Imagine a tiny electronic device that acts like a replacement for the inner ear's balance sensor. It sends gentle electrical signals to the brain to help people stay upright and steady on their feet. This helps prevent the dangerous falls that often happen as people get older.
Vestibular dysfunction leads to frequent falls in the elderly, resulting in high mortality and a 25 billion euro annual medical burden in the EU. Current treatments are insufficient, leaving a massive gap in the balance-restoration market.
A commercially viable vestibular implant featuring atraumatic neurostimulating electrodes and new diagnostic tools for patient selection.
If you are a device manufacturer dealing with a lack of balance-restoration therapies — this project developed a hearing-preserving vestibular implant that uses atraumatic electrodes to restore balance. This allows for a new product line targeting the aging population.
If you are a clinic dealing with patients suffering from vestibular dysfunction — this project developed novel diagnostic clinical tools to identify candidates for implantation. This enables precise patient selection and improved recovery outcomes.
If you are an insurer dealing with the 25 billion euro annual cost of treating falls in the EU — this project developed a restorative therapy that prevents falls. This could significantly reduce long-term medical payouts for elderly care.
Based on available project data, the specific unit price or cost of the implant is not provided; however, the project aims to develop a commercially attractive business case.
The project is currently focusing on the path to commercialization, including improving electrode technology and executing clinical trials to prove safety and efficacy.
Based on available project data, specific patent or licensing details are not listed, but the project is led by Cochlear Benelux NV, a commercial entity.
The project must execute a pivotal clinical trial to provide the necessary evidence for safety and efficacy required for medical device certification.
The project runs from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026, focusing on the transition from prototype to a commercial product.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, consisting of 6 partners across 4 countries. With a 33% industry ratio (including 2 industry partners and 1 SME), the project blends academic research from 2 universities and 2 research centers with the commercial expertise of Cochlear Benelux NV, ensuring a direct path from clinical trial to market.
Contact Cochlear Benelux NV regarding the BionicVEST-2 commercialization path.
Contact SciTransfer for detailed intelligence on vestibular implant market entry.
