cochlear’s Kanso 2, Nucleus 7, and Custom Sound Pro all have in common? FDA approval and connection to their smartphone app for people living with hearing impairments and deafness.
• Our hearts and brains need workouts but have you thought about giving your tongue a workout? Signifier Medical Technologies has the stimulating technology to do just that for snoring and sleep apnea.
• Expanding access, ReWalk Robotics, Inc. announced the issue of payer code by CMS for personal exoskeleton. Hopefully this will expand the availability of robotic technology.
• FDA approved a new smartphone app from Abbott allowing people to personalize their own neuromodulation therapies, including regimens for their SCS system for chronic pain and DBS system for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
• Gaming with your brain? It’s been around for awhile, but there is a new kid on the block, NextMind. They are now accepting preorders for the development kit.

Business Arrangements & News

• There is an interesting agreement in vagus nerve stimulation. Masimo to offer the Bridge, a non-invasive VNS device to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. They licensed the technology from IHS.
• The Magstim Company Ltd acquired EGI from Royal Phillips. This expands their presence in the EEG, TMS and brain stimulation markets and the treatment of major depression among other conditions of the brain.
• PathMaker Neurosystems Inc. developing non-invasive technology for neurological conditions like ALS, stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. They have expanded their team.
• Presidio Medical announces $30 Million Financing Round Led by Invus Opportunities for the development of their device to treat chronic pain.
• Kernel closes funding support for the development of their Neuroscience as a Service and their new platform.
• INNOVO by Atlantic Therapeutics appoints Susan Trent as their new CEO. They are making neurostim fashionable with their pelvic floor stim wearable for urinary incontinence.
• Myant Inc. announced the opening a new lab to develop connected performance gear. Athletes take note.

Here is one cool story of the month written by Christopher Bergland in Psychology Toady:

Need to Ace It? Hack Your Cerebellum & Vagus Nerve Like This

To follow our briefs throughout the month, follow us at Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out our resource directory on our website to find neurotechnologies for specific conditions.

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