New York, October 27, 2022 – Synchron, the leading endovascular brain-computer interface (BCI) company that develops technology to restore functionality in patients with severe paralysis, has announced that patient enrollment in the COMMAND Trial has begun at the University of Pittsburgh. David Lacomis, MD, department professor and division chief of the neuromuscular division, will be the principal investigator.
The COMMAND Trial is conducted under the first investigational device exemption (IDE) awarded by the FDA to a company assessing a permanently implanted brain-computer interface. The flagship technology, the Stentrode™, is an brain implant designed to help patients wirelessly control digital devices through thought and better functional independence. It is implanted within the motor cortex of the brain via the jugular vein in a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. According to Synchron, “Once implanted, it detects and wirelessly transmits motor intent, restoring a capability for severely paralyzed patients to control personal devices with hands-free point-and-click. The trial will assess the impact of tasks such as texting, emailing, online shopping, and telehealth services.”
“This exciting technology may open up the possibility for patients with paralysis to use digital devices to communicate with loved ones again, and restore independence back into their lives,” said Dr. Lacomis. “Something as simple as surfing the web or doing online grocery shopping can seem mundane to some, but it can change the world for someone who previously had those fundamental abilities taken away.”
There are currently recruiting COMMAND Trial sites in New York, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA. Any referring physician may direct their inquiries to COMMAND@synchron.com to be put in touch with the study coordinator.
