Researchers to Report Data from Cyberkinetics’ BrainGate System at 2006 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience


FOXBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:CYKN; Cyberkinetics) is scheduled to report its latest findings with respect to the Company’s BrainGate Neural Interface System (BrainGate System) in presentations at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Atlanta, Georgia. The presentations will include scientific, mathematical data and practical observations related to a participant with quadriplegia and unable to speak as a result of a brainstem stroke, as well as the first participant with advanced ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Cyberkinetics will make the details of its findings available following the completion of the presentations at the Society for Neuroscience.

Times, Dates and Locations of Presentations

On Saturday, October 14 at 1:00 pm EDT, Leigh Hochberg, M.D., Ph.D., a Principal Investigator in the BrainGate clinical trial, will present “Voluntary modulation of motor cortical activity by a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: initial BrainGate experience,” in the Georgia World Congress Center: Room C308.
On Sunday, October 15 at 2:00 pm EDT, John P. Donoghue, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Cyberkinetics and Brown University professor, will present a poster entitled, “BrainGate neuromotor prosthesis: First experience by a person with brainstem stroke,” in the Georgia World Congress Center: Halls B3-B5.
At the meeting, Cyberkinetics’ neural sensing and decoding platform technology will be the subject of 17 symposia and abstracts related to clinical and research studies conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Brown University, Stanford University, University of Chicago and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A complete listing of these presentations is available at Cyberkinetics website in the Media Room at www.cyberkineticsinc.com.

In addition to his role as Principal Investigator in the BrainGate clinical trial, Dr. Hochberg is Associate Investigator, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Center for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, Providence, Rhode Island, a member of the neurology staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, and is an Investigator in Neuroscience at Brown University.

About the BrainGate System

The BrainGate Neural Interface System is a proprietary, investigational brain-computer interface (BCI) that consists of an internal sensor to detect brain cell activity and external processors that convert these brain signals into a computer-mediated output under the person's own control. The sensor is a tiny silicon chip about the size of a baby aspirin with one hundred electrodes, each thinner than a human hair, that can detect the electrical activity of neurons. The sensor is implanted on the surface of the area of the brain responsible for movement, the motor cortex. An external cable connects to a cart containing computers, signal processors and monitors that enable study participants to control devices driven by their neural output – that is, by thought alone. The ultimate goal of the BrainGate System development program is: to create a safe, effective and unobtrusive universal operating system that will enable those with severe motor impairments and the inability to speak; to quickly and reliably control a wide range of appliances, including computers, assistive technologies and medical devices, by using their thoughts.

A pilot study of the BrainGate System is currently underway in those with severe paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI), muscular dystrophy, or with “locked-in” syndrome (tetraplegia and the inability to speak) secondary to stroke. A second pilot study is currently enrolling individuals with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) or other motor neuron diseases at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

About Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc.

Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc., a leader in the neurotechnology industry, is developing neural stimulation, sensing and processing technology to improve the lives of those with severe paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders and other conditions of the nervous system. Cyberkinetics’ product development pipeline includes: the Andara™ Oscillating Field Stimulator (OFS) Device, an investigative device designed to stimulate regeneration of the neural tissue surrounding the spinal cord; the BrainGate System, an investigative device designed to provide communication and control of a computer, assistive devices, and, ultimately, limb movement; and the FDA cleared-to-market NeuroPort™ System, a neural monitor designed for acute inpatient applications and labeled for temporary (less than 30 days) recording and monitoring of brain electrical activity. Additional Information is available at Cyberkinetics’ website at http://www.cyberkineticsinc.com.

Copies of the abstracts to be presented at the Society for Neuroscience are available in the Media Kit at www.cyberkineticsinc.com.



Contacts
Cyberkinetics Contact:
Elizabeth A. Razee, 508-549-9981, Ext. 109
Manager, Corporate Communications