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Task Force Addresses Access to New Neurotech Therapies A newly organized task force representing clinicians, health service providers, payers, and neurotechnology vendors is seeking to expand the availability of neurotechnology devices for individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. The National Task Force on Consumer Access to Emerging Neurotechnologies held its inaugural meeting earlier this year and recently published a whitepaper specifically targeted to severe depression.

Sharing the Task The founding of the National Task Force on Consumer Access to Emerging Neurotechnologies is a promising development for the neurotechnology industry, as we report in our article on page 1 of this issue. Though the group’s formation was no doubt inspired by a series of negative events surrounding Cyberonics’ struggle to gain market approval and reimbursement for its vagus nerve stimulation system to treat refractory depression, we are heartened nonetheless efforts of the new organization.

Friend at the Gate Although the focus of this publication since our first issue was published in 2001 has been neurotechnology devices that mate electronics technology with nervous system function, it is impossible to ignore the presence of neuropharmaceutical companies in many of the same market segments in which device companies compete. As Warren Grill points out in his article on page 1 of this…

Cutting the Wires Advances in wireless communication have had a profound effect in recent years, as cellular phones, WiFi Internet access, bluetooth devices, and other innovations in electronics have led to a more connected society. As we report in our article on page 1 of this issue, wireless communication will have a significant effect on healthcare in general, and neurological devices in particular, in the years ahead.

Connecting with Washington The Neurotechnology Industry Organization’s public policy day on March 29 [see article p7] was notable for a number of reasons. To begin with, it represents the first organized effort to promote neurotechnology in Washington. The group succeeded in arranging meetings with several senators, congress members, and agency directors. Senators John Kerry, Pete Domenici, and Mike Enzie were particularly receptive, according to NIO executive director Zack Lynch.

Neurotechnology Industry Organization Public Policy Tour Visits Capitol Hill Representatives from several neurotechnology firms and nonprofit organizations took part in a public policy tour on March 29 in Washington, D.C. The event was put together , as an effort to inform elected officials and policy makers about the opportunities and obstacles facing companies and organizations working to improve the lives of those with brain and nervous system illnesses.

Enhanced MRI Reveals Brain Connectivity Details , senior technical editor The resolution of non-invasive brain imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging, has improved dramatically to reveal much about the structure of the brain. Further, so called functional MRI enables visualization in changes in blood oxygenation associated with neuronal metabolism and hence inferences about changes in neuronal activity.

Neurotech Executives Descend on Washington for NIO Public Policy Tour Nearly 40 executives from neuro­technology companies and organizations came to Washington, DC earlier this month for the 2008 Public Policy Tour sponsored . The second annual event enabled representatives from the neurotech industry to interact with legislators and regulators and gain a better understanding of how decisions are made in the nation’s capital.

Second-Generation Neurotech One of the measures of a new industry or technology is its ability to demonstrate longevity with a range of follow-on product enhancements that expand the original market and offer better performance for existing customers. , the neurotechnology industry is doing well, as evidenced issue. As tempting as it might be for manufacturers of neural prostheses and implanted neu…

New Competition in Neurostimulator Battery Market The market for power supplies for implanted neurostimulation devices has expanded considerably as existing players and new suppliers are developing new batteries with expanded capabilities and reduced size. EaglePicher Medical Power, the Surrey, BC manufacturer of batteries for medical devices, recently announced the successful qualification of the industry’s smallest implantable-grade medical battery.