Gene Therapy a Promising Partner for Neurostimulation
The combination of neurostimulation devices with gene therapy offers tremendous potential for expanding the range of neurotechnology products and therapies. The interaction of the two disciplines was first demonstrated at Stanford University in 2005. Researchers there and at other institutions have genetically modified neural cells to make them responsive to optical stimulation. The Stanford team recently demonstrated the ability to turn cells off using optogenetic techniques.
Awakening Our Spine
The report that three new paralyzed individuals have had voluntary movement restored as a result of epidural stimulation and a training regimen developed at the University of Louisville, UCLA, and other institutions aroused interest in the media, as well as the spinal cord injury community, earlier this month. The report, published in the journal Brain , was authored University of Louisville, Reggie Edgerton at UCLA, and their colleagues.
Researchers and Clinicians Participate at First Mechanisms of Action Conference
Nearly 200 clinicians, researchers, and neuromodulation industry representatives attended the first World Congress on Mechanisms of Action, held in Orlando, FL earlier this month. The meeting, sponsored Pain Institute, was devoted to elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying electrical stimulation of the nervous system. Elliot Krames, former president of the International Neuromodulation Society, served as cochair of the meeting, along with Eric Grigsby of Neurovations.
Auditory Brainstem Implant Market Poised for Growth
The market for auditory brainstem implants has seen a number of positive developments in recent years and the neuroprosthetic technology may prove to be a viable adjunct for vendors of cochlear implants. While the implantation procedure for ABIs is more complicated than for cochlear implants, and functional restoration not as great, the device delivers important benefits to a patient population with unmet needs.
Australian TGA Issues Hazard Alert for Several Medtronic Stimulators
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration earlier this month posted a notice that, in conjunction with Medtronic Australasia, it has issued a hazard alert for several models of Medtronic neuromodulation devices, including some Activa deep brain stimulation devices and RestoreUltra and RestoreSensor spinal cord stimulation devices. Medtronic Australasia announced it is undertaking a recall for product correction to address problems with the devices.
Stimulation at the Surface
The market for surface stimulation systems took a major hit in 2012 when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decided to remove reimbursement for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation systems as a treatment for chronic lower back pain. The decision had an immediate impact on sales at surface stimulation companies like DJO, Dynatronix, and RS Medical. Fortunately, some recent developments in the industry are serving to counteract this negative development.
Research Advances Improve Outlook for Reading Disorders
Recent advances in our understanding of brain processes involved with reading and language learning have created an opportunity for new neurotech strategies for treating reading disorders. About 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers from dyslexia, a condition that makes learning to read difficult. One of the first neurotech firms to target language learning disorders was Scientific Learning, Inc., an Oakland, CA software firm founded Merzenich.
Sounds of Discord
In many respects, the cochlear implant industry has served as a model for the entire neurotech industry. The devices address a neurological disorder that has not been met with other therapies, including drugs, and hundreds of thousands of deaf individuals have had at least partial hearing restored. There is robust competition in the industry, with at least three major players vying for share worldwide.
New Market Study from Neurotech Reports Offers Updated Projections
A newly released market research study from Neurotech Reports, the publisher of this newsletter, projects that the worldwide market for neurotechnology products will grow from $6.4 billion in 2014 to $10.7 billion by 2018. The largest market segment within the neurotechnology industry is neuromodulation systems. Worldwide sales of neuromodulation systems will grow from $3.5 billion in 2014 to $6.0 billion in 2018, a 14 percent compound annual growth rate.
St. Jude Medical Struggles to Regain Traction in Neuromodulation Market
St. Jude Medical, the St. Paul, MN manufacturer of neuromodulation systems, became the number two player in the industry behind Medtronic when it acquired Advanced Neuromodulation Systems in 2005. In the years that followed the acquisition, the team put together stayed in place in Plano, TX and immediately put competitive pressure on Medtronic, a competitor St. Jude had seen before in the cardiac device market.