Founded in 2021, Bottneuro is developing a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy that utilizes patient-specific MRI data to deliver precise electrical stimulation to affected brain regions. Following the successful closing of its first clinical study, the startup has launched a Priority Access Program and started treating patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in Switzerland.
Bottneuro is a Medtech startup from the University of Basel, dedicated to transforming neurological treatments. Their innovative neuromodulation therapy, Miamind®, uses MRI/PET data to deliver precise stimulation. Bottneuro is pioneering what they call "the new pharma" for treating neurological diseases, targeting a market worth over $500 billion. Their Miamind® neurostimulator has recently been registered according to MDR as a Custom-Made Device, allowing neurologists and psychiatrists in Switzerland and Europe to prescribe it to patients with neurological disorders.
The company has completed the first clinical trial (Mindstim), with all data collected and currently being analysed. The primary outcome to assess the safety of the treatment was successful, with no serious or unanticipated adverse device effects. Notably, a significant increase in attention (38% over four days, p-value ≤ 0.0001) was observed. Interim conclusions of the study indicate that the Miamind® neurostimulator for personalized, transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and repeated EEG measurements is safe and performs as intended.
Improved attention can be attributed to the anti-correlation between the stimulated Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Dorsal Attention Network (DAN). Fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV+) interneurons, drivers of gamma (30-80Hz) oscillations, underpin higher cognitive functions. Neural entrainment of PV+ inhibitory interneurons by external gamma (40Hz) tACS reduces DMN activity, which is negatively correlated with the DAN. Thus, it is hypothesized that 40Hz inhibitory interneuron entrainment suppresses DMN activity, activating the DAN and leading to a measurable increase in attention.
Priority Access Program in progress
Bottneuro has now started treating Alzheimer's patients in Switzerland via its Priority Access Program, which is available to neurology clinics, Memory Clinics, and private practices in Switzerland. As part of the program, the device is being tested by several patients.
Over 55 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's Disease (AD), facing severe episodic memory deficits. The disease is characterized by cognitive decline resulting from intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques. These pathological hallmarks lead to neurotoxicity and neuronal loss, causing synaptic dysfunction and disrupting brain circuits. This shift in neural activity from higher frequencies (gamma) to slower oscillations (theta) results in dementia, marked by declines in memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills.
Further functional connectivity analysis of different neural networks based on repeated EEG measurements is ongoing with their scientific collaborators to test this hypothesis. In the next step, Bottneuro is preparing a sham-controlled clinical trial in Alzheimer’s Disease patients to evaluate the efficacy of personalized tACS in early-stage AD patients in a home-use setting over several weeks.
With promising clinical results, strategic partnerships, and a clear path to market, Bottneuro aims to make Alzheimer's manageable at home, restoring independence and cognitive function to patients worldwide. After the trial period, Miamind® will be available through a monthly rental fee.
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The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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