Synchron Inc.'s recent $200 million raise for its Stentrode brain-computer interface platform comes at a pivotal time for the technology. Advances in BCI development, ongoing clinical trials and growing market demand are drawing increased investor interest in the technology which has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people. At the same time, government agencies are closely monitoring the field, recognizing the potential while urging caution about the risks involved.
The brain-computer interface (BCI) system being developed by Precision Neuroscience Corp. is capable of capturing high-resolution brain signals and stimulating areas without damaging the cortical surface, according to a study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
An international team of researchers has successfully used Onward Medical N.V.’s ARC-IM therapy to develop a neurostimulation system that improves blood pressure stability in patients with spinal cord injuries. According to data from two studies published in Nature and Nature Medicine, the implanted system also led to durable reduction of hypotensive symptoms, resulting in an improvement in the quality of life of patients.
Onward Medical NV secured U.S. FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) approval for a pivotal study to assess the safety and efficacy of its implantable spinal stimulation technology, the ARC-IM system. The Empower study BP study will focus on addressing blood pressure instability in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Cortec GmbH implanted its brain-computer interface (BCI) system, Brain Interchange, into a stroke patient in late July, joining a host of other companies conducting clinical trials of their BCI technologies to help people affected by neurological conditions recover lost function and improve their quality of life.
Paradromics Inc. became the latest company developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) system to implant its technology, Connexus, into a human. The device was safely implanted, it recorded electrical brain signals and was removed intact in less than 20 minutes. Paradromics hopes to begin clinical trials later this year.
The recent 510(k) clearance by the U.S. FDA for a core part of Precision Neuroscience Corp. brain-computer interface technology is certainly a boon for the company, and others developing the devices. For the millions of people suffering from health disorders, such as motor neuron disease, spinal cord injury or severe stroke, its sign that a solution which could transform their lives could be just a few years away.
Companies developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies certainly stepped up their activities this year with several starting to implant their devices into humans. After decades as an experimental technology pursued exclusively in research settings, BCI devices could be just a few years away from entering clinical practice – and investors are paying attention.
Precision Neuroscience Corp. recently raised $102 million in a series C funding round for its AI-powered brain–computer interface (BCI) technology, the Layer 7 Cortical Interface. The funding comes as interest in the technology heats up as clinical trials show that BCI devices are capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities.
