Project description
Non-invasive deep brain stimulation system for Parkinson’s patients
More than one million people live with Parkinson’s disease today in Europe. With an ageing population, this figure is forecast to double by 2030. The condition is characterised by difficulty in moving and tremor, as well as psychiatric issues. It progressively reduces their quality of life with patients requiring increasing care. This imposes a significant socioeconomic burden, which currently amounts to EUR 13.9 billion of healthcare expenditure annually. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most common surgical treatment for Parkinson’s patients that carries the risk of haemorrhages and infections. The EU-funded MPT system project is developing an ultra-compact, low-cost and non-invasive system for DBS. The stimulation can be performed by image-guided placement of magnetic nanoparticles into the brain.
Objective
Currently, there are 1.2M people afflicted by Parkinson’s disease (PD) only in EU and the incidence is forecast to double by 2050 primarily as a result of the ageing population. They require high invasive treatments when drug therapy and early medication are not effective anymore. Then, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for Parkinson's patients, consisting in electrical stimulation of the deep regions of the brain responsible for movement disorders such tremors, stiffness and trouble walking. However, this treatment is highly-invasive and may lead to serious complications like hemorrhages and infections. Neuroparticle developed the Magnetic Particle Therapy (MPT), an ultra-compact, low-cost and non-invasive system for DBS in PD treatment. This stimulation is performed by image-guided placement of magnetic nanoparticles into the brain. The Neuroparticle’s system has been tested in various pre-clinical trials with excellent results published on peer- reviewed medical journals and presented at scientific conferences. This technological breakthroughs also enables meaningful reduction in size as it weighs only 90 kg and is perfectly head-sized (no shielding needed), saving hospitals valuable space and requiring less initial investment on setup labor. Finally, preliminary cost estimates show that the Neuroparticle’s system will allow hospitals to save up to 2/3 on cost of purchase and installation relative to competitors. During the Phase 1 feasibility assessment, in conjunction with partners, Neuroparticle will identify specific private hospitals to sell to. Target markets of Germany, Italy and Spain will be sized and contacts established. A supply chain procedure will be established in order to insure fast delivery for machine setup. As R&D continues, additional IP will be updated via patents.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
E9 5EN LONDON
United Kingdom
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.