PI: Antoni Ivorra

Team directly involved in this action: Antoni Ivorra, Aracelys García-Moreno (postdoc), Irene Escobar (internship student from UPC), Berta de Ciurana (GEBM TFG student), Carlos Martín (GEBM TFG student), and project manager (to be hired)

Project co-funded with groups own funds (50%)

The eAXON technology, developed under an ERC Consolidator Grant, was conceived as a technology consisting of a network of injectable microstimulators primarily aimed at restoring motor functions in patients with paralysis. Recently, building on the technological success in achieving invasive injectable microstimulators of unprecedented minimal invasiveness, which were even demonstrated in humans, within the framework of an ERC PoC project, TEAXON, we have explored the clinical and market potential of the eAXON technology for non-motor peripheral nerve stimulation. 

In the TEAXON project we have conceived, and protected via a European patent application, electronic implants for pain management. In essence, these implants are a scaled-up adaptation of our eAXON microstimulators. 

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) offers a minimally invasive approach to managing chronic pain by targeting specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.  PNS is believed to modulate pain signals without causing tissue damage, providing relief to patients suffering from various chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain, back pain, neck pain, and joint pain. Our invention provides a system to greatly facilitate peripheral nerve stimulation .

The present project aims to de-risk the technology to a level that meets the expectations of investors or venture builders, with the goal of establishing a spin-off company within two years. Specifically, the project will focus on demonstrating the technology in an animal model while addressing critical aspects, including the regulatory pathway, target indications, and business model.