Brain Chip Breakthrough: Promising Depression Treatment

• Motif Neurotech: $18.75M for depression implant.
• DOT microstimulator: Compact, battery-free, inspired by magnetic therapy.
• Motif envisions a speedy, minimally invasive 20-min installation for depression.

In a groundbreaking development, biotech startup Motif Neurotech is pioneering a brain implant designed to offer hope to individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Originally conceived as a research project at Rice University, Motif Neurotech has secured a substantial $18.75 million in Series A funding, led by Arboretum Ventures, to propel its innovative technology forward.

The brain implant, still in the developmental stage, has not undergone comprehensive human testing or clinical trials. Despite the funding injection, trials to assess its safety and efficacy in treating depression are likely years away, and the company has not provided a specific timeline for these crucial milestones. Instead, Motif Neurotech plans to utilize the funding to advance the development of its flagship product—a fingertip-sized, battery-free implant known as the DOT microstimulator.

Motif Neurotech’s implant is inspired by transcranial magnetic stimulation, a therapeutic technique that utilizes magnetic fields to modulate brain activity. Unlike traditional treatments that require multiple sessions in a clinical setting, Motif’s DOT microstimulator aims to provide a more accessible and convenient solution.

In a preliminary paper published in 2023, Motif Neurotech’s founder and CEO, Jacob Robinson, along with a team of researchers, detailed initial testing of the implant in a human undergoing unrelated brain surgery and a pig. The company emphasizes its commitment to developing “minimally invasive” neural implants, aiming for a 20-minute installation procedure that could be performed at home rather than in a clinical environment.

The key innovation lies in the implant’s design, which eliminates logistical complexities associated with traditional brain chips—such as the need for leads, battery packs, and wires. The DOT microstimulator generates its own energy, streamlining the process and potentially offering a more user-friendly solution.

Motif Neurotech envisions a future where their chip, once approved for use, could be installed in just 20 minutes and used without the need for constant clinical supervision. Jacob Robinson, the CEO, expressed optimism, stating, “Minimally-invasive bioelectronics are the future of mental health treatment.” With approximately 30% of depression patients not responding to two or more medications, Motif Neurotech aims to address a significant need for effective and easily accessible treatment options.

Also Read

Rare Footage: First-ever Newborn Great White Shark in the Wild

In a groundbreaking discovery, wildlife cameraman Carlos Gauna and UC Riverside student...