📋 Tender Overview
Novel Microsensing Platform For Remote Patient Monitoring
Funded Under
The European Innovation Council (Eic)
Total Cost
€ 2 499 051,25
Eu Contribution
€ 2 499 051,25
Coordinated By
Universidad Pompeu Fabra
Spain
Objective
We have developed and in-human validated a new generation of implantable microstimulators for neuroprosthetics, accomplishing very thin (< 1 mm) and flexible devices with an unprecedented level of miniaturization as they lack batteries and bulky components. Our microstimulators are powered by an external system using an innovative wireless power transfer method that uses the human body as an electrical conductor of innocuous high frequency currents. While developing the microstimulators, we realized that this technology could also be used to create minimally invasive implants capable of sensing relevant biomedical parameters for remote patient monitoring (RPM). Our technology has the potential to revolutionize RPM, as it allows to combine different sensing capabilities in a single device and to create a network of implants for multi-site sensing. After analysing several opportunities, we decided to focus the applicability of our sensing platform to chronic heart failure (HF) monitoring. Chronic HF is a long-term, persistent condition in which the heart is not able to efficiently pump blood to the body, causing symptoms such as limited physical activity and swelling. With time, the patient decompensates, leading to repeated costly hospitalizations with an annual cost of caring of US$30,000 per patient in US, and a 5-years mortality rate of 50%. RPM using implanted sensors is an emerging clinical reality for HF patients, as it optimizes medical management and treatment, improving their quality of life and outcomes. The objective of FORESEE is to bring the implantable microsensing platform for RPM of HF patients from TRL3 up to completion of TRL5, and to develop a successful business strategy to ensure its future market access, benefiting almost 10.5 million HF patients in EU and US that are candidates for RPM. The technological and business activities developed by our team with strong scientific and business expertise will ensure tech-to-market transition.
