Neuroscience entrepreneur Lynch, founder of a global trade association and a market research firm, is a futurologist with his feet on the ground. After an eight-year struggle to diagnose a painful back injury, Lynch's condition was pinpointed by a full-body MRI scan; the experience convinced him that emerging tools will improve our “control over the mental environment” in the same way we've managed the physical environment. Examining emerging tech, Lynch reports on lie detectors like a portable system for rapidly scanning and detecting involuntary facial tics, and a developing method called “brain fingerprinting.” Emerging marketing techniques include functional MRI scanners for focus groups, allowing researchers to look directly at the brain of the subject, rather than depend on verbal responses. Lynch predicts that brain scan information will improve performance, and may become vital to professionals like stock brokers and specialized military forces; he also sees mental face-lifts attaining the popularity of cosmetic surgery. The exciting news is tampered by warnings that such devices could also be used for “cultural or economic bondage.” Lynch is passionate, knowledgeable and fully engaged with the world of neurotechnology, and his overview makes absorbing material. (July)

Optogenetics, for example, is an emerging field combining optics and genetics to probe neural circuits on the millisecond time scale. In early development, delivery of genes tied to cell-specific promoters has been used to make certain neurons light sensitive. Then highly targeted light-emitting hardware such as fiberoptics is used to activate or deactivate that specific cell type. One startup in this area is developing an optogenetic neuromodulation system that may one day enable the blind to see. Leveraging this technology will yield entirely new levels of control over specific cell types in the brain, making it possible to treat illnesses that emerge as a result of malfunctioning neuronal circuits. Another exciting example of the future of neurodevice development relates to the development of conducting polymer nanowires, which will make it possible to monitor and modulate individual brain cells. The wires can be threaded through the circulatory system into the brain, without the need for invasive brain surgery. They do not block normal blood flow or interfere with the exchange of gases and nutrients through the blood vessel walls.

Looking forward, it will be possible to connect an entire array of nanowires to a catheter tube that could then be guided through the circulatory system into the brain. Once there, the wires would branch out into tinier blood vessels until they reached specific locations. Each nanowire would then be used to record the electrical activity of a single nerve cell or small groups of them. Nanowire sensors could greatly improve doctors’ ability to pinpoint damage from injury and stroke, localize the epileptogenic zone(s) of seizures, and detect the presence of tumors and other brain abnormalities. Beyond that, nanowires that could deliver electrical impulses have the potential to transform the entire field of neuromodulation, dramatically expanding the potential scope of treatable conditions. (more in the Neurotech Industry 2009 Report)

Update: Taping still happening today, but Iran is taking center stage tonight, so will be aired at later date. Will update then.

Neuroimaging is revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of brain-related illness. It is difficult to imagine treating patients with brain tumors, cerebrovascular disorders, or epilepsy without current imaging tools. Several decades of neuroimaging research have contributed enormously to our understanding of structural and functional differences in people with neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, PET scans have been shown to be 93% accurate in detecting Alzheimer’s disease about 3 years before the conventional diagnosis of ‘‘probable Alzheimer’s”. Imaging now offers
insights into the mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat schizophrenia and the causal mechanisms that may be at the root of many disorders. Diagnosis of mental illness and differential treatment selection is one of the most difficult aspects of psychiatric treatment, yet this is where neuroimaging will add tremendous value in the years ahead.

On the neurofeedback front, Omneuron, a private company, in conjunction with Stanford University, is using real-time functional MRI (rtfMRI) to train patients in pain management techniques by monitoring the ongoing activity of their brains. Within a 13-minute session, patients can learn to control activity in different parts of their brain and alter their sensitivity to painful stimuli, allowing them to better control pain. Patients watched their brain’s level of activity as seen by rtfMRI and were trained to decrease pain intensity through mental exercises, such as focusing on a part of the body where they did not have pain. In years to come, rtfMRI has the potential to add an entirely new treatment option for a whole host of brain-related illnesses including depression, addiction, and dementia.

Specific findings from The Neurotechnology Industry 2009 Report show that in 2008:

- 2 billion individuals worldwide suffered from a brain-related illness
- Over 550 public and private companies participated in neurotech worldwide
- Venture capital investment in neurotechnology fell 22% to $1.44 billion
- More than 250 venture investors were involved in neurotech financings
- Global neurotech industry revenues rose 9.0% to $144.5 billion
- Neuropharmaceuticals recorded revenues of $121.6 billion and 9.3% annual growth
- Neurodevices recorded revenues of $6.1 billion and 18.6% annual growth
- Neurodiagnostics recorded revenues of $16.8 billion and 3.7% annual growth
- The annual economic burden of brain-related illnesses is over $2 trillion

The Neurotechnology Industry 2009 Report: Drugs, Devices and Diagnostics for the Brain and Nervous System comprehensively tracks pipelines and products in development globally to help guide strategic business development and investment decisions in neurotech.

The 2009 report provides an in-depth look at more than 16 brain and nervous system disorders and treatments in development at over 550 public and private companies, including: Alzheimer's disease, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, migraine, mild cognitive impairment, multiple sclerosis, obesity, pain, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, age-related macular degeneration, sensory disorders, sleep disorders, stroke and traumatic brain injury. Corporate financing, market activity, growth drivers and global industry conditions that make up the obstacles and opportunities facing the industry are fully assessed with detailed insights.

There are significant challenges to overcome when considering the use of implanted cells for neurological diseases. For example, inducing a cell to differentiate into a skin cell or a liver cell is likely to be easier than inducing it to form precise connections with another area of the brain. The chemical signals for forming the appropriate connections in the brain may be present only during certain times of development. Additionally, the character and connections of these new cells must be stable. Despite these complexities, stem cell therapies offer the potential for outright cures to some
neurological diseases.

Recently, we have seen progress in bringing these treatments into human trials. A California company has been in clinical testing of fetal stem cells to treat Batten’s disease since 2005 and expects to complete their Phase I study in early 2009. In December 2008, they received FDA approval to begin trials in a second disorder, Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD), a fatal brain disorder that affects mainly young children. In February 2009, the first embryonic stem cell trial for spinal cord injury treatment was also approved. These are slow and precautious steps, centering on untreatable disorders, but cell-based therapeutic candidates for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke will soon follow.

Neurological diseases and psychiatric illnesses account for more hospitalizations, long-term care, and chronic suffering than nearly all other health conditions combined. Beyond the untold human suffering, the annual economic burden of brain-related illnesses has reached more than $1 trillion in the United States. Critical unmet medical needs remain in almost every area of brain and nervous system disorders, including: Alzheimer’s disease, addiction, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, obesity, pain, Parkinson’s disease, sensory disorders, spinal cord injury, stroke, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and traumatic brain injury.

An increasing awareness of this growing economic problem and the corresponding market opportunity of nearly 2 billion people worldwide are stimulating both public and private funding in neurotechnology including new drugs, medical devices, and diagnostics for brain and peripheral nervous system disorders. Recent advances in neuroscience have dramatically expanded our understanding of the basic biological and behavioral components of brain-related illnesses. In particular, an increasing number of neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, and other proteins critical for normal brain functioning have been identified and characterized genetically engineered animal models have improved target validation and neuroimaging techniques have made it easier to study what occurs in the injured and healthy brain. Although great strides have been made over the past decade, technological advances across several areas of research and development hold promise for the development of even more efficacious treatments and, for the first time, cures for brain and peripheral nervous system disorders. These areas include stem cell treatments, new imaging technologies, drug delivery technologies, and novel neuromodulation platforms.

- Find out about new product licensing and partnering opportunities
- Discover emerging technologies and companies
- Learn what venture and strategic investors are looking for
- Hear about cutting edge translational research and funding opportunities
- Meet and network with decision makers from across commercial neuroscience

Register Now - View Agenda with 70 Presenting Neurotech Executives

Join confirmed attendees who are now using the participant directory to network and set up one-on-one meetings: Aberdare Ventures, Accera, Accelemed, Adlyfe, Advanced Brain Monitoring, Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Alfred Mann Foundation, Alpha Omega, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, Alzheimer's Research Forum and SWAN, ARCH Venture Partners, Arcion Therapeutics, Athena Technology Ventures, Autonomic Technologies, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Avineuro Pharmaceuticals, Azevan Pharmaceuticals, Banyan Biomarkers, Bay City Capital, Bayhill Therapeutics, BCC Partners, Betterhumans, BioBehavioral Diagnostics, BioBusiness TV, BioCentury, Biotechnology Value Fund, BiotechPartnering Solutions, Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Brain Resource, Brain Trust Accelerator Fund, BrainCells Inc., BrainScope Company, Brown Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, CCC Medical Devices, Center for BioEntrepreneurship UCSF, Ceregene, CHDI , Cloudera, Cognitive Drug Research, CollabRx, CoMentis, Conde Nast Portfolio Magazine, Corcept Therapeutics, CorTechs Labs Inc, Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Creative Commons, CureNeuro, Cyberonics, Cypress Bioscience, Cytox Group, D. E. Shaw Ventures, De Novo Ventures, Desitin Arzneimittel GMBH, DLA Piper, Electrical Geodesics, Eli Lilly and Company, Elminda , Elsevier Business Intelligence, Embera NeuroTherapeutics, Eos Neuroscience, Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Therapy Project, EpiNano, Ernst Gallo Research Center, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Fast Forward, FasterCures, Feinstein Kean Healthcare, Flywheel Ventures, Genentech, Genesys Capital, Genzyme Corporation, George Greenstein Institute, Gladstone Institutes, Great Lakes BioSciences, HLM Venture Partners, Hoffmann-La Roche, Huntington's Disease Society of America, IDSC, LLC, Impax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Magazine, iNetworks Advisors, Innovative NeuroTechnologies, Intellect Neurosciences, International Neuromodulation Society, Int'l Mental Health Research Organization, J. David Gladstone Institutes, Jan Medical, K&L Gates, Kansas Univ. Med. Center, Kappametrics Inc., Kinetics Foundation, Larta, Liverpool University, Lockheed Martin Aculight, Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, MDA Venture Philanthropy, MedAvante, MedStrategy, Medtronic, Medtronic Neuromodulation, Merck & Co, Merck Research Laboratories, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Methylation Sciences, Michael J. Fox Foundation, MicroTransponder, MIT Media Lab, Myelin Repair Foundation, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, National Institutes of Health, Neostim, NeuroInsights, Neurologix, Neurolutions, Neuromodulation Ventures, Neuronascent, Neuronetics, Neuronetrix, NeuroNexus Technologies, NeuroNova AB, NeuroPace, Neurotechnology Industry Organization, Neurotech Reports, NeuroVentures, NFocus Neuromedical, NINDS/NIH, NIMH/NIH, North American Neuromodulation Society, Novartis Pharma AG, Novo Ventures, Omneuron, OpusGen, Otonomy, Oxford Bioscience Partners, Parexel, Pfizer, Pharmawire/Financial Times, Philips Research, Prexa Pharmaceuticals, Prize4Life, Prospect Venture Partners, Proteus Biomedical, PsychoGenics, PureTech Ventures, Q Therapeutics, QiG Group, San Jose BioCenter, Sanderling Ventures, Sandia National Laboratories, Satoris, Scale Venture Partners, Science Magazine, Science Futures, Siemens Venture Capital, Sierra Neuropharmaceuticals, Signum Biosciences, Silere Medical Technology, Shire, Sound Pharmaceuticals, SpectrumCare, Spinal Modulation, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, Stanford University, StemCells, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Synsonix, Targacept, Technology Partners, Technology Review, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Texcel Medical, Thallo Bioscience Advisors, The Gray Sheet, The Jackson Laboratory, The Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center, Thomas, McNerney & Partners, Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Tronics Medtech, UC Berkeley, Univ of Texas HSC/CCT, Univeristy of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of California, Irvine, University of Utah, Versant Ventures, Vivo Ventures, Weill Cornell Medical College, World Brain Forum, Xytis Inc., Zarlink Semiconductor, Zoomedia

Reserve Your Spot Now and View Agenda. Don't miss this excellent networking opportunity to discover partnering opportunities from across commercial neuroscience.

Conference Details:
Date: May 11-13, 2009
Location: St. Regis, San Francisco

Audience: CEOs, CSOs, CFOs, business development executives, non-profit leaders, corporate investors, venture capitalists, private equity investors, institutional investors, technology transfer experts, licensing executives

"We are approaching a time when brain science will be critical to our national security. Whether the basis for enhanced human performance or more intelligent machines, the impacts will be broad, motivating innovations in technologies, policies and practices. The prospects are similar to an earlier time ( i.e.- the 19th century) when advances in scientific understanding of the chemistry of explosives revolutionized weaponry, and the ways in which war was conducted. Brain science is poised to incur similarly far-reaching changes. There is need for a coordinated strategy as brain science becomes an increasingly important component of, and the basis for potential threats to, our national security. This strategy should provide a roadmap for translating advances, bolstered by initiatives such as the proposed Decade of the Mind and National Neurotechnology Initiative, to the national security domain. This strategy should also assure safeguards and governance, promoting U.S. leadership in establishing standards for the application of brain science to military, intelligence and other security domains. At the Fourth Decade of the Mind Conference, January 13-15, 2009, four areas were identified wherein national security will be impacted by advances in brain science.

1. Adversarial Application of Brain Science exemplified by: (a) nanoparticles engineered to affect specific brain processes, (b) “super soldiers” created through pharmaceuticals and/or brain stimulation enabling troops to think/react more quickly, exert greater concentration, etc. (c) brain imaging for interrogation/lie detection, and (d) intelligent machines replicating the mechanisms by which humans and other animals perform signal detection, information processing, etc.
2. Expanding the Limits of Human-Machine Systems Performance through technologies overcoming human perceptual and cognitive constraints limiting today’s technological solutions.
3. “Learner Specific” Education and Training - customized to the variable strengths and weaknesses of learners minimizing knowledge acquisition time and maximizing outcomes.
4. Brain Injuries and Disorders - treatments curtailing and reversing brain damage with understanding of mechanisms underlying psychological resilience suggesting techniques for assessing susceptibility, protecting against and treating stress-related pathologies.

It is reasonable to assume other nations have focused research and development on each of these areas. We assert that the U.S. should not engage in compensatory, “catch-up” research programs, as this will be costly to our national security from both an economic and pragmatic perspective. There are few fields that are as rapidly advancing as brain science. Combined with innovations in nanotechnology, genetics, microelectronics, etc., advances in brain science will only accelerate, and it is probable that major breakthroughs relevant to national security are both viable and imminently achievable. Consequently, we argue that there is need for a coordinated, strategic effort to address the ramifications of brain science in the interest of our national security."

Note: For more about the legalities of neurowarfare I recommend this paper written by Cornell Law School student Stephen White.

Zack and Casey Lynch are a young couple who, in 2005, launched NeuroInsights, a company that advises investors on developments in brain-science technology. (Since then, they’ve also founded a lobbying group, the Neurotechnology Industry Organization.) Casey and Zack met as undergraduates at U.C.L.A.; she went on to get a master’s degree in neuroscience at U.C.S.F., and he became an executive at a software company. Last summer, I had coffee with them in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, and they both spoke with casual certainty about the coming market for neuroenhancers. Zack, who has a book being published this summer, called “The Neuro Revolution,” said, “We live in an information society. What’s the next form of human society? The neuro-society.” In coming years, he said, scientists will understand the brain better, and we’ll have improved neuroenhancers that some people will use therapeutically, others because they are “on the borderline of needing them therapeutically,” and others purely “for competitive advantage.”

....page 7...

And yet when enthusiasts share their vision of our neuroenhanced future it can sound dystopian. Zack Lynch, of NeuroInsights, gave me a rationale for smart pills that I found particularly grim. “If you’re a fifty-five-year-old in Boston, you have to compete with a twenty-six-year-old from Mumbai now, and those kinds of pressures are only going to grow,” he began. Countries other than the U.S. might tend to be a little looser with their regulations, and offer approval of new cognitive enhancers first. “And if you’re a company that’s got forty-seven offices worldwide, and all of a sudden your Singapore office is using cognitive enablers, and you’re saying to Congress, ‘I’m moving all my financial operations to Singapore and Taiwan, because it’s legal to use those there,’ you bet that Congress is going to say, ‘Well, O.K.’ It will be a moot question then. It would be like saying, ‘No, you can’t use a cell phone. It might increase productivity!’ ”

Grim, eh?

Some good snippets: (1) "Part of me thinks that any attention is good attention, because we think this is a really important issue." (2) "Our regulatory system isn’t set up to look at or think about the enhancement uses of drugs that are approved for medical conditions." (3) "Right now, to the extent the public has thought about this issue at all, it’s kind of the knee-jerk “drugs are bad, enhancement is bad, let’s ignore it.” Not a good solution." (4)"I think it (neuroethics) is really fascinating, really hard, not going to be figured out in my lifetime and more important than genetics." (5) "For me personally it’s the sense of inevitability. We’re going to have to confront this issue, and we haven’t even begun to think about it. (6) So, if given free rein, I would rewrite the regulatory regime in a way to make the regulation of these kinds of drugs, when used for enhancing purposes, more rational. (7) But I do think that some changes will be needed. I’m ultimately not pessimistic about whether we’ll get those changes.