Cyberkinetics Provides Update on Ongoing Clinical Trials of BrainGate Neural Interface System; Report Includes Initial Results From Use of BrainGate by a Person with ALS
8/23/2006 9:19:00 AM EST
BIOWIRE

Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc. (OTCBB: CYKN; "Cyberkinetics") announced that preliminary results from the pilot trials of Cyberkinetics' BrainGate Neural Interface System (BrainGate) were presented at the Neural Interfaces Workshop in Bethesda, Maryland, sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The report included the first update on a participant with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Leigh R. Hochberg, M.D., Ph.D., a Principal Investigator for the pilot trial of the BrainGate System, and John P. Donoghue, Ph.D., a founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Cyberkinetics and Director of the Brain Science Program at Brown University, presented data that demonstrate the ability of the BrainGate System to record cortical activity from an individual with ALS. They also presented data showing that a participant in the trial, who is unable to speak due to a brainstem stroke, has used the BrainGate System to type messages using a virtual keyboard interface.

"We have recorded cortical signals from our first participant with ALS, and we're further encouraged that this participant has been able to use the signals recorded from motor cortex to control a computer cursor in a manner similar to previous participants in our trial" stated John P. Donoghue, Ph.D. "It is significant that we have been able to record volitionally modulating cortical activity in the motor cortex of someone with advanced ALS, despite the fact that this part of the brain may show signs of degeneration in the disorder. In addition, we are pleased with the continued improvement in the quality of cursor control provided by our latest decoding software."

"We are especially optimistic that the BrainGate System could ultimately provide a 'voice' to those who are currently unable to speak or to write due to nervous system injury or disease," added Tim Surgenor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyberkinetics. "We plan to continue to develop our innovative technology in the hope of providing products that improve the quality of life and provide independence for those with severe paralysis, as well as other nervous system conditions."

Additional results from the ongoing study of the BrainGate System will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in mid-October 2006.

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 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(TM) 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(TM) 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.