Inbrain Neuroelectronics has announced that they have raised 16.8 million dollars which will support clinical testing of a new device for Parkinson’s disease as well as epilepsy. This is a neuromodulation device which works to use computer learning to treat the conditions by easing tremors. With this funding, the team will be able to move to clinical trials with people.
About the Device
This device uses electrodes to stimulate neurons. The electrodes are based on a material called graphene which is a layer of very tightly bound carbon atoms. This material is very thin but very strong. This thin material is, believe it or not, 100 times stronger than steel. It has unique thermal and electrical properties which make it additionally advantageous.
Current options which use iridium or platinum carry with them poor side effects. These side effects can be so severe that they result in patients stopping treatment. They are also very large which restricts the resolution of the signal reaching the patient.
Moving Forward
Since this device is less invasive, researchers are hopeful it could provide fewer side effects for patients. The device is extremely intelligent. The team is hopeful that it will become a safer and more adaptable treatment for patients.
The fact that this device can be upgraded and adapted to fit patient needs is a huge advantage. The goal is to improve the things that matter the most to patients themselves. At its core, this should be the aim of all therapeutics.
You can read more about this investigative therapy and its new funding here.
