Tom O'Neill on Shaping the Future of Brain Health Diagnostics | The Health Innovators Show
Nov 21, 2023
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Tom O'Neill, President and CEO of Cognivue, discusses revolutionizing brain health diagnostics and the challenges faced in commercialization journey. They touch upon the lack of brain health screening in primary care clinics, FDA approval, reengineering the device, and the convergence of market trends in brain health diagnostics.
Cognitive View aims to revolutionize brain health diagnostics by offering clinically validated and self-administered technology for cognitive screening and assessment.
Cognitive View's success is attributed to its team's dedication, expertise, and flexibility in addressing the challenges of bringing innovative healthcare technology to market.
Deep dives
Cognitive View's Mission to Improve Brain Health
Tom O'Neill, President and CEO of Cognitive View, discusses the mission of his company to test and identify potential challenges or issues around brain health before they become permanent. By focusing on neurology and mild cognitive impairment, Cognitive View aims to make a difference in this space. The main obstacle has been the lack of focus on brain health in healthcare, as providers often don't have the time, reimbursement, or intervention methods to address it. However, with the recent FDA approval of drugs like Leqimbe and upcoming drugs by Eli Lilly, the demand for cognitive screening and assessment is set to increase dramatically. Cognitive View's technology, which is clinically validated and self-administered, offers a solution for healthcare providers, and the company has successfully shifted its focus to audiologists and pharmacists to expand its user base.
Overcoming Hurdles in Building Cognitive View
The journey of building Cognitive View has involved several challenges. One major hurdle was redesigning the device to create a more portable and user-friendly version. Additionally, the company needed to generate clinical validation and peer-reviewed journal articles to gain credibility among healthcare providers. Another obstacle was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Cognitive View to pivot its strategy and focus on serving audiologists and pharmacists remotely. The company successfully adapted to the changing market conditions and is now re-engaging with MDs and health systems. Furthermore, securing funding and finding investors who understand the longer timeframes and investment requirements of healthcare startups has been crucial.
Trends Driving Cognitive View's Growth
Cognitive View is well-positioned for growth due to several converging trends. The approval of drugs like Leqimbe and the subsequent coverage decision by CMS have created a need for cognitive screening as part of patient evaluation prior to receiving these medications. This has elevated the importance of cognitive testing and created an awareness of early detection and intervention for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. Additionally, Cognitive View possesses valuable clinical data from large studies, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of its technology. Lastly, the company is launching a new device with improved functionality and reporting, aligning with the increasing demand for cognitive screening and assessment in the healthcare market.
The Importance of Teamwork in Cognitive View's Success
Tom O'Neill acknowledges that while he is the face of Cognitive View, it is the dedicated team of over 40 individuals who truly make a difference. Their collective effort and expertise contribute to the company's success in tackling the challenges of bringing innovative healthcare technology to market. O'Neill recognizes the importance of having a strong team that is accountable, focused, and flexible in addressing the ever-evolving needs of a startup. Together, they are committed to the mission of Cognitive View and driving positive change in brain health evaluation and care.
Tom O'Neill, President, and CEO of Cognivue, shares the challenges and triumphs in revolutionizing brain health diagnostics. From reengineering a clunky device to navigating FDA clearance, explore the evolution of cognitive testing technology and the mission to make a difference in patients' lives.
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