In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into Synchron and its mission to develop a potential first-in-class implantable brain computer interface (BCI) that allows people with motor impairment to communicate their thoughts through a device. Founded in 2012, Synchron has raised $145 million since inception, which has taken the implant into clinical trials and the company is gearing up for its final clinical trial.

Surani speaks to Dr Tom Oxley, about his origins as a neurologist in Australia and his inspiration for Synchron's BCI. He talks about his struggles to finance the company in Australia, which led Synchron to the US. Dr Elad Levy, Professor and Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo gives his view of the technology's potential, particularly its favorable risk profile and straightforward implant procedure versus more invasive competitor BCIs. Dr David Putrino, Director of Rehabilitation Innovation, Mount Sinai Health System speaks about the BCI's utility, its potential to improve patient quality of and reduce overall healthcare costs. Kurt Haggstrom, CCO talks about navigating Synchron through reimbursement and commercial considerations and building Synchron into a bigger brand. Tom outlines next-step clinical trial and financing plans, thoughts on IPO vs a sale and ultimate visions for the company.

Timestamps:

01:46 - The crux of the Synchron's BCI

03:00 - Back story of Tom and the "light bulb" for Synchron

05:52 - Learning the hard way: Australian investors vs US investors

07:23 - Synchron vs BCI competitors (including Elon Musks's Neuralink)

11:10 - Published clinical trial data so far, current risk/benefit profile

12:23 - Dr Levy (UB) gives his view on the potential impact of Synchron's BCI

14:57 - Dr Putrino (Mount Sinai) talks about Synchron's impressive progress

16:43 - Dr Levy and Dr Putrino give thoughts on clinical data, safety and efficacy

19:20 - Kurt and Tom talk about designing the pivotal trial with reimbursement in mind

23:24 - Expert insights on potentially acceptable pricing of a BCI

25:36 - Market reach with tech boom and "less complex" implant procedure

27:58 - Future financing plans, IPO possibilities, and building Synchron into a bigger brand

30:58 - Tom's thoughts on acquisition and comments on Elon Musk's BCI vision

32:15 - Future vision for Synchron and BCI capabilities

For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: [email protected]

Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.