Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehabilitation.
Research news
Multiple lineages of stem cells contribute to neuron production
The development of the cerebral cortex largely depends on the stem cells responsible for generating neurons, known as Radial Glial Cells. Until now, it was considered that these stem cells generated neurons following a simple process, that is, a single cell lineage. However, a study led by the Neurogenesis and cortical expansion laboratory, headed by researcher Víctor Borrell at the Institute for Neurosciences, a joint centre of the Spanish National Research Council and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche, has discovered not only that there are many more types of Radial Glial Cells than previously thought, but also that there are at least three different processes of neurogenesis that occur in parallel in the same brain areas and at the same moment of development.
Blood protein could help detect delayed concussion recovery in children
Researchers have discovered a blood protein that could help detect which children will experience ongoing concussion symptoms more than two weeks after an injury. The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, found the protein was a potential biomarker for delayed recovery from concussion in children. Levels of the protein alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha-1-ACT) were significantly lower in children with a delayed recovery.
New technique sheds light on memory and learning
A new study has described a new platform capable of identifying the specific regulatory mechanisms that drive dendritic translation. The team leveraged a method, dubbed TurboID, to discover an entire suite of previously unknown factors in memory formation, revealing now mechanisms that underlie how protein synthesis in dendrites contributes to learning and memory. The findings may also have implications for intellectual disabilities, such as Fragile X syndrome.
Company and financial neuro-rehab news
Orphan Drug Exclusivity recognised for RADICAVA ORS
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognised seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity (ODE) for RADICAVA ORS® (edaravone) based on their assessment that the oral form of edaravone constitutes a major contribution to patient care for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The FDA’s Orphan Drug program is designed to support the development of drugs that treat rare diseases which affect less than 200,000 people in the U.S. Previously, the FDA granted RADICAVA ORS Priority Review and Fast Track designations.
NeuroOne announces first implant of OneRF Ablation Electrodes
NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation has announced the first implant of its OneRF™ Ablation electrode. The OneRF Ablation system has FDA 510(k) clearance for creation of radiofrequency lesions in nervous tissue for functional neurosurgical procedures. The company is the first to market the FDA-cleared thin-film, sEEG-guided RF system capable of both recording electrical activity and ablating nervous tissue with the temperature control.
Technology news
First-in-kind autism diagnostic and assessment tool in toddlers
EarliTec Diagnostics has announced a $21.5 million Series B financing round, led by Nexus NeuroTech Ventures and Venture Investors Health Fund. The funds will be used to expand commercialisation efforts and advance clinical research for the first-in-kind EarliPoint™ Evaluation, which aids clinicians in the diagnosis and assessment of autism in children aged 16-to-30 months.
FDA clearance for medical device to treat anxiety
Neurotech company Neurovalens has received medical device clearance from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety with its Modius Stress device. The company’s medical devices have been designed to deliver non-invasive electrical stimulation to key areas of the brain and nervous system without the need for surgically implanted electrodes. Modius Stress is designed to treat anxiety by delivering a small and safe electrical pulse to the head for a period of 30 minutes before bed, during which users can do other activities, such as watching TV or reading.
