Synchron Continues to Amaze After Releasing World’s First Brain-Computer Interface

The last few months have been a whirlwind of positive news from the brain-computer interface (BCI) company Synchron.

In late July, the New York, NY-based company announced the first amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient in the world to use Apple Vision Pro with a BCI, which allowed the 64-year-old man to use the device using his thoughts.

In mid-September, Synchron announced its BCI could be used in the same way with Amazon’s Alexa. Again, it was the first such use.

And in late September, Synchron presented results of its COMMAND study at the 2024 Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting. The COMMAND study is the first FDA-approved investigational device exemption (IDE) trial of a permanently implanted BCI. Study co-principal investigator, Elad Levy, MD, who presented the results, was honored with the Duke Samson Award. Levy has several professional titles: SUNY Distinguished Professor and L. Nelson Hopkins Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and co-director of the Gates Stroke Center and Cerebrovascular Surgery at Kaleida Health’s Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute.

Synchron, which has implanted its BCI in 10 people since 2019, leads against rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which has implanted its BCI in two people in 2024.

About those study results

COMMAND study results showed that all six patients studied had no device-related serious adverse events resulting in death or permanent increased disability during the one-year post implant evaluation period. It also demonstrated that brain signals related to motor intent can be consistently captured and transformed into digital motor outputs, allowing participants to successfully perform a range of digital tasks. In 100% of cases, the Stentrode device [which is implanted within the brain’s motor cortex] was accurately deployed, achieving target motor cortex coverage in the brain for all six patients. The median deployment time was 20 minutes,” according to a Synchron press release.

“The users were able to generate digital motor outputs (DMOs) with the BCI. These are simple, thought-derived expressions of intent, converted into digital actions on computers,” Synchron CEO and Founder Tom Oxley, MD, PhD, said in the release. “Making the DMOs easy to use, stable over time and generalizable across technology platforms, will unlock layers of independence and autonomy for patients.”

MD+DI asks Oxley about challenges, why the company stands out and future plans

MD+DI: What were your biggest challenges (design, engineering, materials) in creating the brain-computer interface with Alexa and how are you solving them?

Oxley: One of the biggest challenges was ensuring seamless integration between our brain-computer interface (BCI) and Alexa’s smart home ecosystem in a way which was simple and easy to navigate for the user. We collaborated closely with Amazon to ensure smooth integration, optimizing both our hardware and software to work seamlessly with Alexa’s platform.

MD+DI: How does your company stand out in developing technology that makes it possible for people with paralysis to gain some control of their environments? I know you're up against well-funded competition.

Oxley: To date, we’ve raised $145 million. Our last funding round was a $75 million Series C in December 2022 led by ARCH Ventures, with participation from Gates Frontier, Bezos Expeditions and other investors.

Our company distinguishes itself by being the only endovascular, permanent brain-computer interface implant. Our implant also does not require open brain surgery, unlike other BCI approaches. We have a patient-first mentality, ensuring our technology is practical, simple and easy to use for individuals with paralysis or who have lost the ability to control digital devices.

Our recent integration with widely used platforms, like Alexa, allows users to control their environment in a simple way. Despite the competitive landscape, our dedication and focus on "patient-first" innovation in neurotechnology through practical and innovative solutions sets us apart from other BCI companies.

MD+DI: What's next (after Apple and Amazon)? What are you working on as far as possibilities for patients and where are you with global approvals for use?

Oxley: Following our news with Apple and Amazon, we are focusing on expanding our brain-computer interface technology into new applications and partnerships. We are exploring additional smart technology integrations and innovative features that could further enhance user autonomy.

Our patient registry for our pivotal study is also available for patients and caregivers who are interested in joining future studies with our BCI: https://synchronbci.com.