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TWST: What is Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems?
Mr. Surgenor: Cyberkinetics is an extremely exciting medical device
company in the neurotechnology area. Neurotechnology is implantable
medical devices in the brain, the spine or the peripheral nerves.
Cyberkinetics is a neurotechnology innovator positioned at the forefront
of the next generation of medical technology advances ' reminiscent of
the dramatic advances that occurred in the care of the heart with
pacemakers, stents and so forth. Now, innovative companies are
developing products that improve the care of the brain and the nervous
system. Cyberkinetics is at the leading edge of that development. The
company has two, cutting-edge technology platforms. Our neural sensing
technology was developed at Brown University ' where the Company's
Founder, John Donoghue, pioneered research in making direct interfaces
with the brain. We currently have two programs based on our neural
sensing platform: the BrainGate System and the NeuroPort_ System. The
BrainGate System is an investigative device being developed to enable
someone who is severely paralyzed to operate a computer, to control
devices, to communicate ' or even move their own limbs ' simply by
thinking. The BrainGate sensor detects the neural signals directly from
the brain and uses complex mathematical formulas and software to
translate those signals into specific actions. The NeuroPort System,
which is already FDA cleared-to-market, utilizes the same sensor as that
used in the BrainGate System, but is being developed for applications in
which participants are already undergoing neurosurgical monitoring. We
believe that the NeuroPort System will ultimately enable physicians to
improve the diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases and
conditions, like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and severe brain trauma.
Cyberkinetics acquired the Andara_ Oscillating Field Stimulator (OFS)
platform, a proprietary neural stimulation technology, in February. The
Andara OFS technology, developed at Purdue University, is a system that
is surgically implanted within 18 days of a spinal cord injury. The
Andara OFS Device transmits small voltages of electricity to the area
around a spinal cord injury in order to stimulate the growth of neural
fibers across the area of injury. These neural fibers then form new
neural connections that can lead to functional recovery following
catastrophic spinal cord injuries. A 10-patient clinical trial has
already been completed, and published results show that the Andara OFS
Device has returned sensation and some limb movement to those with acute
injuries. Again, the Andara OFS Device is a stimulator, as opposed to
the BrainGate and NeuroPort Systems, which are sensors. BrainGate and
NeuroPort Systems are implanted onto the surface of the brain, and the
Andara OFS Device is implanted alongside the spine.
Tickers included in this excerpt: CYKN
For more information call (212) 952 7433. The
Wall Street Transcript does not endorse any of the comments made by interviewees, and does
not make stock recommendations.
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