Synchron pauses brain implant trials over performance issues

Synchron halts second-generation trials

The Brooklyn-based brain implant company has paused clinical trials of its wireless Stentrode device after it failed to perform as expected in initial study participants.

How the Stentrode works

The stent-like mesh tube is inserted into the jugular vein at the base of the neck, then guided with a catheter to sit on top of the brain's motor cortex, avoiding brain surgery.

First-generation success

Ten volunteers across the US and Australia received the first-generation Stentrode with an external wire. They sent emails, texts, browsed the internet, and controlled Amazon Alexa and Apple devices with their thoughts.

The wireless version's problem

The second-generation device has fewer electrodes and connects via Bluetooth. Synchron identified a performance issue involving the lead, the cable carrying signals from the Stentrode to implanted electronics.

“The issue does not involve the Stentrode itself and no safety issues related to the device have been identified.”

Company restructures and relocates

Synchron is eliminating jobs and scaling back its New York footprint while building up a team in San Diego to support development of an upgraded lead and an entirely new device.

CEO remains confident

CEO Tom Oxley says Synchron still has strong confidence that the Stentrode has the potential to be a first-line therapy, despite the current setback and pause in enrollment.

“We still have strong confidence that it has the potential to be a first-line therapy.”

Synchron's funding and valuation

Synchron was estimated to have a nearly one billion dollar valuation after closing a two hundred million dollar funding round last fall.

Field still experimental despite progress

While brain-computer interfaces show promise for people with severe motor disorders, Synchron's setback demonstrates how far the field still has to go before these systems are commercially available for patients.