Synchron Inc., a competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain implant startup, is gearing up to recruit patients for a large-scale clinical trial to seek commercial approval for its device, according to the company’s CEO, Thomas Oxley.
The company plans to launch an online registry for patients interested in participating in the trial, which aims to include dozens of participants. Synchron has received interest from approximately 120 clinical trial centers to assist in running the study.
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Synchron’s brain implant device aims to assist paralyzed patients in typing on a computer by interpreting brain signals. The company has made significant progress in testing its device, having received US authorization for preliminary testing in July 2021 and already implanting the device in six patients.
The upcoming trial will include patients paralyzed due to conditions such as ALS, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Collaborating institutions for the preliminary study include Mount Sinai in New York, the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Synchron’s device differs from Neuralink’s in that it is delivered to the brain via a large vein next to the motor cortex, rather than being surgically implanted into the brain cortex. The FDA has requested Synchron to screen stroke patients using a non-invasive test to determine their suitability for the implant.
Expanding the market for brain computer interface (BCI) devices is a priority for Synchron, as it seeks to serve patients beyond those with quadriplegia. The company aims to make the technology accessible to individuals who have experienced severe paralysis due to conditions like stroke.
In addition to its clinical advancements, Synchron has also invested in manufacturing capabilities by acquiring an equity stake in medical component maker Acquandas. The company has attracted interest from prominent investors, including billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates.
While Synchron moves forward with its clinical trial and manufacturing initiatives, competition in the BCI space continues to intensify, with Neuralink being one of its main rivals. Both companies are working towards providing innovative solutions to enhance the lives of individuals with neurological conditions.
