TECHNOLOGY

Applying electrical stimulation to help recover critical body function.

We are developing targeted neurostimulation systems that combine pioneering neuroscience with proprietary microelectronics, software, and data processing capabilities. Through our novel technology, we strive to help patients regain control of body functions they lost to disease or injury.

The breakdown of our machine-to-human interface.

Microelectronic Implant

Includes an array of 60 tiny electrodes placed either on the brain’s visual cortex or motor cortex.

Wireless Receiver

Conducts the signal from the data processing unit to send electrical pulses to specific bundles of neurons.

Data Processing Unit (not pictured)

Runs on proprietary software that allows us to process and transmit information to the brain, such as images captured by a video camera.

Multiple Potential Applications

Our primary focus is on developing product candidates that stimulate the visual and motor cortexes to restore vision and movement. We intend to eventually leverage our core technology for additional applications of neurostimulation to other areas of the brain.

Not an actual Orion patient

How we create artificial vision.

Through micro-electrical stimulation technology, we developed a unique medical device called Argus II (which has been discontinued) and our next generation vision system called Orion. Our devices create artificial vision by using a pattern of electrical stimulation that corresponds to images captured by a small video camera mounted in the center of a patient’s glasses. The glasses connect to a video processing unit (“VPU”) worn by the patient.

What is artificial vision?

Artificial vision does not restore normal stereoscopic vision or vision with color, but rather perceptions of light and shapes. The perceptions typically appear as small points of lights that correspond to the brightness of the different regions of the visual image from the camera.

With scanning and repetition, patients learn to interpret their environment and perform basic everyday tasks, such as finding a doorway, detecting another person’s presence, following a crosswalk or locating an object.

  • Argus II

    For the Argus II device (which has been discontinued), the stimulation is delivered to the surviving cells of the retina which convey the activity to the brain. Argus II users undergo surgery to implant the device in the retina.

  • Orion

    For our next generation Orion device, electrical stimulation is delivered directly to the visual cortex, the region of the brain responsible for vision. Orion users undergo cranial surgery to implant the device on the surface of the brain’s visual cortex.

How we’re seeking to improve muscle function after stroke.

We believe that our most promising next target will be to apply cortical neurostimulation to improve muscle recovery in partially paralyzed stroke patients who are undergoing rehabilitation.

The medical potential for this treatment concept is supported by evidence from clinical studies conducted by Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. in the early 2000s using a single-channel electrical stimulation device that was placed on the motor cortex. This is the area of the brain surface that controls hand and arm motion and the same area where our device will be placed.

An extensive intellectual property estate.

Our IP library covers the technologies invented during the development of the Argus, Orion, and stroke recovery devices, including certain technologies and methods required for neurostimulation and longevity.

U.S. Patents*

  • 235 issued patents

  • 3 pending applications

  • 4 issued design patents 

European Patents* 

  • 36 issued patents

  • 5 pending applications

  • 4 issued design registrations 

*As of December 2023