Neurovation Labs has been awarded a U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract to develop tools for PTSD and brain traumas.
The American biotechnology company is developing the first objective diagnostic and companion treatment for PTSD -post-traumatic stress disorder.
Its new contract follows other two in December 2019 and June 2020, where the company gained the sponsorship of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) 24th Special Operations Wing to continue development of the PTSD diagnostic and treatment.
This year’s contract will accelerate the development of these healthcare technologies, as well as explore expansion into detecting Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including mild TBI (mTBI).
Two of the most significant issues affecting long-term soldier health are TBI and PTSD, which often occur together. After a trauma, over one-third of soldiers with TBI also have concurrent PTSD.
Civilians are impacted as well, with 8-10 per cent of the U.S. population suffering from PTSD, caused by accidents, assaults, natural disasters, and other traumas, and many more suffering from TBI. Meanwhile, brain trauma is closely tied to homelessness, joblessness, drug misuse, and a staggering suicide rate.
Neurovation Labs tries to address critical shortcomings in brain trauma healthcare by assessing and targeting underlying biomarkers.
The company’s first two products focus on PTSD and target a localised protein increase in the brain to develop the first diagnostic brain scan and companion medication for the disorder.
With the Phase II contract, the firm will be extending use of its diagnostic platform to detect mTBI before outward behavioural symptoms manifest.
“We are incredibly excited to continue our work with AFWERX and the U.S. Air Force on the development of our brain trauma healthcare platform,” says Neurovation Labs’ CEO, Dr. Jennifer Perusini.
“This partnership not only validates the need for our products, but also ensures we are providing solutions that fit within both civilian and military healthcare systems. Our goal is to revolutionise mental healthcare for everyone with a precision molecular approach.”
Since it was founded in 2016, the biotech company has received over US$2.25 m in awards and contracts from the U.S. military.
For more information, visit neurovationlabs.com.
