MIT Spinout Developing Brain Implants with Hair-Thin Fibers
A Novel Approach to Neurological Treatment: NeuroBionics
The founding of NeuroBionics demonstrates a significant level of ambition, as the company aims to revolutionize treatment for neurological disorders. This MIT spin-off is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Potential Applications Beyond Core Neurological Issues
According to investor Steve Jurvetson of Future Ventures, successful development of NeuroBionics’ technology could extend its benefits to address issues within the peripheral nervous system. This includes potential therapies for pain management, incontinence, and a range of other medical applications.
The Core Technology: Bioelectric Fibers
NeuroBionics’ innovative approach centers around remarkably small bioelectric fibers. These fibers, comparable in width to a human hair, are designed to be delivered through blood vessels in the brain via a procedure mirroring stent placement, enabling targeted neuromodulation therapy.
The system is powered by an implantable battery, similar in size and longevity to an AirPod case, and commonly utilized in existing medical devices for spinal cord stimulation. This battery is anticipated to function for five to ten years.
A Less Invasive Alternative to Traditional Deep Brain Stimulation
This method presents a substantial improvement over conventional deep brain stimulation, which traditionally requires invasive surgery involving drilling into the skull. Existing deep brain stimulation relies on implanted metal electrodes to generate electrical impulses and regulate abnormal brain activity when medication proves ineffective.
Material Science and Enhanced MRI Compatibility
NeuroBionics distinguishes itself by utilizing carbon nanotubes instead of the commonly used platinum or iridium oxide in electrodes. While these metals offer good conductivity, they can degrade over time and potentially cause tissue damage. Carbon nanotubes offer a more durable and cost-effective solution.
Furthermore, the use of carbon nanotubes significantly improves compatibility with MRI scans. Metal electrodes can create artifacts in MRI images, hindering accurate brain visualization, a problem largely avoided with carbon nanotubes.
The Origins of NeuroBionics at MIT
The company’s technology is the culmination of a decade of research into fiber technology conducted at MIT. CEO MJ Antonini co-founded the company while still a student, securing three patents that grant MIT a stake in the business.
A Unique Educational Background
Antonini’s path to founding NeuroBionics was unconventional. He holds a doctorate from both Harvard and MIT, earned through the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology. This program involved two years of medical school at Harvard, followed by extensive studies in medical engineering and physics at MIT.
Driven by a desire to move beyond theoretical research, Antonini sought to “create an actual product and an actual medical company.”
From Research to Reality
After completing his doctoral studies, Antonini continued as a postdoctoral researcher for two years, focusing on translating the technology into a viable real-world application. He ultimately left MIT in early 2023 alongside Nicki Driscoll, now NeuroBionics’ CTO, to fully pursue this venture.
Future Potential and Broad Applications
While the current focus is on neuromodulation, both Antonini and Jurvetson envision a broader range of applications for NeuroBionics’ bio-electronic fibers. These include targeted drug delivery, tissue ablation within the brain, and treatment of spinal cord and peripheral nervous system conditions.
Recent Funding and Next Steps
NeuroBionics recently secured $5 million in funding, led by Dolby Family Ventures, with participation from Future Ventures and GreyMatter Capital. These funds will be used to finalize the development of the clinical device.
The next phase involves testing the device’s safety and efficacy in pigs, due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Following a review by the FDA, NeuroBionics plans to apply for an investigational device exemption (IDE) to initiate first-in-human clinical trials.
Timeline for Market Availability
When questioned about the potential timeline for market release, Antonini estimates 2030 as a realistic target.
Investor Confidence and Market Opportunity
Investor confidence is high, with Jurvetson highlighting the proven effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for conditions like stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, and tremor. However, he notes that the invasive nature of traditional surgery prevents many eligible patients from pursuing this treatment option.
Jurvetson believes NeuroBionics’ minimally invasive technology has the potential to significantly expand access to this beneficial therapy, particularly given the limited number of hospitals currently offering deep brain stimulation.
He concludes that the “application domain” for this “minimally invasive stent” is exceptionally large.