In this episode of Raising Biotech, host Surani digs into the cutting-edge work of Synchron, a medtech company that's shaking up the brain-computer interface (BCI) space. The goal? To help patients with motor impairment regain communication abilities through thought alone. Surani sits down with Dr. Tom Oxley, CEO and founder of Synchron; Kurt Haggstrom, Chief Commercial Officer; Dr. Elad Levy, Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo; and Dr. David Putrino, Director of Rehabilitation Innovation at Mount Sinai. Together, they unpack Synchron’s journey, their groundbreaking technology, and the road ahead.
Dr. Oxley’s vision for Synchron emerged from his background in neuro-intervention. Instead of invasive brain surgeries, he saw a new path—using blood vessels as natural highways to implant BCIs. This approach, which places the device through the vascular system without skull incisions, sets Synchron apart from other players in the field. Dr. Levy explains how this minimally invasive technique could be a game-changer for patients with ALS, spinal cord injuries, and stroke, allowing them to regain crucial functions. It’s a sharp contrast to the open-brain surgeries needed for some other BCI technologies, including Elon Musk’s highly publicized Neuralink.
With over $145 million raised, including a $75 million Series C in 2022, Synchron is gaining serious momentum. This funding is propelling their pivotal clinical trials, and Dr. Putrino underscores how the company’s focus on practical, real-world use could transform the lives of people with severe disabilities. Oxley is clear about their timeline—Synchron aims to have a commercially viable product by 2026, with proof points along the way to show they’re on track.
But building a market-ready device and scaling it takes more than ambition. Looking ahead, the CEO lays out their game plan: Synchron plans to raise another $50 to $75 million to push towards FDA approval. After that, they’re gearing up for a major financing round of $200 to $250 million—whether that’s through private investors or a public IPO—aimed at commercial launch. It’s a high-stakes move that shows just how much fuel they’ll need to bring their vision to life.
As the buzz around BCI technology intensifies, Synchron’s unique approach—using minimally invasive procedures—could give them a leg up. While competitors like Neuralink make headlines, Synchron’s strategy may just be the ticket to faster regulatory approvals and wider adoption.
Want to know how Synchron is breaking new ground in the BCI race? Tune into the full episode of Raising Biotech for exclusive insights from Dr. Tom Oxley, Kurt Haggstrom, Dr. Elad Levy, and Dr. David Putrino.
[This episode was aired on 5 December 2023]