A Bionics Institute invention to improve brain stimulation treatment is on the road towards use in clinics following the launch of a new spin-off company.
Cognitive Therapeutics Pty Ltd (CogTx) is developing software co-invented by Bionics Institute researchers Professor Kate Hoy, Dr Oscar Murphy and Dr David Hill with the aim of improving the personalisation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and outcomes for people with neurological and mental health conditions.
Backed by seed funding from Swinburne Ventures Ltd, Australian family offices and leading medtech entrepreneurs, with software development expertise to be provided by Planet Innovation, CogTx is the first collaboration to emerge from the strategic partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and the Bionics Institute.
Bionics Institute CEO, Robert Klupacs says:
“As well as improving treatment outcomes, the technology could cut the time required to personalise TMS treatment in half. We see this as a gamechanger for the expanding the use of TMS across a range of treatment areas.”
Widely used to treat people with treatment-resistant depression, Professor Kate Hoy leads the Bionics Institute research team investigating personalised TMS as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Studies are increasingly showing that personalised TMS can improve treatment effectiveness. However, the equipment currently used to map the exact treatment location for each individual is complex and can be prohibitively expensive for clinics Professor Kate Hoy
The specialist software will use MRI scans and advanced algorithms to identify the optimal treatment location for each person, replacing expensive equipment and simplifying the personalisation process.
Abs Seth, Swinburne Director of Commercial Innovation, said the collaboration marks an exciting step in medical research translation.
“Translating research into real-world impact is at the heart of both Swinburne and BI, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate and co-create industries of the future,” he said.
Chaired by Professor Graeme Samuel AC, CogTx will develop the software-based technology through to expected FDA approval and subsequent clinical deployment worldwide, as well as undertaking ongoing clinical trials investigating personalised TMS as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.
See our researchers on Channel 9
