Five Neuromodulation Companies to Watch.

When it comes to the neurology medical device space, there’s a wealth of companies offering innovative and inspiring products to optimise clinical practice and create efficient patient care. The introduction of neuromodulation has created ample new opportunities for innovation in the space.

This therapy is focused on re-establishing the normal function of the nervous system. Through distributing electrical stimulation or chemical agents to specific neurological sites on the body, this support is predominantly used for the easing of chronic pain, an issue which remains in high demand in the wake of a damaging opioid crisis.

As we recover from the pandemic and look towards a new year with plentiful advancements, which companies should we be watching in this space in the year to come? Below, I take a look at some of the most promising neuromodulation device companies and their innovative approach.

The Leaders in Neuromodulation.

Saluda Medical

A remarkable innovator in creating disruptive neuromodulation solutions, Saluda Medical has utilised more than 10 years of advanced research and clinical experience to develop their latest neurology medical device: EVOKE. The Evoke System is the first product in development to use Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) to directly measure the spinal cord’s physiologic response to stimulation. From this data, the Evoke System aims to deliver smart neuromodulation therapy and the ultimate in pain management.

Mainstay Medical

As they launch the first FDA-approved restorative neurostimulation therapy for mechanical chronic low back pain, Mainstay Medical are certainly keeping pace with leaders in their neurology medical device field.  

The ReActive8 uses restorative therapy that disrupts the chronic pain cycle by stimulating the nerves painlessly, showing a proven significant reduction in mechanical CLBP, alongside the related loss of muscular function and muscular degeneration. Mainstay Medical is one to watch next year in the neurology medical device space. 

Inspire Sleep

Inspire Sleep is offering a revolutionary intervention for those struggling with chronic sleep apnea in the neurology medical device sector. The treatment offered by Inspire Sleep is the only treatment for sleep apnea that works within the body to hold FDA approval. An alternative to CPAP, a small device is placed within the body in a same-day, outpatient procedure, to allow management of your airways while you sleep at the touch of a button, allowing you to breathe normally and get the best sleep possible.  

Early survey responses are impressive: 90% of bed partners report minimal or no snoring and 79% of patients report a reduction in sleep apnea events. Inspire’s treatment is easily available on most insurance plans covering neurology medical devices, and 94% of Inspire patients report better treatment with Inspire than CPAP. 

Nevro

Whilst traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has existed for over 30 years, Nevro disrupted the market in recent years, offering a next-generation approach in its ‘10kHz Therapy’. Unlike others on the market, this product provides patients with significant pain relief and no paresthesia as a result of its use. 

The Nevro Senza SCS System for HF10 received CE mark in 2010, TGA approval in 2011, FDA approval in 2015, and includes most waveform types in this single product – allowing patients to achieve long-term pain relief without hassle. Its telehealth platform and lightweight device invites ease of use and maximum versatility. 

Whilst this product is already commercially available across Europe, Australia, and the United States; the team continues to focus on improving technology and supporting patient access. An impressive 88% of Nevro patients are more independent as a result of reduced pain, and the company continues to focus on increasing this number and access to this life-changing device across the globe. 

Stimwave

Stimwave offers two types of neurostimulator devices to provide long-lasting pain relief. The Freedom SCS System and StimQ PNS System relieve pain by sending electrical stimulation to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Unlike any other device, they are powered wirelessly, without an implanted battery, allowing simple and efficient use. 

Freedom SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator) System is used to treat chronic intractable pain typically associated with the back and legs by stimulating nerves along your spine. The StimQ PNS (Peripheral Nerve Stimulator) system treats chronic intractable pain by stimulating individual nerves throughout your body. 

After an initial assessment and trial period, if pain is relieved by more than 50% then a permanent stimulator is implanted. Due to its success with full body pain relief, lack of battery implantation through wireless charging capability, and minimally invasive implantation, this innovative technology is truly changing the face of pain management. 

A New Year for Neuromodulation.

From market leaders to sector start-ups, it’s clear that innovation and collaborative technology are at the heart of the neurology medical device trajectory for the year ahead. With great advancements for both clinical treatment and patient experience already being experienced from new product development, now is a timely moment to look towards the future of these companies in the months to come.

Are you interested in discussing any of the companies, technologies or trends in the market with me in some more detail? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what's to come for 2023 and beyond. Drop me a message at Ryan.Tosh@medical-cm.com or connect with me on LinkedIn to chat.