Our technology
Synergia Medical is developing NAO, a next-generation neuromodulation platform that aims to advance existing neural stimulation therapies by eliminating the main metal components of traditional devices, potentially enabling more effective, safe and personalized treatments and improving patient quality of life.
Removing metal components from neuromodulation devices – why does it matter?
Neuromodulation devices, like pacemakers for the brain, provide life-changing treatment for conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. However, their metal components make them susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from medical equipment (MRI, electrosurgery, defibrillators) and everyday technology (stereo speakers, microwaves, induction stoves, and high-power electric vehicle chargers).
EMI may cause device malfunctions, pose safety risks, and disrupt critical diagnostics. It can also interfere with inductive charging, leading to longer recharge times and increased patient burden. Additionally, emerging threats like "brainjacking" highlight potential cybersecurity risks linked to EMI exposure. As EMI sources continue to grow, addressing these challenges is essential to supporting the safety, reliability, and longevity of neuromodulation therapies.
NAO – Neuromodulation Advanced with Optoelectronics
NAO technology seeks to address these EMI challenges by replacing metal enclosures with glass encapsulation and metallic wires with plastic optical fibers that transmit light instead of electricity. At the electrode, a miniature photovoltaic cell converts light into electrical stimulation, designed to enable precise therapy delivery without EMI-related disruptions.
This novel approach aims to make NAO potentially more resistant to EMI, may allow for unrestricted MRI access, supports seamless inductive charging, enhances cybersecurity, and aims for interference-free operation in both medical and daily environments. By addressing the limitations of metal-based neuromodulation devices, NAO intends to set a new standard for safety, reliability, and long-term performance.
The positive impact and unmet needs of VNS for DRE
Epilepsy affects 50 million people worldwide, making it the 4th most common neurological disorder. When two anti-epileptic drugs fail, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is diagnosed, affecting 30% of patients and leading to severe health and personal challenges, with increased risk of premature death and depression. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a well-established therapy for DRE that has been shown to reduce seizures, improve mood, and enhance quality of life. However, traditional metal-based VNS devices have significant limitations:
MRI Restrictions – Limited MRI compatibility may hinder essential diagnostics, while complex safety protocols may create challenges for patients and physicians.
Multiple Surgeries – Frequent battery replacements (typically within four years) may increase surgical burden, while electrode removal in case of device failure may carry risks such as vocal cord paralysis.
First-in-Human Results: Advancing Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Treatment with NAO
Synergia Medical’s AURORA study on NAO.VNS™ for drug-resistant epilepsy: Three-month post-implantation findings in a first-in-human pilot study (five patients successfully implanted at UZ Gent and Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Belgium):
Safety observed: No serious adverse events; minor effects consistent with existing VNS treatments.
100% implantation success: Reliable therapy delivery with no device failures.
40% responder rate: ≥50% seizure reduction at three months, with one patient seizure-free at six months.
Improved quality of life reported: Reduced seizure severity and depression.
Positive patient feedback: Just one minute of daily recharge.
Synergia’s technology is an investigational device, not approved for commercial use. Any information contained herein is preliminary, based on limited internal data and should not be construed as safety or performance claims. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy.