NeuroPace Launches Next Generation RNS System, the World’s Only Brain-Computer Interface for the Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy

Next Gen RNS System provides unprecedented brain data with long-lasting, 8-year battery life.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif — June 1, 2018 – NeuroPace, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based medical technology company, today announced the launch of its Next Gen RNS® System for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, which affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States alone. The RNS System is a type of brain-computer interface that treats seizures by continuously monitoring brain waves, recognizing each patient’s unique “seizure onset fingerprint,” and automatically responding with imperceptible electrical pulses before seizures occur.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder originating in the brain, characterized by unpredictable seizures. Approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.ⁱ In the United States, more people live with epilepsy than autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy—combined. About one-third of individuals living with epilepsy are refractory to medications.ⁱⁱ

“NeuroPace revolutionized epilepsy therapy in 2013 with the introduction of the world’s first closed loop, brain-responsive neuromodulation system—the only device that applies brain-computer interface technology to successfully treat refractory focal onset epilepsy,” said NeuroPace CEO Frank Fischer. “We have maintained our relentless focus on product innovation, and are excited to make the Next Gen RNS System—with twice the longevity and twice the memory in the same size device—available to our physician customers and their patients.”

The Next Gen RNS System is a major advance over the existing system. The battery life of the RNS Neurostimulator has more than doubled from 3.9 to 8.4 years at medium stimulation settings, which will allow patients to live their lives with fewer interruptions. The amount of available memory has also doubled, which will allow physicians to review a wider set of brain activity data.

The first new implantation of the Next Gen RNS System took place in New York City in a procedure performed by neurosurgeon Werner Doyle, MD. “We are delighted to have a patient at NYU Langone Health be the first to receive the new device, which provides a therapeutic option for prolonged seizure control in patients with epilepsy who do not respond to medications,” says Orrin Devinsky, MD, director of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. “Our goal as epilepsy providers is to utilize the latest technologies to explore every treatment avenue to positively impact the lives of patients with this devastating disease going forward.”

“In addition to compelling therapeutic benefits, the RNS System allows clinicians—for the first time—to view their patient’s brain activity over months and years,” notes Martha Morrell, MD, Chief Medical Officer at NeuroPace. “With nearly 3 million stored electrographic recordings, we now have an unprecedented window to the brain. We are optimistic that the clinical insights gained from this large body of data will help clinicians continue to improve their patients’ outcomes and, ultimately, to transform the way we treat brain disorders.”

To learn more about the Next Gen RNS System, please visit www.neuropace.com/providers.

About the NeuroPace RNS® System
The RNS System is the world’s first and only closed loop brain-responsive neurostimulation system designed to prevent epileptic seizures at their source. As a type of brain-computer interface, the RNS System treats seizures by continuously monitoring brain waves, recognizing each patient’s unique “seizure onset fingerprint,” and automatically responding with imperceptible electrical pulses before seizures occur. The RNS System is composed of a neurostimulator, leads that are placed at the seizure foci, a remote monitor used by patients to upload their data, and a RNS Tablet and Patient Data Management System (PDMS) used by physicians. Physicians can remotely view their patient’s electrographic data on a secure website, and program the device settings to personalize therapy for each individual’s unique brain patterns.

The RNS® System is an adjunctive therapy for adults with refractory, focal onset seizures with no more than 2 epileptogenic foci. See important safety information at https://www.neuropace.com/safety/

About the RNS System® Clinical Study Data
The RNS System demonstrated safety and effectiveness in a rigorous multi-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled pivotal study of 191 patients across 31 epilepsy centers. It has also been evaluated in a Long-Term Treatment (LTT) Study, which represents the largest prospective clinical study in the field of neuromodulation with 8 year follow up data. The RNS System significantly reduced seizures with continued improvement over time. At eight years, patients achieved a 73% median reduction in seizures. Of this group, 30% of patients achieved 90% seizure reduction or better in the most recent three months, and 29% had at least one period of 6 months or more without seizures.ⁱⁱⁱ Patients also reported significant quality of life improvements, including cognition, physical health, mental health, and seizure worry.^iv

About NeuroPace
NeuroPace is the global leader in the emerging field of brain-computer interface technologies, which is projected to become a $1.2 billion market by 2024. We are dedicated to developing groundbreaking technology and advancing brain science to improve the quality of life for millions of individuals who suffer from neurological disorders. The company’s first product, the RNS System, is the only FDA-approved brain-responsive neurostimulator for the treatment of focal onset refractory epilepsy.

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