Boston Scientific Corp. Purchases Advanced Bionics
June, 2004 issue The competitive landscape of the neurotechnology industry changed dramatically this month when Boston Scientific Corp., the Natick, MA manufacturer of medical devices, acquired 100 percent of the stock of Advanced Bionics Corp., the Valencia, CA manufacturer of neural prostheses and neuromodulation devices. The acquisition transforms the industry overnight from one dominated by a s…
Neurotech and Psychiatry
The neurotech market for treating psychiatric disorders has proven to be rewarding and elusive at the same time. After some well publicized clinical trial failures of DBS therapies, and an excruciating reimbursement timeline for VNS systems, the implanted neuromodulation device industry is poised to rebound. Abbott’s TRANSCEND study of DBS for treatment-resistant depression seems likely to succeed where predecessor St.
Neuromodulation Execs Voice Their Opinions at NANS i3
The recently concluded annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society in Orlando, FL, attracted a large number of pain physicians, surgeons, neural engineers, and neuroscience researchers. There was also a considerable industry presence, particularly during the i3 preconference workshop organized Reports. The i3 workshop, dedicated to invention, investment, and invigoration, featured a session with executives from major firms in the neuromodulation industry.
Thin-Film VNS Devices to Enhance Type 2 Diabetes Therapies
Among potential therapies for treating type-2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide work primarily insulin secretion, but they don’t address the root cause: abnormal glucose metabolism in muscle and fat tissue. We discussed this topic a year ago, where we mentioned unsuccessful efforts , Cyberonics (now LivaNova), EnteroMedics (formerly ReShape Lifesciences and now Biorad Medisys), Intrapace, Beta-Stim, Transneuronix, Leptos Biomedical, and EndoVx.
Research Team Uses 3D Printing for Bioelectronic Scaffolds
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis is using 3D printing to create bioelectronic scaffolds that would allow researchers to create new tissue with a host of potential applications in bioelectronic medicine. Tissue engineers have used scaffolds in the past to repair neurological and other tissue damage. In 2004, a team of researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported at the annual…
Neurotech Comes to Consumers
To date, growth in the neurotechnology industry has been largely driven . Although there has recently been a wealth of digital health firms who have endeavored to commercialize wellness products using either wearable technology or software, many of these firms are pursuing a parallel path: marketing a wellness version of their technology—which does not require regulatory approval—to generate revenue while pursuing clinical trials for a medical version of their products.
Scientific Journal Editors Reflect on Ethical Concerns
The recent NANS meeting in Orlando offered numerous non-scientific sessions. One in particular was a panel discussion bringing together some of the leading editors of scientific journals in the sector, including Chris Gilligan, Pain Practice , Robert Hurley, Pain Medicine , Robert Levy, Neuromodulation : Technology at the Neural Interface , and Michael Schatman, Journal of Pain Research . The session was moderated by Ryan D’Souza from the Mayo Clinic, and Nasir Hussain from Wexner Medical Center.
Pain Societies Unite in Effort to Combat Therapy Obstacles
In the evolving field of neuromodulation and spine care, three major societies—the North American Neuromodulation Society, the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, and the North American Spine Society—have forged an unprecedented collaboration. This alliance aims to unify the voice of interventional pain physicians and spine doctors, ensuring a stronger position in health policy, reimbursement negotiations, and advocacy for improved patient care.
Interesting Times
The first two months of 2025 have presented a mixed bag of events and trends to the neurotechnology industry. On the one hand, investment in neurotech startups has remained strong and a steady stream of new and enhanced products has reached the market. But on the other hand, a series of ominous decisions from the new Trump administration have raised concerns among many industry observers that the economic engine that has driven so much growth and commercial activity in the last two decades may be drying up.
Neurotech Comes to Consumers
To date, growth in the neurotechnology industry has been largely driven . Although there has recently been a wealth of digital health firms who have endeavored to commercialize wellness products using either wearable technology or software, many of these firms are pursuing a parallel path: marketing a wellness version of their technology—which does not require regulatory approval—to generate revenue while pursuing clinical trials for a medical version of their products.