New Neurotech Therapies Emerge for Treating Parkinson’s
The neurotechnology market opportunity for treating Parkinson’s disease has been dominated by deep-brain stimulation systems. But in recent months, some new neurotech therapies exploiting other forms of neuromodulation have emerged from two research teams in Asia. A team of researchers from Japan has developed a novel neuromodulation approach that features gait-combined closed-loop transcranial electrical stimulation.
Neurotech Researchers Advance New Implant Materials
Future advances in implantable neurotechnology devices will depend heavily on developments in materials science. In particular, soft, thin, flexible materials that conform to neural tissue and conduct electricity are highly desirable for brain implants. Researchers at a number of institutions have recently reported progress with two such materials: EGNITE and PEDOT: PSS. A study published in Nature…
Recognizing Our Roots
In the 20-plus years that we’ve been publishing this newsletter, we’ve devoted considerable coverage to emerging and established neurotech firms, and the entrepreneurs and investors who’ve made those concerns successful. Where we may not have devoted enough ink—or shall we say pixels, since we ceased mailing printed copies in 2023—is to the scientific and clinical investigators who have moved the neurotechnology field forward.
Neuromodulation Vendors and Clinicians Convene at NANS i3
The North American Neuromodulation Society opened 2024 with a celebration of its 30th anniversary. The conference has grown over its lifetime from a few hundred attendees in its infancy to more than 3000 in attendance this year. A significant factor in the society’s growth has been the inclusion of novel program elements including several pre-conference workshops ranging from cadaver labs to commercially oriented programs such as i3—Invention, Investment, and Invigoration.
Mechanical/Vibratory Neuromodulation Poised for Expansion
The field of noninvasive neuromodulation has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with hundreds of companies targeting various disorders such as pain, vestibular disorders, tinnitus, Alzheimer’s, and various wellness conditions. While the majority of these companies utilize electrical stimulation, other modalities, including magnetic, ultrasound, and optical, have also been explored. More…
ASCs Will Play Key Role in Growing Bioelectronic Medicine
The dissemination of bioelectronic medicine therapies is based, to a large extent, on ambulatory surgery centers that perform a majority of minimally invasive surgeries, including medical device implantation and replacement. Implantation procedures performed at ASCs are typically less expensive than those performed at hospitals. As one example, surgery for implanting SNS devices made (CPT codes 645…
Boston Scientific Acquisition of Axonics Upends OAB Market
The bioelectronic medicine market for treating bowel and bladder disorders underwent a significant transformation earlier this month with the news of the largest M&A deal in the industry’s history. On January 8, Axonics, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired . for $71 in cash per share, representing an equity value of approximately $3.7 billion. Axonics brings a complementary product portfolio to the Boston Scientific urology business.
Neurotech Reports Announces Gold Electrode Award Winners
Neurotech Reports, the publisher of this newsletter, announced the winners of the 2023 Gold Electrode Awards during the 2023 Neurotech Leaders Forum, which took place in November in San Francisco. The award for best new product went to Neuromod Devices for its Lenire system for treating tinnitus. The award for most promising startup went to Salvia BioElectronics, which is developing a new minimally invasive neuromodulation system for migraine.
Neurotech Therapies Gain Prominence for Alzheimer’s
The neurotechnology market opportunity for treating Alzheimer’s disease has shown steady progress in recent months as several commercial firms and research organizations have reported advances. Some well publicized setbacks from pharmaceutical firms in this space have also contributed to a new sense of optimism for device interventions. Many investigators and entrepreneurs in this space have chosen…
A Good Start
When we closed out the year 2023 in this space last month on a somewhat optimistic note, we really had no idea how quickly good fortune would visit the neurotechnology industry. But in fact, January 2024 proved to be a landmark month for startups, strategics, and investors in the space. Just in case Neuralink founder Elon Musk doesn’t get enough news coverage, his announcement of the first-in-human implantation of the company’s robotic-driven BCI system was greeted even a significant milestone.