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Publishing Integrity Like many other healthcare fields, the neurotechnology industry depends on a steady flow of information between device manufacturers and the clinical/university research communities. Because this field is so new and encompasses so many distinct medical specialties, access to timely information is important for both groups. But there is a difference between device manufacturers…

Lobbying the Lobbyists This year’s NIO public policy tour [see article p7] represented a significant milestone for the neurotechnology industry, much more so than last year’s event. For one thing, this year’s tour included more representation from neurotech device manufacturers, including the big three players Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude Medical. We understand that Elliot Krames from…

Adaptive Control Methods Transform Neuroprosthetics Currently, most of the systems on the market for neural prostheses and neurorehabilitation make use of electronic controllers that send regular signals to surface or implanted electrodes. Neural engineers at several research institutions and commercial firms are developing new systems that will be able to modify control signals automatically based on sensory feedback, discerned user intent, or adaptive algorithms that are modified on the fly.

Transfer of Power Allegations made , former president of the Alfred Mann Foundation, regarding the role that the profit motive has played in determining the choice of power supplies in implanted medical devices [see article p1] are as troubling as they are untimely. Whether or not his estimate of $2 billion wasted by the U.S. government annually for replacement of cardiac pacemakers is accurate, th…

Research Progresses on Neural-Silicon Hybrid Circuits , senior technical editor Hybrid circuits, which combine the silicon circuitry traditionally used for computers with cultured networks of neurons, provide a new approach to sensing and computing. Rather than relying exclusively on the digital computing power of large numbers of silicon transistors, such hybrids seek to exploit the enormous computational power present in small neural networks.

Neural Interface Enables Capacitive Stimulation , senior technical editor Establishing one-to-one links between electrodes and neurons—in other words, an exceedingly high-density neural interface—is one of the broad, long-term objectives in neurotechnology. The size of stimulating electrodes is limited charge from the electronic charge carriers in metal electrodes to ionic charge carriers in the tissue, which is related to the surface area of the electrode.

Mechanisms of Failure Northstar Neuroscience’s recent announcement that its EVEREST trial failed to meet its primary endpoint [see article, p5] was not just a setback for the company. In many ways, it was a hemorrhage for the entire neurotechnology industry. So many observers and investors had been counting on the company’s success in the stroke trial, as evidenced venture capital that the firm raised and its successful IPO in 2006.

2007 in Review As we look back on 2007, we see a number of positive developments that occurred during the year, plus a few challenges that remain for the neurotechnology industry. From a financial standpoint, the industry continued to post strong results and attract new investment. Significant mergers that took place during the year include Cardinal Health’s purchase of Viasys for $1.5 billion, Natus Medical’s purchase of Excel-Tech Ltd.

Remembering the Consumer One of the most useful sessions at the 2007 Neurotech Leaders Forum in Newport Beach last month [see conference report, p7] was a consumer/end-user panel discussion led Network. In the session, French quizzed representatives of the Southern California neurological disabilities community about their attitudes and awareness of neurotechnology devices and therapies. Their answers shed considerable light on some of the challenges facing our industry in the years ahead.

Impacting the Government Dealing with the government has always been one of the greatest challenges facing the neurotechnology industry. Whether waiting to get a new device approved through hoops to get reimbursement and Medicaid Services, neurotech device firms frequently find themselves at the mercy of some government entity at every stage of the commercialization process. Fortunately, there are signs that the situation is improving.