Imagine a pacemaker for the brain, but instead of metal wires that block medical scans, it uses light-carrying fibers. This allows doctors to take clear MRI pictures while the device is inside the patient. It's like upgrading from a blind guess to a GPS-guided system for treating severe seizures.
Current vagus nerve stimulators use a one-size-fits-all approach and contain metal wires that prevent MRI scans. This makes the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy expensive and difficult to adjust for individual patients.
A next-generation implantable vagus nerve neurostimulator that replaces metal wires with optical fibers. It includes an implantable pulse generator and optical leads compatible with MRI scans.
If you are a device manufacturer dealing with the limitations of metal-wire implants that block MRI scans — this project developed a metal-free optical fiber system that allows for continuous imaging and personalized therapy adjustments.
If you are a clinic dealing with 8 million patients who cannot undergo brain surgery for epilepsy — this project developed a personalized vagus nerve stimulator that reduces the cost and complexity of patient care pathways.
If you are an engineering firm dealing with the challenge of converting light to electrical impulses in the body — this project developed an implantable pulse generator using optical fibers to ensure MRI compatibility.
The project expects to generate €89M by 2028 through sales in the EU and US markets.
The production requirement for the pivotal study was optimized from 300 systems down to 100 systems due to improved optical compatibility.
Based on available project data, the project is led by Synergia Medical, but specific patent or licensing terms are not detailed.
The project has completed preclinical safety assessments, including biological safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and usability validation.
The project is conducting clinical pilot trials and pivotal studies in the EU and US to secure market approvals, with manufacturing postponed to 2026.
The project is managed by a single-partner consortium consisting of Synergia Medical, a Belgian SME. This 100% industry-led structure indicates a strong commercial drive and streamlined decision-making, focusing on moving a medical device from technical validation to market approval without the complexity of academic partnerships.
Contact Synergia Medical in Belgium for licensing or partnership inquiries.
Contact us to explore partnership opportunities with Synergia Medical for neuromodulation tech.
