Paradromics' Brain Implant Set to Transform Lives as It Nears FDA Approval

Paradromics, a US-based brain-computer interface developer, has announced a potential step towards FDA approval for its brain implant aiding severely motor-impaired individuals.

The company, in a statement, said that the US regulator has granted the implant a "breakthrough device designation" for its Connexus Direct Data Interface (DDI).

Brain Implant Edges Closer to FDA Approval

The designation offers an expedited review process for transformative medical devices with the potential to treat irreversibly debilitating conditions.

Brain-computer Interface to Overcome Paralysis
Brain-computer interface —an investigational device has been found safe in a small study of people with paralysis from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

‘FDA approval for a brain implant aimed at aiding severely motor-impaired individuals could be within reach, as US-based developer Paradromics makes significant progress. ’

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Connexus DDI is an assistive communication device that translates brain signals into speech and movement in real-time, restoring social connection and enabling independent engagement with technology. As it records directly from the brain, the neuroprosthesis could restore communication and functional independence to thousands of people living with paralysis.

"This designation recognizes the transformative promise of our device, and we look forward to continued coordination with the FDA to accelerate its availability," said Paradromics CEO Matt Angle, in the statement.

Meanwhile, the company also announced a $33 million Series A funding round led by Prime Movers Lab and Westcott Investment Group, Dolby Family Ventures, and Green Sands Equity.

Breakthrough Brain Implant by Paradromics

"This investment validates our leadership position among the small group of BCI platform companies on the verge of commercialization," Angle said.

Brain-Computer Interface Might Improve Motor Function in Stroke Patients
Brain-computer interface produced a 36% improvement in motor function of a stroke-damaged hand through electrical signals.

Paradromics is part of the emerging brain-computer interface, or BCI, industry. Beyond assistive communication, BCI has the potential to address a range of currently unmet medical needs, from motor and sensory deficits to chronic pain and mood disorders.

The best-known name in the BCI space is billionaire Elon Musk's Neuralink.

First Human Use of Wireless Brain-computer Interface
For the first time, BrainGate clinical trial participants with tetraplegia have demonstrated use of an intracortical wireless Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) with an external wireless transmitter.

While Neuralink is focused more on neurological disorders, the potential applications of Paradromics implants are far-reaching and diverse.

The Connexus DDI can help people with conditions like ALS, spinal cord injury, and stroke which causes severe motor impairment, affecting patients' ability to communicate. Many of these patients have intact, highly active brains but may struggle to speak or use a computer or rely on slow, frustrating gaze-tracking systems.

The technology could revolutionize the treatment of neurological and brain-related conditions ranging from sensory deficits to mood disorders.

Source-IANS