All you need is d̶r̶u̶g̶s̶ energy: Motif Neurotech's Implants for Depression
Oct 20, 2023
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Jacob Robinson, an entrepreneurial scientist and CEO of Motif Neurotech, discusses the future of mental health treatment through innovative neuromodulation implants aimed at depression. Joined by Brom Rector of Empath Ventures, they unveil how these minimally invasive devices could revolutionize psychiatry, offering alternatives to traditional drug therapies. The conversation touches on ethical considerations, challenges of accessibility, and the differentiation between Motif and Neuralink. They also explore the transition from academic research to innovative entrepreneurship in the neurotechnology space.
Neuromodulation offers a non-pharmacological approach to mental health treatment by precisely targeting brain regions, enhancing its potential effectiveness.
Motif Neurotech is developing minimally invasive implants for outpatient procedures, addressing safety concerns while minimizing distribution complexities.
The future of neurotechnology includes not just treating disorders but also cognitive enhancements, raising ethical questions about accessibility and equity.
Deep dives
Understanding Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation is a technique for regulating nervous system activity through various stimulation methods. It offers a distinct advantage over traditional pharmacological treatments, as it targets specific brain regions rather than receptors, making it potentially more effective for conditions like depression, OCD, and PTSD. By adjusting the activity level in targeted areas, neuromodulation can either enhance or inhibit brain function based on therapeutic needs. This capability enables more precise management of mental health conditions compared to medications that often have broader and less targeted effects.
Challenges in Adoption of Neuromodulation
Despite the potential benefits of neuromodulation, its market remains smaller than that of pharmacological interventions due to several logistical challenges. The administration of neuromodulation requires devices that are difficult to distribute compared to readily available medications. Additionally, there is a stigma associated with surgical interventions that hinders public acceptance, reminiscent of the historical hesitance surrounding pacemakers. As societal views evolve, increased awareness and trust in neuromodulation could drive broader adoption.
Motif Neurotech's Approach
Motif Neurotech aims to innovate within the neurotechnology market by developing minimally invasive brain implants that function as an outpatient procedure. By focusing on technology that avoids direct contact with the brain, the company addresses patient concerns related to traditional surgical risks. This strategy enhances the attractiveness of the treatment, presenting it as a safer alternative while minimizing the complexities of device distribution. The plan involves leveraging advancements in wireless power technology that allows for smaller and more efficient neurostimulation devices.
The Importance of Efficacy and Durability
Efficacy alone does not guarantee success in the neuromodulation market; durability and tolerability are also critical factors. While techniques like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) show promising efficacy rates, the long-term sustainability of these results often remains uncertain. Patients may experience relapses that necessitate repeated treatments, adding to the therapy's logistical demands. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of how long treatments remain effective is paramount for both patient outcomes and market success.
The Future of Neurotechnology
The future landscape of neurotechnology includes not only therapeutic applications for existing mental health disorders but also potential enhancements to cognitive functions for healthy individuals. As understanding of brain circuitry improves, neuromodulation could advance to assist those looking to enhance focus and attention, blurring the lines between therapy and enhancement. Ongoing clinical trials and research will likely expand the scope of applications, inviting ethical considerations around equity and access to such technologies. With the rapid growth in evidence and applications, the neurotechnology field is poised for significant impact, potentially revolutionizing mental health treatment.
Neuromodulation flies in the face of modern psychiatry. It can significantly improve mental health without drugs. It allows us to stimulate or inhibit activity in precise regions of the brain using electricity, magnetism or ultrasound.
Motif Neurotech is pioneering minimally invasive implants to precisely deliver neuromodulation for mental health. In this special episode, Matias joins Empath Ventures’ Brom Rector to interview Jacob Robinson, an entrepreneurial scientist who leveraged his academic research to start Motif Neurotech.
PsyMed Ventures and Empath Ventures invested in Motif’s latest seed round. Motif's implantable device stimulates a region of the brain associated with depression. Other applications being explored include Alzheimer's disease, PTSD and ADHD.
Neuromodulation is still early but holds great promise as a paradigm shift in psychiatry and even human augmentation–unlocking the full potential of the brain.